Britannist

The key facts about the EU Summit in Brussels on EU Constitution version 2 which ended this morning:

Paragraph 11 of the EU Presidency (European Council) conclusions (at the EU Summit in Brussels which ended with an announcement by Germany’s Chancellor Merkel and EU Commission President Manuel Barroso at 5 am Brussels time on 23.6.2007) says:

“11. The IGC will carry out its work in accordance with the mandate set out in Annex I to these conclusions. The European Council invites the incoming Presidency to draw up a draft Treaty text in line with the terms of the mandate and to submit this to the IGC as soon as it opens.”

Annex 1 of the Presidency conclusions titled “Draft Intergovernmental Conference Mandate” says:

“The present mandate will provide the exclusive basis and framework for the work of the IGC that will be convened according to paragraph 10 of the European Council conclusions.”

The representatives of the member states are, therefore, bound by the mandate conditions and cannot change what is decided at the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) – nor can the leaders of the Governments of the EU member states change the agenda for the IGC.

The European Council is telling the EU member states what will be in the “amending treaty” (the text of which it largely influenced) and not the other way around.

The IGC to be held as a result of the EU Summit in Brussels will take place during the period of the Portuguese Presidency of the EU which starts on 1.7.2007 and which ends on 31.12.2007.

A number of EU nations may have to hold referendums on what is agreed at the IGC (likely to take place in the Summer of 2007).

Main points of the agreement at the EU Summit in Brussels (according to the BBC):

* Long-term President of the EU (replacing the six month rotating Presidency)

* A head of Foreign Affairs “with budget and clout to give EU more clout on world stage.”

* Treaty amendments to come into force in 2009 thus reducing the period of delay for nations (such as Croatia) to join the EU

* New voting system delayed until 2014 at the request for Poland (a voting system which reduces Poland’s influence)

* Slimmed down EU Commission from 2014

* Fewer national vetoes

* More powers for EU ‘Parliament’

* UK ‘opt-in’ to EU rules on Justice and Home affairs

* UK ‘opt-out’ of the Charter for Fundamental Rights

The BBC said (on BBC 1 Television Ceefax, analogue page 125 on 23.6.2007 at 6.13 pm) “Both critics and supporters of the new EU Treaty agree that 95% - or even 99% - of the impact of the constitution has been preserved. The Treaty is expected to preserve most of the points of the EU Constitution. This will actually be not one new treaty – but amended versions of two old treaties – a necessity for countries seeking to avoid a referendum.”

Committed europhile Andrew Duff :evil: , the UK Liberal ‘Democrat’ MEP told the BBC “Effectively we have everything that we need to strengthen the capacity of the EU to act.” :evil: :x

Source of the above quote:
BBC 1 Television Ceefax, analogue page 125 on 23.6.2007 at 6.13 pm.

Westcountryman

In other words, everyone just found out what it's like to be ****** in the ass by the EU.

__________________
Manus haec inimica tyrannis ense petit placidam sub libertate quietam - "This hand of mine, which is hostile to tyrants, seeks by the sword quiet peace under liberty."

Britannist

Both the BBC and the europhile Duff (see my first posting to this thread) appear to be being relatively honest about the extent of the power shift from the UK to the EU that this so-called "amending treaty" will bring about.

A fitting final act for his euro-masters from the grinning liar and europhile Blair :evil: .

I have just watched the news on ITV and seen the discredited Blair meeting the Pope. I find it uncomfortable to see this creep Blair with the leader of the (RC) Church I am a member of. What this man Blair thinks the Pope wants to meet him for is quite beyond me - Blair has pushed through legislation harmful to the RC ethos and I am sure the Pope is aware of this.

Hartlepool

If you look closely you will see that the Pope seems to be embarrassed by Bliars attendance.

But Bliar,true to form,is oblivious to the fact that he is secondary on this occasion.

I have not seen anyone of the British political groups be so ignorant and uncaring in the presence of dignitories of other Nations.

In short,Bliar and his bog Irish woman are lower than any Socialist could ever be.

What is annoying is the fact that they actually know this yet still like it.

Britannist

You've made a very good point, Hartlepool. I also thought the Pope did not look entirely comfortable with Blair today - but just thought that could be my own biased opinion.

I noticed that the Pope made very little eye contact with Blair. I am quite sure he is not pleased about Blair deliberately defying the wishes of Roman Catholic people over adoption and other matters in recent times.

As you say, Hartlepool, Bliar is so ignorant - he seems to be completely unaware of the fact that the Pope does not appear to be receiving him as warmly as is often the case when he (the Pope) meets overseas leaders.

Britannist

He (Blair) certainly appears to lack dignity in the way he carries himself before foreign leaders.

Hartlepool

He and his woman are both upperclass,confirmed socialist chavs.

Britannist

Hartlepool - might I request that you remove the word upperclass? :twisted:

Hartlepool

Excuse me,I meant something else regards class.

It's my age you know. :wink:

Britannist