The European Constitution; How it Was Created, What it Will Change

During 2002-2004 a Constitution for Europe was drawn up by representatives of the 25 European nations. It has been designed to replace the old Treaty of Rome of 1957, establishing the European Economic Community as well as the Treaty of Maastricht, establishing the European Union. On October 29, 2004 in Rome the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe was officially signed by the representatives of the 25 Member States of the European Union. This Constitution was subsequently submitted in each of those 25 nations to ratification by national parliaments and in some cases to a popular vote. It meanwhile already acquired 16 ratifications, but it ran into trouble after a no-vote in referenda, held in France and The Netherlands in 2005. After this setback the EU-leaders decided a reflection-pause, which will last until mid 2007. This book describes how the European Constitution was created and what it would change in the way the European Union is being governed. It discusses whether this was only a tidying-up exercise or whether the new Treaty would bring about important changes in the constitution of Europe. Would this Constitution lead to a European superpower with military muscle? Would it improve the protection of human rights? Would it alter the European social model? Would it recognise the Christian roots of Europe's civilisation? This book provides basic information about the European Constitution to answer these and other questions.