With Polish opposition hardening on institutional reform, the UK has voiced criticism on the establishment of a European foreign policy, raising the bar for a possible agreement at the Summit on 21-22 June, which diplomats expect to be extended due to difficult negotiations.
At this week's EU foreign ministers meeting, Margaret Beckett put the establishment of a European foreign minister and diplomatic service at question, according to news reports.
Up until now, the UK government's line on EU foreign affairs was to insist on "maintaining the ability to conduct an own independent foreign and defence policy", as well as "maintaining the UN Security Council seat". The UK was expected to accept the new institutional changes, given that the EU Foreign Minister label was dropped. The new line, however, comes as a blow to those who wish to boost the EU's foreign policy.
Further boundaries on the UK's position is the Charter of Fundamental rights, which it does not accept if it implies changing its existing labour and social legislation. The UK also wants to keep its veto right on police and judicial matters, as well as tax and benefits.
Tony Blair has made clear that he wants to see a simple amended treaty instead of an EU Constitution, in order to avoid having to hold a referendum. The British opposition is upping the pressure on having a public consultation. Conservative MEP Timothy Kirkhope stated: "Tony Blair says he won't sign up to anything in Brussels this week that would necessitate a referendum. On past form, he cannot be trusted to defend the national interest and the British people must therefore be the final judge if the EU acquires new competences." It is yet unclear whether Blair's successor, Gordon Brown, will take the same line on the referendum issue.
However, Britain would accept the planned introduction of a permanent Council presidency. But, in a recent interview with the BBC, Beckett refused to confirm speculations triggered by French President Nicolas Sarkozy that Tony Blair may be appointed to this top position.
