Which policies for
the European Union?
A
European Foreign Affairs Minister
The
Constitution includes important new elements providing
the Union with the means to develop a coherent, unified
foreign policy.
It
establishes a European Foreign Affairs Minister,
combining the positions of the High Representative of
the Common Foreign and Security Policy, presently held
by Javier Solana, and of the Commissioner of External
Relations, presently held by
Ms. Benita Ferrero-Waldner. Thus,
the European Foreign Affairs Minister will by the only
representative of the European Union abroad and will
preside over the Council of Foreign Affairs that
associates all of the Union's Foreign Affairs Ministers
and that has a European Diplomatic Service to support
it. This will encourage the development of a common
foreign policy.
The European
Defence Policy
The
Constitution initiates the progression of the "common
security and defense policy," comprising a vital measure
in developing a true European defense force.
A 'mutual
defense clause' has been introduced and states: if one
of the Member States of the European Union is attacked,
the others are obliged to assist that State while
acknowledging that NATO remains the basis of the
collective defense of the States that are NATO members.
Concerning other threats, such as terrorism, human or
natural catastrophes, the “solidarity clause” in the
Constitution obliges the Union and the Member States to
aide the Member State affected by any means possible.
The
constitution also extends the means to fight against
terrorism at the Union’s disposal in order to prevent
conflict and to attempt to stabilize post-war
conditions.
Since the
unprecedented “enhanced co-operation” clause, which
was incorporated in the Amsterdam Treaty, the
Constitution extends the decision-making procedure to
defense in accordance with “structured co-operation.”
This is open to States that commit themselves to
participating in European Military Equipment Programs
and to providing troops immediately to the Union. These
States will therefore be able to fulfill the Union’s
most demanding military assignments, especially in
regards to UN requirements.
The
Constitution confirms the existence of the European Arms
Agency that was established just a few months ago with
the aim of developing a true European arms policy and of
coordinating the equipment of various national armed
forces, which represents a major advancement. The
Constitution will also make it possible to extend its
areas of activity to industrial or commercial issues.
The
strengthening of the European Union's international
influence
The European
Union's present lack of legal
personality, specifically,
its incapability of participating in international
conventions or obtaining membership in international
organizations limits its influence and its ability to
speak as one on an international level. Therefore, the
European Constitution provides the EU with a legal
personality that will improve its international role, and
promote its values and interests in external trade, in
development of policies, in humanitarian aide and in the
creation of globalization standards.
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