The Hindu : `A united Europe within reach'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 03, 2002

International

International

`A united Europe within reach'

By Batuk Gathani

BRUSSELS MARCH. 2. The former French President, Valery Giscard d'Estaing, who is the head of the European convention on reforms, said if the European Union succeeded, "in 25 or 30 years, it will be respected as a political power equal to the greatest powers on our planet.''

Mr. D'Estaing urged the European convention to "achieve a broad consensus on a single proposal" for reform that would be put to the European Union leaders who are scheduled to meet in an inter-governmental conference in 2004. Mr. D'Estaing said this would "open the way towards a Constitution for Europe".

He asked delegates at the convention to "dream of Europe as a continent of peace, freed of its barriers and obstacles, where history and geography are finally reconciled, allowing the States of Europe to build their future together.''

Analysts wonder if the European leaders have the vision or will to write a bold new Constitution but many feel that the "Convention on the future of Europe" has a tryst with destiny. The common desire to see a united and prosperous Europe overrode minor irritants in the form of Mr. D'Estaing haggling over his emoluments — he wants the same pay scale as Romano Prodi, chairman of the European Commission.

The idea of a reformed and dynamic European Union has begun to dominate the debate on the future of the group.

With the launch of a common currency and the emergence of a common market, many Europeans feel the E.U. is on its way to becoming a "super State".

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