Blair Warns Against Rushed Debate on EU Future

Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair will inform German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder this week that any fresh debate on the European Union's future must not be rushed. The government is relaxed about Germany's proposals for a new round of negotiations on EU structure and workings but is concerned about the proposed timeline. Officials in Berlin suggest a new intergovernmental conference could take place in late 2003 or 2004, prompting Britain's worries about involving eastern European countries that may join the EU over the next few years.

Key Takeaways:

• Britain is concerned that German proposals for a new round of EU negotiations could be too soon, given the expected enlargement of the EU to 27 or 28 members, which may include countries from eastern Europe that could join in the next few years.
• The government is worried that a new intergovernmental conference could limit the participation of new member states in the debate about Europe's long-term future.
• Britain is also concerned that proposals for a new round of talks could distract attention from the economic reform agenda agreed upon at the Lisbon summit and the current IGC due to come to a head at the Nice summit in December.
• Prime Minister Blair believes that Germany's foreign minister, Joschka Fischer's vision of a post-enlargement Europe is not widely supported, whereas Britain's policy of constructive engagement in Europe has gained support from Spain, Portugal, and the Nordic countries.
• President Jacques Chirac of France suggests a "United Europe of States" rather than a "United States of Europe", indicating a different vision for the EU's future.

Statistics:

• 15 EU member states are expected to expand to 27 or 28 members, with countries from eastern Europe joining in the next few years.
• The current IGC is due to come to a head at the Nice summit in December.
• A new intergovernmental conference suggested by Berlin officials could take place in late 2003 or 2004.

Sources:

• "Tony Blair to warn against rushed EU debate", The Financial Times, no date.
• "Blair warns against EU rush", BBC News, no date.