Sir, - The European Union has been a very successful economic force ever since it was first founded in 1957. All member-states have benefited from the open market trading system. Economic integration is one intrinsic element of the European Union. Political union is another key part of its development.
Political union is harder to achieve and can only be reached over time. As the European Single Currency takes root, closer political co-operation will arise. However, we have a right to tread carefully on the issue of reforming EU treaties and policies. EU leaders, the European Commission and the European Parliament cannot reform EU treaties without being sure that public opinion is on their side. The last thing the EU wants at this time is to have a treaty defeated in a referendum in one or possibly, more countries.
This would have the effect of dissipating and rupturing the actual European model itself. We want to protect and develop the European Union in a positivemanner. However, reforms of EU policies must not fly in the interests of smaller member-states.
The European Union has been a success story, for the most part, but decision-makers have received warning shots across their bows from EU citizens. The Danish people in 1992 rejected the Maastricht Treaty. The French people approved Maastricht by only 50.1 to 49.9per cent. These results were not only snapshots of EU public opinion, they were a serious message to EU leaders to address the issues of political Union in a careful and patient manner. The message was to EU bureaucrats and technocrats alike: do not be a step ahead of us on this or we will reject you!
The enlargement of the European Union is a separate debate to that of political integration in Europe. Enlargement must proceed if we are to consolidate democratic structures in Eastern and Central Europe. This will help develop these economies as well as help build a European continent at peace with itself. - Yours, etc.,
Jim Fitzsimons MEP, Dublin Road, Navan, Co Meath.