Robert Oulds

The apparent decision by the leaders of the European Union to stop meddling is a mere PR response to the numerous rejections of European integration by the peoples of Ireland, Denmark and Switzerland. The reality is far from a return of powers to the nation-state, but one of greater centralisation. This is demonstrated by the drive to create a Constitution for the EU and incorporate into law the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The aim of this document is, as Antonio Vitarino, the EU Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs explained, to ‘create full political union’. So much for ending the meddling.

Moreover, the Charter, if ratified, will be a coup d’état, not only by the federalists, but also, by the left leaning Social Democrats who currently dominate the EU. They are using this document to permanently enshrine into law left-wing provisions such as the ‘right to strike’. It does offer rights such as the ‘right to life’, however, its rights will not extend to those who seek to change the Constitutions provisions, which will be an offence. In short, it is illiberal and will award Brussels new powers that are deeply authoritarian.

By 2004 at the next Inter-Governmental Conference the EU intends to complete their long awaited end game. The challenge as to what kind of Europe is to be built has been lain-down. The Charter must be stopped, this is the challenge that faces the EU-sceptic groups across Europe.