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21/06/2007
EU leaders in treaty talks
The leaders of the European Union are meeting today to discuss the abandonment of plans to introduce an EU constitution.
However, it is expected that they will attempt to move forward on a reform treaty that contains many elements of the foundering constitution.
Germany, who currently hold the EU Presidency, will propose scrapping the constitution, although they wish to retain many of the key elements such as a full-time president, majority voting, and some form of EU Foreign Minister as part of the reform treaty.
While Britain and Poland have reservations about the treaty, Germany want to see the reform treaty advanced.
However, Britain has problems with the concept of an EU 'Foreign Minister' and Poland feels that Germany will have too much say in European affairs due to the voting system.
The British Prime Minister Tony Blair said that he could not accept an option that required a referendum. However, a reform treaty could be passed by Parliament.
Britain has refused to sign up to deal that hands power to the EU in the areas of foreign policy, taxation, common law, and fundamental rights.
(SP/JM)
However, it is expected that they will attempt to move forward on a reform treaty that contains many elements of the foundering constitution.
Germany, who currently hold the EU Presidency, will propose scrapping the constitution, although they wish to retain many of the key elements such as a full-time president, majority voting, and some form of EU Foreign Minister as part of the reform treaty.
While Britain and Poland have reservations about the treaty, Germany want to see the reform treaty advanced.
However, Britain has problems with the concept of an EU 'Foreign Minister' and Poland feels that Germany will have too much say in European affairs due to the voting system.
The British Prime Minister Tony Blair said that he could not accept an option that required a referendum. However, a reform treaty could be passed by Parliament.
Britain has refused to sign up to deal that hands power to the EU in the areas of foreign policy, taxation, common law, and fundamental rights.
(SP/JM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
