Czech opt-out paves way for Lisbon Treaty
EU leaders meeting in Brussels appeared poised to clinch Czech backing of the Lisbon Treaty today, clearing a major hurdle to its ratification and the naming of an EU president.
Delegates approved an “opt-out” for the Czech Republic from the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights, leaving President Vaclav Klaus under intense pressure to sign the treaty.
But the move came as Tony Blair’s prospects of getting the EU presidency - championed by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown – appeared to be fading. Informal soundings at the summit yesterday confirmed serious objections on grounds of Britain’s perceived lack of EU commitment.
President Klaus claimed that without his opt-out, the descendants of thousands of ethnic Germans expelled from Czechoslovakia after the Second World War could reclaim their properties. That prospect has been downplayed by EU officials.
There is now one last legal hurdle to overcome for the treaty, with the Czech Constitutional Court next week expected to throw out tactical treaty objections raised by a group of Czech senators who share Mr Klaus’ deeply Euro-sceptical views.
If the case is rejected, and with the protocol in place, Mr Klaus will have no reason not to sign.
Only then can the discussion about who should fill the new treaty-created post of “President of Europe” move from the corridors into the main summit negotiating room – probably at a special gathering of EU leaders late in November.
Yesterday it appeared that support for Mr Blair from the European Socialist group was lacking and Downing Street indicated that defeat was a clear possibility.
One insider pointed out: “Mr Blair hasn’t even applied for the job yet. When Vaclav Klaus has signed the treaty and the job becomes a reality – that’s when we’ll really get an idea of who is prepared to back a Blair presidency of Europe.”
Mr Brown yesterday underlined his support for Mr Blair, saying he would make an “excellent candidate”.
EU leaders are also struggling to show a united front over climate change ahead of crucial global environment talks in Copenhagen.
Deep differences last night over financing are likely to be reflected in summit conclusions which will nevertheless insist that Europe is “more than ever fully determined to play a leading role and contribute to reaching a global, ambitious and comprehensive agreement”.
Overnight officials were trying to resolve differences, with Germany resisting making any financial commitment.
| Related Stories: |
|
