These ideas have been put forward in a report by dozens of political scientists and are now being presented at a lunch discussion of EU ministers in member states.
Three basic objectives have been identified: improving the performance of the European Union, achieving orderly enlargement, and strengthening democratic legitimacy and the principles of the rule of law.
Among other things, it proposes eliminating the ability of states to veto foreign affairs, security and taxes. Instead, these countries should be able to opt out of some settlements they do not wish to agree to.
Political scientists also want to make it easier to punish a state that is not deemed to be adhering to the basic principles, expand the EU’s long-term budget and make it easier to raise syndicated loans and new revenues for the EU.
If it is not possible to force everyone to move in the same direction, then a four-stroke Europe lies ahead. The Inner Circle will consist of a core group of EU countries engaged in closer cooperation. The next circle is the other countries of the European Union, followed by the partner countries, and at the far end what is now called the EPC, or European Political Community, with countries such as Great Britain and Norway.
The report expects the European Union to be ready for the next expansion starting in 2030.
The report, titled “Sailing the Deep Sea – Reforming and Enlarging the European Union in the Twenty-First Century,” was issued by twelve political scientists on behalf of France and Germany.
At the same time, it was clearly emphasized that the report “should not be seen as representing the official French and/or German position.”
In 58 pages, it is proposed, among other things, to abolish the veto, increase cooperation with the EU Parliament regarding the appointment of a new Commission president, and demand faster sanctions, including withdrawal of contributions, against countries that do not follow the basic principles.
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