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Franco-German move criticised

By Batuk Gathani

BRUSSELS JAN. 17. The latest Franco-German agreement on the future of Europe has triggered some criticism. The European Commission — the executive arm of the European Union — sharpened its criticism of the deal to create a dual presidency for the "expanded" European Union, which may have 25 member states from current 15 in 2004.

The European Commission's chief spokesman said: "While we do not see this move as completely negative, we should not have two chief executives in Brussels. The strategy should be to make the European Union more efficient and accountable".

Senior European Commission officials here are also wondering if the German-French initiative will provide the solution for administration and power sharing in the expanded European Union. Obviously, the European Commission's 17,000-odd civil servants are also concerned about their future in a fast changing profile of the E.U.

Germany insisted that the joint initiative with France would make the European foreign policy more effective. It would also strengthen the European Commission and give it greater legitimacy. Many Europeans are concerned about the fast unfolding military scenario over Iraq. In European forums, it is argued that the E.U. should speak with "one voice'' and member states should coordinate their strategy on Iraq, oil and global trade matters. Germany reiterated its policy that its troops would not participate in a military offensive against Iraq.

A broad strategy on the future of Europe will be discussed next week. There is consensus to create a new post of European Union Foreign Minister. At present, Javier Solana is in charge of the E.U.'s foreign and security policies and Chris Patten is the Commissioner (Minister) for External Affairs. The new European Foreign Minister would also be supported by a "European diplomatic service''. The concept of a dual presidency has yet to sink in with many Europeans suspecting that it is a barter deal between Paris and Berlin, rather than a genuine agreement. The concept would marry France's "nation state" version with Germany's more federal concept. Britain is not enthusiastic about the dual presidency and places greater emphasis on its own idea of a president of the European Council.

The member states have broadly welcomed the idea of a common foreign policy and are eager for a common strategy over matters related to tax, economy and defence. Romano Prodi, the current nominated President of the European Commission, has opposed the idea of a President of the European Council. Mr. Prodi warned that the E.U. should not end up with two power centres. It is also argued that the Franco-German initiative is in an evolutionary process and member states should not behave as if these were final proposals. At next week's European Convention, delegates will have an opportunity to voice their feelings and also put counter-proposals about the contours of the E.U.

Apart from the evolution and working of the "expanded" E.U., there is also concern about the lack of a healthy and vigorous economic growth in the region. Germany, often described as the `locomotive' economy, is the new "sick man of Europe". This echoes Britain's economic malaise of the 1970s.

Germany's economic "supreme", Wolfgang Clement, has said that 2003 would be the "make-or-break'' year for Government of the Chancellor, Gerhared Schroeder.

Mr Clement said Germany's proposed economic reforms should be initiated this year to boost investments and employment. Some of Germany's economic problems are structural. Germans are over-taxed and over regulated and archaic labour laws are discouraging employers from creating new jobs. A skilled German worker is rated as the most expensive in the developed world — costing the employer some 40 euros per hour. It is in this background, 2003 could be a "make or break" year for Mr. Schroeder's Government.

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