European Integration Stalls Amid National Jealousies and Rejection of Ambitious Reforms

A recent European Union summit at Nice failed to deliver on ambitious reforms, highlighting ongoing challenges to European integration. Despite the stated intention of creating a more cohesive and effective diplomatic and economic entity, member nations remains entrenched in their national interests. This lack of progress is particularly concerning in anticipation of an enlargement that may bring up to a dozen Central and Eastern European members into the union.

Key Takeaways:

• The European Union summit at Nice resulted in a disappointingly modest treaty, failing to undertake ambitious reforms necessary for the union's continued growth and effectiveness.
• National interests asserted themselves, with major members refusing to surrender their veto power over taxation, social welfare, and other sensitive matters.
• The refusal to reform veto powers was criticized by European Commission President Romano Prodi, who argued that such actions cheat future generations.
• The larger nations eventually gained added voting power on the Council of Ministers, but the smaller nations were able to protect their entitlement to have a commissioner on the European Commission.
• The new members will be treated in an equitable manner when they join, with their number of votes on the Council set based on their relative populations.
• Eastern and Central European nations eager to join the union were initially heartened by the stated intention to accept qualified applicants by 2004.

Statistics:

• Up to a dozen Central and Eastern European members may join the European Union in the future.
• The European Commission's president criticized the failure to reform veto powers, stating that it "cheats future generations."
• The larger nations gained added voting power on the Council of Ministers.
• The number of votes on the Council set for new members will be based on their relative populations.
• Romania will cast more votes on the Council than the Netherlands, one of the community's founders, once it becomes a member.
• Poland will have as many votes as Spain.

Sources:

• "European Integration Stalls" by Compiled by United Press International New York Times
• "European Union summit at Nice ends in disappointment" by Los Angeles Times
• "Global Trade Talks Derailed" by Washington Post