Future of the European Union and the European Constitutional Treaty: The Future of the European Union and its Importance for Transatlantic Relations. EUMA Papers, Vol. 4 No. 4 February 2007

摘要

[From the introduction]. The rejection of the European Constitutional Treaty (ECT) by France on 29 May 2005 and the Netherlands on 1 June 2005 left the future of European Union (EU) in question. After the failed referendums, the Heads of State and Government in the European Council called for a reflection period to give member states time to decide on next steps. Under the leadership of Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU), the German Presidency, in the Chair from January through June 2007, has established a timetable to reach agreement among the 27 member states as to how to proceed with the European Constitutional Treaty. The German Presidency’s efforts are sincere and its effort has been substantial.