True believers could quit EU
The prospect of a “two-speed Europe” is being discussed in European capitals as an answer to the deep crisis that would face the EU if the Irish Government were to rule out a rerun of its referendum. Under the plan, a group of countries that ratified the Lisbon treaty would find a legal way of forging ahead in a “core EU”, while Ireland — and anyone else not willing to join the advance party — would be frozen out. Serious consideration to this idea is under way in Germany, France and Luxembourg, but Britain and others are firmly opposed. In reality, the EU already moves at different speeds, a process set to become more common as the number of member states continues to grow. Britain has various opt-outs from EU decision-making, including those affecting justice and home affairs, while Poland was due to join the British opt-out from the Charter of Fundamental Rights under the Lisbon treaty. Provision for “enhanced co-operation” was made in the Nice treaty of 2003 but is rarely used: even the most ardent federalists know how damaging it would be for the EU to splinter into different camps. Also, it cannot be used for the kind of institutional changes at the centre of the Lisbon treaty. A cadre of “true believers” cannot push on with a president of the European Council or extra powers for the European Parliament without a fresh treaty signed by all members. Ultimately, the only way a hard core could go it alone is by doing just that — by reforming as a “Lisbon treaty club” and leaving the EU behind. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/ireland/article4144599.ece
The prospect of a “two-speed Europe” is being discussed in European capitals as an answer to the deep crisis that would face the EU if the Irish Government were to rule out a rerun of its referendum. Under the plan, a group of countries that ratified the Lisbon treaty would find a legal way of forging ahead in a “core EU”, while Ireland — and anyone else not willing to join the advance party — would be frozen out. Serious consideration to this idea is under way in Germany, France and Luxembourg, but Britain and others are firmly opposed. In reality, the EU already moves at different speeds, a process set to become more common as the number of member states continues to grow. Britain has various opt-outs from EU decision-making, including those affecting justice and home affairs, while Poland was due to join the British opt-out from the Charter of Fundamental Rights under the Lisbon treaty. Provision for “enhanced co-operation” was made in the Nice treaty of 2003 but is rarely used: even the most ardent federalists know how damaging it would be for the EU to splinter into different camps. Also, it cannot be used for the kind of institutional changes at the centre of the Lisbon treaty. A cadre of “true believers” cannot push on with a president of the European Council or extra powers for the European Parliament without a fresh treaty signed by all members. Ultimately, the only way a hard core could go it alone is by doing just that — by reforming as a “Lisbon treaty club” and leaving the EU behind. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/ireland/article4144599.ece