The debate on the enlargement of the Union and the reform of the Treaties divides the bloc, which wants to maintain its commercial and geopolitical influence in the new international order
In the past two years, the European Union (EU) has been dealing with the two biggest crises since the end of the Second World War. The coronavirus pandemic, first, and the war in Ukraine have prompted Europe to rethink its most fundamental foundations, such as the Lisbon Treaties, and debates have opened up to bring the bloc closer to other related countries through the creation of an international political community. The divisions between the European countries and the arrival of a complicated winter anticipate a heavy debate among the twenty-seven.
Opinions that a thorough reform of the European treaties is needed are gaining momentum among capitals. And if the recent crises have shown anything, it is the need for an EU capable of nimble response. According to many countries, this can only be achieved by lifting the veto of the Member States in the European Council.
In June, the European Parliament already called for a convention to reform the Treaties through a resolution. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also favored that unanimous decisions within the European Council be reserved only for very specific cases.
In this way, the Twenty-seven would gain speed in the face of future crises and avoid the blockade of members such as Poland and Hungary, who have delayed the creation of the Next Generation Recovery Funds during the pandemic. Budapest also showed its reluctance to veto Russian oil after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and took weeks to pass these sanctions.
THE EUROPEAN POLITICAL COMMUNITY
However, this issue is causing division between states, something that has already become clear in the debates in the European Parliament on this issue. Currently, unanimity is needed to adopt decisions on sensitive issues such as taxation, EU enlargement, and the common foreign and security policy.
With the war in Ukraine and energy decisions on the table, the suppression of unanimity deters smaller countries, who fear that the major powers will eventually impose their interests. These include Denmark, Malta, Croatia, the Baltic countries and Poland. Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister, Jacek Sasin, went so far as to ensure that the end of the unanimity would only serve “the strongest countries to impose their dictatorships.”
Others, such as Romania and the Czech Republic, have softened their stance in recent months and are open to possible changes to the Treaties. Meanwhile, Germany, France and Italy are trying to promote a deep reform that also aims to give the European Parliament more legislative powers.
POSITION ON THE REFORM OF THE EUROPEAN TREATIES
In the midst of these negotiations, the EU also awaits a debate on its future enlargement. And that discussion could be the lever to bring positions closer together with the countries most reluctant to reform the Treaties, as they are the main ones interested in adding more members to the bloc.
The Western Balkans and some former Soviet republics such as Ukraine and Moldova are already on their way to the EU. However, given the slow pace of this accession process, French President Emmanuel Macron proposed in May the creation of an international political community. The aim would be nothing more than to strengthen the EU’s cooperation with third countries that share that “European perspective” or have communion with the values of the community club.
The initiative was initially launched as a nod to Ukraine, but also to the Balkans. “The European Union, taking into account its level of integration, cannot be the only way to structure the European continent in the short term,” Macron stressed. This “forces us to rethink our geography and the organization of our continent”, and also opens the door “for those who have already left”, the French president pointed out, referring to the inclusion of the United Kingdom in this new club.
In this way, Europe is trying to gain commercial and geopolitical weight in an increasingly polarized world and in which Russia, considered an ally since the dissolution of the USSR, is no longer a trusted partner.
The union and solidarity of the Twenty-seven have proven to be the best recipe in the face of adversity. Brussels is aware of this and has promoted an energy emergency plan for this winter based on these two principles, so that the countries with the most gas reserves, such as Spain, help the countries with the greatest difficulties.
This situation, together with the request of President Pedro Sánchez and German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, led France a few days ago to agree to investigate the project for a new gas pipeline with Spain. The German chancellor assured that the work, which the Gallic country eventually resisted, is of great importance to Germany as a “long-term solution” to improve the energy sovereignty of the continent.
All of this is taking place amid a battle of European leaders to emerge as a strong figure in the community club. Since Chancellor Angela Merkel’s withdrawal, no president has been able to take his place as leader of the bloc. Until now, French President Emmanuel Macron has seemed like the only possible candidate, but in recent weeks Olaf Scholz has proved he is up to the task.
In this new scenario, Spain will also be able to strengthen its position thanks to its large gas storage capacity and its regasification plants. And it is that the countries of Southern Europe will be essential to overcome the energy crisis.
Source: La Verdad
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