IGCs: EU

One of the differences between the EU and typical federal states is the frequency with which it changes its “constitution”. A five-year cycle for Intergovernmental Conferences to amend the EC and EU Treaties has been established since 1985 (SEA), followed in 1990-91 (Maastricht) and then again in 1996-97 (Amsterdam). This pattern is now again confirmed. The Amsterdam Treaty only came into force five months ago, and already preparations are being made for the opening of yet another IGC (2000-01). This has been said to involve only minimalist changes and to have as its main purpose the strengthening of the institutional structure of the EU preparatory to the next enlargement. But major proposals for constitutional reconstruction are floating about, and the IGC has itself been christened “The Constitutional Conference”.

Among further matters being floated for inclusion are:

• the controversial plans for an EU public prosecutor and the nucleus of an EU criminal law centred on fraud (the so-called corpus juris),
• the drawing up of an EU Charter of Fundamental Rights,
• the development of an “area of freedom, security and justice” (introduced by the Treaty of Amsterdam), defence, and full integration of Schengen into the 1 st Pillar.

More considered proposals are due to be presented to the Commission on 16 October by the three man Reflection Group chaired by Jean-Luc Dehaene. One major change is being kept resolutely low-profile: the European Coal and Steel Community will come to an end in 2002 and not be renewed. The IGC will have to deal with the consequences.