Europe's leaders ponder EU growth
By Dennis Wanks,WNS Belgium Correspondent
BRUSSELS - European Union leaders are trying to settle on terms to define the future size and shape of the EU. On the second and final day of a summit in Brussels, they are expected to say that future membership hopefuls will face a tougher examination than ever. The leaders are likely to endorse a slowdown in Turkey's application. Reform of European Union institutions and the future of the EU constitution, rejected last year by French and Dutch voters, are also seen as a priority. On enlargement, EU leaders are expected to endorse a compromise that will ease voter concerns in many countries but not close the door to aspiring members. With Romania and Bulgaria joining the EU on 1 January, some Europeans feel the bloc has stretched too far too fast. The compromise is likely to require strict adherence to accession criteria but would not erect any new hurdles for applicants.
EU foreign ministers this week decided to partially suspend accession talks with Turkey because of Ankara's failure to open its sea and air ports to EU-member Cyprus - a decision likely to be endorsed by the heads of government. The tougher EU line will affect such hopefuls for membership as Serbia, Macedonia and Croatia, which is hoping to join as soon as 2009. Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen said there was a consensus for reform, but warned against throwing out the EU constitution, pointing out that 18 countries had ratified it. Mr Vanhanen said member states had moved from a period of silent reflection after the French and Dutch rejections of the new constitution to what he called more active thinking. Finland will hand over the presidency of the EU to Germany in January, after which reform and a possible revival of the constitution are expected to be central issues.
EU leaders are also pledging a strategy on migration. The summit has endorsed plans to boost patrols off Spain and Italy as tens of thousands of people continue to try to reach Europe from Africa each year. There will also be laws drafted to allow in skilled African workers and more aid measures to tackle African poverty.
posted by wnsworld @ 11:53 AM
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