[FR] The opportunities and risks of institutional renewal in the European Union

For two years, Europe has been waiting for France to indicate how it intends to emerge from the crisis triggered by the ‘No’ vote on the Constitutional Treaty. During the presidential campaign, the new President, Nicolas Sarkozy, clearly outlined the path he intends to follow: a slimmed-down treaty, negotiated quickly, which could be ratified following a parliamentary procedure. By electing him to the Elysée, French voters have opened the door to a revival of the debate on the fate of this treaty.

In the discussions ahead, negotiators will have to make difficult choices. What changes are needed to address the concerns that emerged during the referendum campaigns? Conversely, how can the essence of the compromises reached during the European Convention that prepared the draft treaty be preserved? The path ahead is undoubtedly narrow, and the risks of failure – or of a watered-down agreement – are numerous.

To help guide us through the upcoming negotiations, Jean-Louis Quermonne, professor emeritus and member of the board of directors of Notre Europe, reviews all the issues that will be addressed. With his usual clarity, he highlights the areas where avenues for agreement have been sketched out and those that still pose problems.

This analysis will enable everyone to better understand the issues at stake in the negotiations that are about to begin. If they fail, it is highly likely that centrifugal forces will grow stronger. Let us hope, therefore, that everyone will be committed to reaching a text that meets the needs of the Union.