EU: The European Commission voiced concern yesterday that a draft European Union constitution would neuter its powers while boosting those of member states, thus undermining the bloc's effectiveness and cohesion.
A 105-member Convention on the Future of Europe is racing to complete the draft constitution by tomorrow night in time for a summit of EU leaders next week in Greece.
The Commission, the EU's executive body, has pressed for more powers to uphold the common European interest when the bloc increases from 15 to 25 members next year, but has faced stiff resistance, especially from the bigger member states.
"The bargaining of the last few weeks has shown polarisation highlighting national concerns and has moved away from the Convention spirit of working for the general interest," the chief Commission spokesman, Mr Reijo Kemppinen, told a news briefing.
He quoted one unidentified Commissioner as saying the latest proposal by the Convention's steering presidium would reduce the powerful EU executive to "a college of eunuchs".
"The model proposed in the text will ensure that the Commission is weaker vis-a-vis the European Parliament and member states," he said.
Mr Kemppinen said the Commission was especially disappointed that the draft text ruled out an extension of majority voting in the fields of taxation and foreign policy.
Under strong British pressure, the Convention's chief, Mr Valery Giscard d'Estaing, has agreed to allow member states to retain their right of national veto in these sensitive policy areas, a move, the Commission says, will hamper decision-making.
The draft also calls for a long-term president of the European Council to replace the current system whereby the presidency rotates every six months among member states, regardless of their size.
"We still have strong concerns over the chair of the EU Council," Mr Kemppinen said.
The Commission, many European parliamentarians and most small member states fear that the new president, chosen for up to five years, will be under the thumb of the big countries.
Echoing such fears, a senior German member of the European Parliament, Mr Elmar Brok, suggested yesterday that the council president be allowed to serve a maximum of 2½ years.
Mr Kemppinen said the Commission still insisted each member state be allowed to send one full commissioner to Brussels.
Mr Giscard's draft text would cap the Commission at 15 full members, chosen for five years by strict national rotation.
But Mr Kemppinen said the Commission welcomed other innovations, including the inclusion of a charter on fundamental rights. - (Reuters)