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"The constitutional treaty is much more alive than many may think". March 21, 2007
Question: Mr Foreign Minister, the signing of the Rome Treaties 50 years ago marked the start of the process of European unification. Has that resulted in a genuine European family – or rather a relatively harmonious partnership of convenience? It's like it is in real life - probably both. A genuine family whose members are able, even if they at first have different opinions, to thrash out their differences and come to an agreement. But of course it's also a partnership of convenience, since all of us, whether large or small member states, know that in today's globalized world none of us can effectively pursue our interests alone. Vis-à-vis the other major trading blocs we can hold our own only if we hold together – Germany or France or Britain cannot do so acting alone. For the global climate it's pretty irrelevant if Malta or Luxembourg switch 100% to renewable energy or not. But if the whole European Union commits itself to derive 20% of its energy needs from renewable sources, that sends a powerful message. Europe - that means 50 years of peace and widespread prosperity. But recently in a number of countries protectionism has once again been on the rise. Does that worry you? Globalization has created a growing sense of insecurity. More and more people are losing faith in the ability of us politicians – on that score there's no difference, by the way, between Brussels and Berlin – to manage effectively this incredibly dynamic process of globalization and the changes it brings. It's because of these concerns that protectionist demands are once again falling on ready ears. That's something I take very seriously. My answer is this: a strong Europe with a dynamic economy that successfully combines competitiveness with social and ecological responsibility is the best guarantee we have that our European way of life and social model can be maintained. What are the key challenges facing the EU over the years ahead? In the international arena: the fight against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, peace and development in the Middle East, energy and climate security. Inside the EU: We are now 27 member states. We need new rules that will enable us also in future to take decisions promptly and in a transparent and democratic manner. The constitutional treaty appears to be dead. What will we get in its stead? The constitutional treaty is much more alive than you may think. The constitution contains important new arrangements that will better equip the EU to tackle the tasks of the future and will also make it more democratic and transparent. The deliberations on the Berlin Declaration have shown that the will to renew the EU exists. That makes me confident that we will overcome the problems ahead and will preserve the substance of the constitutional treaty. If at least the substance of the constitutional treaty is to be preserved, there would soon be an EU foreign minister. Would that be a job for you? Now wait a bit! I live in Berlin, I like it here – and in Brussels there's no Morgenpost! March 21, 2007
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