The new government, which is today enjoying its third full day in power, looks set to engage more constructively with its EU partners on issues like climate change, poverty reduction and tackling the economic and financial crises than many had predicted before this month's election.
Pre-vote poll leaders the Conservatives had pledged in their manifesto to secure a "full opt-out" from key areas of EU legislation like the Charter of Fundamental Rights, but the coalition agreement, published on Wednesday (12 May), makes no reference to the charter at all.
Similarly, the Tories promised to return key powers over legal rights, criminal justice and employment legislation from Brussels to London and vowed never to allow a future EU public prosecutor any jurisdiction over the UK.
Their manifesto pledged to "restore national control over those parts of social and employment legislation which have proved most damaging to our businesses and public services," citing as an example the application of the EU's Working Time Directive to employees of the National Health Service (NHS).
The coalition government, however, will pursue a more nuanced path by approaching forthcoming legislation in the area of criminal justice "on a case-by-case basis, with a view to maximising our country’s security, protecting Britain’s civil liberties and preserving the integrity of our criminal justice system".
Both parties agreed that Britain will not participate in the establishment of any European Public Prosecutor, but the coalition deal makes no reference to exempting NHS employees from Working Time.
Instead, the new government "will work to limit the application of the Working Time Directive in the United Kingdom".
It will also campaign for Brussels to become the sole home of the European Parliament.
The breadth of the coalition agreement – which both Prime Minister David Cameron and his deputy Nick Clegg insist will allow their government to endure for a full five-year term – comes as a surprise after their parties' manifestos offered starkly different visions of the UK's future relationship with the EU (EurActiv 14/04/10).
The Conservatives promised to "constructively engage" with the EU but introduce a 'referendum lock' on all future transfers of power from London to Brussels, while the Liberal Democrats pledged to put Britain "at the heart of Europe" to ensure that the country uses its influence to achieve prosperity, security and opportunity for its people.
'Referendum lock' retained
The coalition government retained the Tories' manifesto pledge to "amend the 1972 European Communities Act" so that any future treaties that transfer powers to Brussels "would be subject to a referendum – a 'referendum lock'".
The two parties have agreed that the UK will not adopt the EU's single currency for at least five years. "We agree that Britain will not join or prepare to join the euro in this parliament," the agreement states.
The Tories had pledged before the election "never" to lead Britain into the euro.
The Liberal Democrats, the most Europhile of the UK's main political parties, had openly campaigned on a pro-European ticket.
"Britain must work together with its partners abroad if we are to have the best hope of meeting the challenges the world faces," read the Lib Dem manifesto, which included a pledge "to work through the European Union to deliver a global deal on climate change".
"Liberal Democrats believe that European co-operation is the best way for Britain to be strong, safe and influential in the future. We will ensure that Britain maximises its influence through a strong and positive commitment," the manifesto stated.
Uneasy truce?
It remains to be seen how effectively the two parties will be able to paper over long-standing differences between their attitudes to the EU.
Indeed, a live TV debate between the prime ministerial hopefuls just three weeks ago saw Tory leader David Cameron and Lib Dem chief Nick Clegg clash openly on the issue (EurActiv 23/04/10).
Claiming that his opponents "just give in to everything that comes out of Brussels and do not stand up for the country," Cameron pledged that his government would be "in the EU, not run by it".
Clegg, meanwhile, accused Cameron of wanting to isolate the UK on the global stage. He drew attention to the Tories' decision to withdraw from the biggest group in the European Parliament, the European People's Party, to form an alliance with the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), who he described as"a bunch of nutters and homophobes who deny climate change".
"We want to lead in Europe, not sit on the sidelines," said Clegg, insisting that "we punch above our weight when we stand together in Europe".
New Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to finalise his government team today.
