Europe's New Constitution

Combine these aspects with some deals done at the Convention, and a more confusing image emerges. For example, the original concept of voting rights in the Commission was that the new rules would allow each state one vote. Some of the larger states - Spain in particular - disliked the loss of their current two votes. The result of this feud was that some large states will keep their two votes. Which large states? Those large states - Spain in particular - who complained the most about equality among members.

What do such bargains suggest about any future prospects for equality among members? Unfortunately not very much that is encouraging or positive. It is expected that member states will endeavor to protect their individual national interests. That is the duty of their elected governments, and it is what makes the concept of a united Europe much more complex than drafting another multilateral treaty. The treaties are important, and it should not be implied that the treaties to date have accomplished nothing of substance. They have accomplished much, but the extent of documentation and potential source citations make any attempt to distill the European Union into a concise statement of principles - general or specific - almost impossible. Creating such a concise statement of principles was partially the goal of the Convention to produce a new Constitution. Now it seems that rather than a Constitution, the European Union's efforts will yield another lofty treaty.

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