GERMANY: Germany's Foreign Minister, Mr Joschka Fischer, has distanced himself from the idea of a European federation, and has called instead for agreement on the EU constitution to encourage inclusive European integration, writes Derek Scally, in Berlin
Mr Fischer said he no longer believes that Europe's future lies in a core group of states lead by France and Germany, as he suggested in a speech four years ago at Berlin's Humboldt University.
"I am more convinced that ever before that Europe needs more integration and stronger institutions. But I no longer share visions of a small Europe," said Mr Fischer to the Berliner Zeitung.
Asked if the idea of a "core Europe" was passe, he replied: "Yes, I think so."
He said the only way to tackle the 21st century challenges of globalisation and terrorism was with a united European approach. With a core group of states, "our continent cannot fulfil its strategic dimension".
An avant garde of European countries should press ahead with integration "only within the firmly anchored framework of the European constitution", an "excellent, flexible dynamic" document which would strengthen the EU and maintain cohesion among 25 very different states.
He expressed optimism about the chances of a deal, but said Berlin was determined to see the constitution contain provision for a new double-majority voting system.
"We are of the firm opinion: better no constitution now than a bad constitution.
"A watering-down in this core area would, however, lead to a bad constitution.
"Then one should continue with the existing EU treaties and see how far one gets. Not very far, I think."
Mr Fischer's Humboldt speech of May 2000 started a Europe-wide debate about the future shape of the EU, and has dogged the German Foreign Minister until now.
Mr Fischer said he had changed his views because of the consequences of September 11th, and the growing need to politically shape globalisation.
Only by "acting at a continental level", to include Turkey, can Europe "assert its importance".
Any doubts he had about Turkey's place in the EU were put to rest after September 11th.
Meanwhile Germany's Christian Democrats (CDU) won an overall majority in state elections in Hamburg yesterday, a humiliating defeat for Chancellor Gerhard Schröder.
The result, the worst for the Social Democrats (SPD) in the city since the second World War, was seen as a vote of no-confidence in Mr Schröder and his reform politics.