Brussels, 10/02/2016 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 11 February, the diplomatic advisers to the European leaders will, for the second time, discuss the proposals of the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, on a renewed relationship between the United Kingdom and the EU (see EUROPE 11481).
“I hope to finalise (the proposals) next week in the European Council”, the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk,told the Committee of the Regions on Wednesday 10 February. Hoping that between now and then, he will be able to focus his attention on this “very fragile” political process, he has cancelled all other obligations and will consult several European leaders during a tour of the capitals of Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Romania and the Czech Republic, and also hold meetings with the members of the European Parliament, with a view to facilitating an agreement.
The aim, after the dossier has been discussed by the 'General Affairs' Council of Tuesday 16 February, is to reach a political agreement at heads of state or government level at the European summit of 18 and 19 February. Even if the discussions prove longer than anticipated next week, the Twenty-Eight have no intention of holding a further summit before the one already scheduled for March.
At the first meeting of the 'Sherpas', the British did not open any new subjects of discussion. The experts fine-tuned the texts on the table, which aim to give the UK guarantees on the four subjects it has raised: access of European citizens to British social benefits when in work, the impact of subsequent integration of the eurozone on the countries which are not members of it, irrespective of the principle of subsidiarity and economic competitiveness.
On the economic plank, the wording will be tightened up, for instance by emphasising the single rulebook in the financial field and on the reaffirmation of the competence of the ECB for the countries of the eurozone alone, particularly in the framework of banking union.
The key decision of the European Council with regards to a renewed relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union will consist of a binding international law instrument. It will be effective in law “on the date on which the British government informs the Secretary General of the Council of the EU of the United Kingdom's decision to remain a member of the EU”,according to the draft conclusions of the European summit dated Monday 8 February and of which EUROPE has had sight. This decision has been devised in such a way as not to require treaty change or national ratification. It it may not be modified or cancelled unless a further decision of the European Council to that effect is made.
The safeguard mechanism, which will allow any member state to limit the access of European citizens to certain national social benefits, will require the setting in place of a European secondary legislation instrument in co-decision with the European Parliament. As it is not possible for a text of this kind to be approved under co-decision before the British referendum, anticipated for late June, has been held, a unanimous decision of the Twenty-Eight including the President of the European Parliament aims to give guarantees as to the intention of the European legislation to make rapid progress on this. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)