Springtime in Europe has brought a renewed bout of optimism among pro-European Union leaders that a project to provide an enhanced constitution for the 25-nation group can be revived. If such a miracle is possible, Angela Merkel, as head of Europe’s biggest country, will have a key role
to play.
The German president this month called for a “new foundation” for the EU and stressed in a keynote speech to the Bundestag that the union needs a constitution to secure its future. Heading Europe’s biggest country, Merkel is in a stronger position than anyone, including European Commission president Jose Barroso, to make a successful case for the constitution. Surveys show German support for the EU at 52% is well above the union’s average and compares especially favourably with France at 44% and the UK at 33%.
Merkel does have plenty of allies in her battle to introduce a new rulebook capable of giving the EU a stronger hand in international affairs and streamlining internal decision-making. Finland looks likely to become the 16th country to back the constitutional text after its parliament backed a vote on the subject.
Jose Barroso, president of the European Commission, is also keen to add momentum. This month he proposed a joint declaration of “values and ambitions” from heads of state next year to narrow divides caused by the resounding rejection offered by French and Dutch citizens in 2005.
Merkel accepts that the task won’t be easy but seems determined to keep pressing until the EU can make its step forward.
“It is right not to rush now, but to watch developments calmly and explore the possibilities of one day putting in place such a constitutional treaty,” she says. –DH