The European Council has left some central questions concerning the future of the EU Constitution unanswered, according to Ms. De Clerck-Sachsse, a research fellow at the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) in Brussels.
For example, "Will ratification proceed? If yes, how, and what will be done in France and the Netherlands? And if not, then what are possible alternatives?" She points out that their decision to adopt a 'two-track approach', combining debate with clear results, is somewhat weakened by Chancellor Schüssel's comment that "there is no absolute consensus on how we should deliver."
The Finnish presidency thus finds itself without a real mandate in terms of dealing with the Constitution, according to Ms. De Clerck-Sachsse, so the issue will have to be left up to the coming German presidency. In the meantime, she notes that the Finnish presidency has backed off of the idea of the Constitution, instead referring to a 'Europe of projects' in their preliminary agenda. However, she feels continued debate and concrete results by the Finnish presidency could be "a significant step out of the crisis."
Though the Council conclusions contain few concrete initiatives, Ms. De Clerck-Sachsse has some suggestions on ways forward for the next six months.
- One example could be to revive the EU diplomatic service. She argues it is "a key area of integration (for) Europe's citizens," and that it "might go far in showing the willingness of the EU to move forward, all the while demonstrating the positive aspects of the Constitutional Treaty."
- The Schengen Information System and common protection of borders as approaches to fighting terrorism are in her words "crucial" for this presidency.
For Ms. De Clerck-Sachsse, concrete policy initiatives should not completely replace a discussion of the Constitutional treaty.
- The EU is still at a "democratic impasse" that needs to be dealt with.
- Citizens are concerned about employment and social welfare, areas where she feels the EU "actually has very little competence."
- Rearranging the Constitution and giving it a different name is no solution.
- Eurobarometer polls show that the 'idea' of a Constitution is still popular.
