Eurotrash - The latest from Brussels
WORKERS, JUNE 2007 ISSUE
New broom, same dirt
Newly elected French president Nicolas Sarkozy was the first European Union leader to call for a 'mini treaty' to be introduced without a referendum. He wants a bigger EU budget, direct EU taxes and a directly elected EU President. He wants to remove more vetoes and new powers for the EU over migration, energy and health. He said, "...health, one of the major issues of this new century, [should] become a Community field of action."When Sarkozy first suggested the "mini treaty" idea, he argued it should be followed by another treaty going further. He said that the mini treaty would cover 'the most urgent priorities', "But in the longer term, root-and-branch reforms remain essential." Other countries are taking up that lead, hoping for an outline agreement at the EU summit in June, followed by a revival of the old treaty terms later this year.
Propaganda push
The EU is spending £7 million on 245 extra press officers to sell its rejected constitution to the public across Europe, including Britain.
Beware the nearly-departed
German Chancellor Merkel and nearly-departed Blair are planning to scrap national vetoes over EU foreign and policing policies. They hope to defeat British opposition to handing over sovereignty by appealing to public fears over global warming and terrorism.
Environmental crimes
The European Court of Justice recently ruled that the EU could define "environmental crimes" by a majority vote. The Commission is using this judgment to give itself powers to propose criminal laws in every area, including powers to help fulfil any "fundamental objective of the Union".
Education grab
A push to take control of universities is being made by the EU Commission, through creating a higher education "euro-zone". Sally Hunt, General Secretary of the University and College Union, says that the EU's proposals for greater "harmonisation" would threaten UK masters degrees and 4-year integrated masters courses.