As I have written before: - We should "forget Nice", not in the sense of forgetting the new Treaty (which would be a disaster as it has still to be signed and then ratified by fifteen parliaments) or the "conclusions" other than on European Council institutions (as they are useful and constructive from several points of view), but in the sense of leaving behind us once and for all the misunderstandings, disagreements, resentment and grudges caused as the Summit unfolded. To close the chapter, let us speak of Nice for the last time on a slightly lighter tone.
The wittiest remark. The incident is well-known. Notes jotted down on the spot by a member of the Spanish delegation during Summit debates ended up on the editorial desk of the El Pais daily, which published them (and Le Monde reproduced ample extracts). They confirm that debates were often bitter, if not to say unpleasant, but not exempt from light hearted and humorous moments. In my view, the wittiest remark was that made by Chancellor Schröder during the discussion on the future European Commission. The strengthening of the president's powers had already been secured, and the head of governments were discussing the number of Commissioners. After this, considering the principle of "one State one Commissioner" as approved, Mr Lipponen observed: "today, no-one is losing a Commissioner". To this Chancellor Schröder replied: "Who knows? Prodi might fire one …".
The irritated president. The united front between small countries sometimes got on Jacques Chirac's nerves. Here are a few remarks from the President of the French Republic, who chaired the debate: "I appeal to the small countries. When there is divergence on a major subject, 35% of the population would not have minority blocking, but 11% would. This may mean the end of the European Union. The larger countries could say that that's enough, and that they will do something else between themselves". A little later on he went on to say: "We must all make an effort. Out of the ten steps taken so far, the large countries have taken nine. It is a great victory for the small countries. We are doing it, but not for thanks …" Mr Guterres remarked: "You say the large countries are pleased? They are resigned".
More generally, Jacques Chirac had said: "To make Europe, determination and vision are needed, and today the visionaries are tired". He did not, however, specify whether he was just speaking for the others, or also for himself.
The wittiness cartoon. Several caricaturists commented on the Nice Summit. I would give the first price to Plantu (Le Monde), who drew the highly excited Fifteen making the stars on the European flag fly into the air with their vigorous bickering, and, behind the door, the representatives of the candidate countries saying: "Oh, wouldn't it be nice to be part of such an open and fraternal club!".
Not bad, eh? Nonetheless, after smiling, I can't help thinking: how many countries in Europe and elsewhere would be happy to resolve their divergence through discussion, even difficult discussion, even if such discussion drags on until the small hours, even if it is interrupted by pettiness and sometimes even unpleasantness! How happy several populations outside the EU would be, especially the women and children, if such a method became generalised. The Community countries had fought each other unmercifully until the "Fathers of Europe", supported by the peoples of their countries, decided that a definitive end should be put to these horrors and a Community created. For the past half a century, quarrels are settled according to Community procedures. Even if discussions sometimes go through tricky stages and it takes a long while to reach agreement, the method survives, and it will live for as long as the determination to unite Europe continues. And how many EU countries had known dictatorships before they joined the EU, and been deprived of freedom and democracy? Not to mention the two founding countries which had been so familiar with nazism and fascism. Today, despite a number of minor and momentary aberrations, adventures of this kind have become impossible. Would it not be a beautiful day if the same methods allowed conflicts to be settled in the Western Balkans, by consolidating peace, stability and freedom? Or, a little later on, conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians? Or in the Caucasus? Or in Africa?
These few considerations make me look at the quarrels and pettiness of Nice with an
indulgent eye.
(F.R.)