Different visions on Europe
Joschka Fischer: a European federation based on a constitutional treaty
The debate was sparked of by the speech of Joschka Fischer at the University in Berlin, in May 2000, when he opened the question of the “finalité” of the European integration. His vision is that of Europe evolving from the present alliance of nations to a European federation, with a European parliament and a European government assuming the legislative and executive powers. Fischer also calls for a European constitution to regulate the division of powers between the federation level and the member states.
Jacques Chirac: avant-garde and strong role for nation states
French President Jacques Chirac challenged the proposals of Joschka Fischer calling in June 2000 for a strong role for national governments in the EU. He also advocated for avant-garde groups of countries keen on deepening the integration in certain specific areas to have the possibility to go ahead. Chirac is in favour of a European constitution setting the rules in a European Union where the national governments always have the last word.
Tony Blair: a superpower but not a superstate
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The Speech in Warsaw by British Prime Minister Tony Blair in October 2000 set up a vision on Europe revolutionary for a British government. Tony Blair calls for a second chamber to be created, consisting of representative of national parliaments, as a way of devolving powers downwards and help provide democratic oversight at the European level.
He also sees the need for the European Council, consisting of heads of state of the EU countries, to give political direction to the EU with structured and more frequent meetings. Blair says that the federal model fails the test of the people.