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EC: Yes or No?
Posted by
,
14 May 2005
·
18 views
In a couple of weeks we are asked to say "Yes" or "No" to the new European constitution. To us Dutch people this is the first time we can say something about the EC. I'm gonna place my vote, but if it is a "Yes" or a "No" I cannot tell yet.
I'm all for the EC and it's about time the whole EC gets a proper re-organisation. It has become a bureaucratic institution. This is a direct result of the concensus culture we have in Europe.
So a "Yes" is in order based on the above. One might think so, but is this constitution an improvement to what we have right now? This is where no-one is really able to explain what it will bring us. And I have read a lot about it and saw lots of tv programs on the subject. The truth in the matter is (at least this is what I think); this constitution won't change much. Most of what is in it, is allready in a lot of agreements the EC countries have.
The big differences (again in my opinion and I might be a bit off here) are that:
When I break this down; I think these things are a good thing. We have all seen what happened with Iraque and the division that was in Europe. Having one foreign voice would help. Also steps are being taken to build one European army. Also a good thing and will save the individual countries a lot of money.
The veto-right is another point that I have learned to love and hate. The problem with it is that there is allways some country who is against something. This makes it very hard to make any real decisions. The new method is more fair tho; at least 50% of the countries have to agree and they most represent at least 65% of the population.
The organisation will have clearer roles. A good thing.
So here I am; I have given many reason to vote "Yes" and this is my first thought too. In an ideal world I would vote "Yes" without hesitation. But the truth of the matter is; do I trust the other countries enough to give away a tiny piece of our say. One Europe; but so many cultures.
Right now I think it will be a "Yes". So lets hope my trust isn't misplaced.
I'm all for the EC and it's about time the whole EC gets a proper re-organisation. It has become a bureaucratic institution. This is a direct result of the concensus culture we have in Europe.
So a "Yes" is in order based on the above. One might think so, but is this constitution an improvement to what we have right now? This is where no-one is really able to explain what it will bring us. And I have read a lot about it and saw lots of tv programs on the subject. The truth in the matter is (at least this is what I think); this constitution won't change much. Most of what is in it, is allready in a lot of agreements the EC countries have.
The big differences (again in my opinion and I might be a bit off here) are that:
- We will have a European foreign minister.
- The veto-right will disappear on a lot of subjects.
- The organisation of the EU will be a bit more clear.
When I break this down; I think these things are a good thing. We have all seen what happened with Iraque and the division that was in Europe. Having one foreign voice would help. Also steps are being taken to build one European army. Also a good thing and will save the individual countries a lot of money.
The veto-right is another point that I have learned to love and hate. The problem with it is that there is allways some country who is against something. This makes it very hard to make any real decisions. The new method is more fair tho; at least 50% of the countries have to agree and they most represent at least 65% of the population.
The organisation will have clearer roles. A good thing.
So here I am; I have given many reason to vote "Yes" and this is my first thought too. In an ideal world I would vote "Yes" without hesitation. But the truth of the matter is; do I trust the other countries enough to give away a tiny piece of our say. One Europe; but so many cultures.
Right now I think it will be a "Yes". So lets hope my trust isn't misplaced.
