The classic characterisation of the Franco-German contribution to the constitutional Convention is that its is a compromise between French intergovernmentalism and German integrationism. But this presupposes that the two leaders have doctrinal beliefs: there is little evidence of this.

Gaullists have indeed always been pragmatic about their principles and President Chirac is clearly more concerned about assuring his own place in history and preserving French influence in the expanding Union.

The significance of the Franco-German contribution is that it is a determined effort by the two most influential EU member states to bridge the gap between their previously divergent views of the future shape of the European Union. The contribution has provoked many wide-ranging and critical responses addressing mainly its support for a long-term president of the European Council.

This focus obscures many other proposals which largely reflect the mood of the Convention and are generally integrationist in character.

I am worried about the likely effect of the appointment of a long-term president of the European Council, unless the appointee remains a head of government or state; and we at the European Policy Centre are exploring the various choices of EU, European Council and Commission presidencies.

Stanley Crossick

The European Policy Centre


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