European Patent: the two-speed Europe is becoming complicated. After years of effort, obstacles and preparatory work, the European Patent has begun to take on concrete substance with the signing of the agreement on the creation of the European Patent Court (see our bulletin No10789). This is one of the many examples of progress being made in the building of Europe. Some member states, however, are not taking part in this, which means the European Patent takes the form of enhanced cooperation. I feel a few comments would be appropriate at this point.
The number of achievements in which some member states do not take part continues to swell. One can but speculate on the amount of progress in European construction that would be blocked if the participation of all member states were still necessary. Single currency, military cooperation, the Schengen Area without border controls, and the Stability Pact would not exist. European construction would be poorer and its prospects also. And it is not simply a two-speed Europe that would be the outcome, as member states that remain on the sidelines are not always the same - it would be more of a multi-speed Europe. This in fact is precisely what David Cameron is requesting for his country! If one takes a closer look, one can see that the repercussions of this situation are greater than ever, including at institutional level, and also as far as the European Parliament is concerned.
Let me give an example of this. The idea of a separate budget for the eurozone is gaining ground, which has automatically raised the burning issue of the powers given to the European Parliament- of how and why MPs elected in one country not taking part in this zone would have the right to vote on the eurozone's management If such situations occur increasingly frequently, an EP with powers that change depending on the matter treated would not be able to function. And there would be similar complications also for the European Commission. I have no answers to give - only doubts to express. Reflection is needed.
The problem of Serbia and other candidates. How many countries hope to become members of the EU or at least conclude association agreements with the EU? I shall not draw up a list of them all but some cases do indeed raise problems. Serbia, which considers it has been a candidate for a long while now, is endeavouring to settle its relations with Kosovo, so that its candidature is officially acknowledged. It has therefore agreed to enter into discussion with the Kosovar authorities, although it does not recognise Kosovo as an independent country. Observers on the spot believe there is nothing about Kosovo that resembles an autonomous state functioning satisfactorily. The positive aspect, when one considers Kosovo as a valid interlocutor, is that its authorities are under an obligation to respect the Serbian Catholic convents and churches, on that territory once conquered by the Turkish army. Kosovo is not, moreover, recognised by five EU countries - something to which we turn a blind eye - when it is precisely the EU which finances the European police and justice mission (EULEX) in Kosovo! In the world as a whole, fewer than 100 countries recognise Kosovo as a sovereign state. The inquiry there relating to Piotr Smolar, Special Envoy for Le Monde, draws a disreputable picture for the country: corruption and crime dominate the political circles and the Serb-populated northern area stands outside the control of the central authorities. Serbia, which bears heavy responsibilities for the past, agrees to discuss with the Kosovar authorities with a single aim in mind: to keep the door open for its membership of the EU.
Other candidates for EU accession or the conclusion of association agreements with the EU also give rise to perplexity or reticence. For Ukraine, in addition to the Julia Timoshenko case, it is its relations with Russia that cause difficulties. If Kiev opts for customs union with Moscow, the EU association agreement would become unattainable, and rapprochement - as well as Brussels' financial support - would be compromised (see our bulletin No10791). When it comes to Macedonia (FYROM), internal developments seem to be blocking membership talks. EU relations with Georgia and Turkmenistan are also coming up against obstacles. Furthermore, EU/Russia relations are going through a difficult period, largely linked in substance to oil questions. What a source of concern enlargement is!
Turkey - the page is turned. The situation is becoming increasingly clear. Mr Erdogan is demolishing Ataturk's secular legacy and reducing the powers of the armed forces. Any assumption of EU membership is suppressed and the gesture of friendship by France, followed by Mrs Merkel's congratulations, can only aim at the establishment of new cooperation relations between the EU and Ankara. The “accession” page has been definitively turned and it is necessary to rekindle relations on a fresh basis if the atmosphere is to become positive.
(FR/transl.jl)