Post by leslie on Jun 22, 2007 2:47:32 GMT -7
Battle for EU treaty deal continues
Last Updated: Friday, 22 June 2007, 08:55 GMT
- Search: Blair EU summit
Tony Blair is attending his last EU summit as PMBritain and Poland remain entrenched in their positions against a new treaty aimed at replacing the failed European constitution, and key EU leaders said progress is yet to be reached on demands put forward by the two countries.
Tony Blair insists on Britain retaining the right to determine its own policing and anti-crime policies, and keep control over foreign policy matters.
Poland is adamant that a proposed voting system -- which it says favours big countries -- be changed to give it more power in the 27-nation union.
"The situation is really difficult, but we will negotiate until the very end. It's not Poland's habit to give up," said Polish president Lech Kaczynski.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, determined to end her country's EU presidency with a deal on a treaty she says is crucial for governing the expanded EU, said she will hold one-on-one talks before leaders reconvene for discussions on Friday afternoon.
"Every effort should be made to try to come to an agreement," she said. "If that is possible, we cannot say now."
French president Nicolas Sarkozy said all 27 leaders agreed on the need for quick agreement on a treaty.
Under the so-called "double majority" voting system, EU legislation and other measures would be adopted if at least 55% of the 27 EU nations say "yes", and they represent at least 65% of the EU population.
Poland is weighing two separate proposals modifying these rules, diplomats said. While a plan put forward by the Czech Republic lowers the population threshold needed for an approval of EU legislation, giving more power to smaller and medium-sized countries, a French plan increases it, making Poland's backing essential for legislation pushed by large countries such as Germany or France.
"None of the proposals put forward to us is entirely new. We're analysing them all; there are some from which all countries could benefit equally," said Polish foreign minister Anna Fotyga.
Last Updated: Friday, 22 June 2007, 08:55 GMT
- Search: Blair EU summit
Tony Blair is attending his last EU summit as PMBritain and Poland remain entrenched in their positions against a new treaty aimed at replacing the failed European constitution, and key EU leaders said progress is yet to be reached on demands put forward by the two countries.
Tony Blair insists on Britain retaining the right to determine its own policing and anti-crime policies, and keep control over foreign policy matters.
Poland is adamant that a proposed voting system -- which it says favours big countries -- be changed to give it more power in the 27-nation union.
"The situation is really difficult, but we will negotiate until the very end. It's not Poland's habit to give up," said Polish president Lech Kaczynski.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, determined to end her country's EU presidency with a deal on a treaty she says is crucial for governing the expanded EU, said she will hold one-on-one talks before leaders reconvene for discussions on Friday afternoon.
"Every effort should be made to try to come to an agreement," she said. "If that is possible, we cannot say now."
French president Nicolas Sarkozy said all 27 leaders agreed on the need for quick agreement on a treaty.
Under the so-called "double majority" voting system, EU legislation and other measures would be adopted if at least 55% of the 27 EU nations say "yes", and they represent at least 65% of the EU population.
Poland is weighing two separate proposals modifying these rules, diplomats said. While a plan put forward by the Czech Republic lowers the population threshold needed for an approval of EU legislation, giving more power to smaller and medium-sized countries, a French plan increases it, making Poland's backing essential for legislation pushed by large countries such as Germany or France.
"None of the proposals put forward to us is entirely new. We're analysing them all; there are some from which all countries could benefit equally," said Polish foreign minister Anna Fotyga.