EU summit a failure after talks break down

[Az]

The countries aren't equal. the people are. I the pro EU leaders must take more of a tough stance on this: either you're in, or you're out.

[Bereta_Eder]

I believe a lot of this has to do with the "f" word too.


f=federal (europe)

[kronic]

I actually believe that the system suggested by the constitution is fair since Poland, Spain etc. gain very big advantages compared to a system that is only based on population. The new system discriminates the larger countries as well, not as much as the old one, but it does. It is already a concession to the smaller countries and of course, the larger ones must make concessions but there are limits. I doubt that anybody in Germany would understand that his vote is just as half worth as a Spanish or Polish one.
BTW it was Germany that pushed the Polish membership in the EU. I find it really funny that they now accuse us of suppressing them...

[Monk]

Oh, and Plato, my question could be directed to you as well.

[Sprayber]

Originally posted by Monk
Sprayber,



Although it sucks on most other points, doesn't the commision/parlament system suit this criteria sufficiently?

Apparently there are a lot of Europeans that don't think so.

From what I understand of the EU (I could be horribly mistaken in my facts.)

The parliment seems to be mostly like our House of Represtatives with larger countries having more seats.

The Commission has one person for the small countries and two from the larger countries.

The council of the EU has different numbers for different countries with France, Germany and the UK with the most.

In all three the larger countries are more represented. Although i guess the smaller ones could band together in the Commission.

[Sprayber]

Originally posted by paiktis22
I believe a lot of this has to do with the "f" word too.


f=federal (europe)

Thats a dirty word in may parts of the South and West in America as well.

[Monk]

Comrade Ingrid,

Problem is, mention the words "federal EU" and many people freak out because this system "will move all power from the individual states to Brussels"

I agree it's stupid to say that because depending on the date, our power will be in Strasbourg some of the time, too.

[Sprayber]

That may be the EU's problem. Too much compromise and you have a system that is patched together. Either a country is in or they can be out. I'm sure the smaller ones will feel much pressue to be in.

[Az]

It's all about the sovereignity. Once the sovereignity will lie within the federation and not the individual dinosaurs, only then will things start rolling.

[Bereta_Eder]

it is interesting to see blair and aznar pleading not to do something which would "compromise the unity of the EU"
whereas it is clear, that those who dont want to go further in integration, they can stay behind and if there is no compromise, I think that's exactly what could happen.

[Gangerolf]

Originally posted by Sprayber


In all three the larger countries are more represented. Although i guess the smaller ones could band together in the Commission.

The smaller countries do have relatively more representation in the parliament though. IIRC Luxembourg with 400.000 people has 6 MEPs while Germany with 80 mill has 99 MEPs... Do the math

And then there's the possibility the commission will have one person from each country after the enlargement.(?)

[Asmodean]

It is very easy for Americans to mock the difficulties we Europeans have in creating a viable system in which all countries get their fair say.

The differences in legislation, culture and tradition are too big for this to happen in any short span of time. Remember...we are talking about a group of countries that were in two large wars between eachother within the last 90 years.

It will happen, eventually, but it will take far longer time, than any of the current leaders would like.

Asmodean

[Az]

Originally posted by paiktis22
it is interesting to see blair and aznar pleading not to do something which would "compromise the unity of the EU"
whereas it is clear, that those who dont want to go further in integration, they can stay behind and if there is no compromise, I think that's exactly what could happen.

[DAVOUT]

Poland has done the first political application of the famous Groucho Marx line : I would not join a club that would accept me.

[Monk]

Look for this priceless picture on the front cover of tomorrow's newspapers.