European Integration started with the initiatives of six countries, but by the 1990s and early twentieth century, the number of member states had increased significantly. This was one of the reasons why reforms were needed again and again to keep the EU running. Problems had to be solved and everything had to lead to greater successes. These thoughts ultimately led to a European constitution being written.
The European Convention
The idea for a European constitution did not just appear out of the blue. The many treaties signed over the years had indeed led to progress, but also to uncertainty for the normal European citizen. Constructions that were devised were very complicated and not everything was completely clearly defined. That’s why it was decided that certain things had to change. The EU had to become more efficient, more democratic and more transparent. Everything had to become clearer and easier and the way to achieve that was thought to be through a constitution. All this was decided in the European Convention in 2002-2003 led by Valéry Giscard DEstaing. Furthermore, a draft of the constitution was made during the convention.
The European Constitution
On October 29, 2004, the EU member states agreed on the constitution. They then signed him in Rome. The only thing standing in the way of the constitution taking effect was the ratification process in all member states. This was expected to happen before November 2006. However, when both France and the Netherlands said no in a referendum on the constitution, this could not go ahead. But what did the constitution entail?
- The European Council became a formal institution with a full-time president. This president would be elected for a period of 2.5 years with the task of leading the procedures and representing the EU externally.
- The Council of Ministers would switch to Quality Majority Voting (QMV), which means that 55% of the Member States in which 65% of the European population resides, are the majority in voting.
- The council of ministers will also have a minister for foreign affairs. This is because the past had shown that this was desperately needed in times of crisis.
- The European Commission would be reduced to 15 members.
- Furthermore, certain matters were laid down in the constitution, such as a solidarity clause.
Why was the Constitution rejected?
After the constitution was rejected by two countries in a referendum, an attempt was made to find out why this was the case. Research showed that the biggest reasons for Dutch people to vote against were:
- Too little knowledge about the constitution
- Being dissatisfied with the national government.
- The fear of losing sovereignty.
- Fear of losing jobs to foreigners.
- The complexity and size of the constitution.
The Treaty of Lisbon
When the treaty was rejected, the EU entered a period of reflection in which it was considered what should be done next. This ultimately led to a revision of the constitution, the Treaty of Lisbon. In 2007, the treaty was signed by the member states and this time the treaty was ultimately ratified so that it entered into force on January 1, 2009.
- The treaty adapts the former treaties so that there are only two treaties, namely the Treaty of the European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. Only Euratom continues to exist independently.
- All symbols and wording that made the previous idea resemble a constitution were removed.
- The QMV plans are postponed until 2014.
- The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union is included in the treaty.
- It also states that the EU will fight together against climate change.
- The Minister for Foreign Affairs will be a representative for foreign affairs on behalf of the EU.
- The treaty is being significantly reduced in terms of length.
- The European Commission is being reduced in size.
In other words, the treaty is largely the same, the changes are mainly superficial. It does mean that the pillar structure of the EU no longer exists and that it is now, as it were, a large body with a small body (Euratom). This is also depicted as a planet with a moon orbiting it.