The European Union is making a determined effort to assume global leadership both economically and militarily. The process of integration that began after World War II has now brought this goal within reach.
The current EU president, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, has succeeded in reviving the European Constitutional treaty, left for dead after its rejection by French and Dutch voters two years ago. Simplified and less ambitious, the “slimmed down” treaty won’t be called a European Constitution, a term many people link with a state. And, as many EU members resist any surrender of national sovereignty, there will be no symbols such as a flag, insignia or anthem. The title “European foreign minister” for the official responsible for external relations will not be used.
Negotiations are underway to draft a treaty on which the European Summit in June should be able to find agreement when a roadmap for this new treaty is discussed. There is wide agreement that the EU needs an institutional pact to be able to meet the challenges of globalization. Thus, it is likely to include matters such as climate protection and a common energy policy. The treaty is also expected to contain the so-called Copenhagen criteria, for countries wanting to join the EU – a commitment to the rule of law, a functioning market economy, and acceptance of EU regulations.
There still remain points of discord. Several countries prefer referenda to approve the treaty, while others would seek approval by parliaments instead. Also, for example, the Czech Republic, The Netherlands and Poland would like to give national parliaments the power to veto EU legislation. Another sticking point is the voting system, which favors bigger countries like Germany.
How do these developments affect the EU integration process and EU-U.S. relations? An enlarged 27-nation bloc, the EU has developed institutions to forge a common foreign and defense policy to enable it to play a more effective role globally. However, the Kosovo crisis demonstrated that the EU did not have the capability to undertake the necessary military operation. Instead, it was under the NATO framework and with U.S. support that the mission succeeded. Although recent developments have moved the integration forward to allow police and military missions to further the EU’s foreign policy, members are not yet ready for a full-fledged military integration on the European level.
There is continuing concern among many members about loss of national identity and sovereignty and that the Brussels bureaucracy is out of touch with voters in Europe. On issues such as immigration, national interests diverge. Europe needs a new vision of its integration process.
The U.S. would like to see an integrated EU with a coherent foreign policy. The Atlantic alliance has played a major role in ensuring global political stability, and that ought to remain an important goal for our common future, although it has been strained over the Iraq invasion. Many policy differences exist between us, ranging from climate change to foreign interventions for promoting democracy.
Challenges from rising economic powers such as China and India have spurred activity in both the EU and U.S. to cooperate on trade issues. Chancellor Merkel has initiated the Trans-Atlantic Economic Council to coordinate policy with the U.S. There is agreement that removal of trade obstacles between the U.S. and EU in the form of disparate regulations, standards and rules is essential, although negotiations will not be easy.
As major players on the international scene, the U.S. and the EU are bound to have divergent, even conflicting positions on important economic and political issues. However, the common interests based on commitment to human rights protections, free market economy and rule of law should prevail in overcoming our differences and promoting a healthy working relationship, at a minimum. A constitutionally integrated EU makes a much stronger partner.
Ved P. Nanda (vnanda@law.du.edu) is Evans University Professor and director of the International Legal Studies Program at the University of Denver.
