EU leaders in Nice are reported tonight to be at a critical stage in their negotiation of a new Treaty to prepare the way for the admission of up to 15 new member states. President Chirac of France has been meeting the heads of government individually to establish common ground. The Taoiseach has said that in the reform of the EU institutions, Ireland will retain its right to have a representative on each Commission team.
Earlier, EU leaders reached a compromise on the nature of the proposed Rapid Reaction Force, saying that it does not involve the establishment of a European Army. France wants the force to be able to operate independently of NATO, but Britain voiced concerns that this could undermine the Alliance. Other areas of policy being covered in the summit include food safety and social protection.
What has being described as the first half of this summit, the normal business of such gatherings, is drawing to a close. The leaders are making final adjustments to a series of conclusions to be issued within the hour. Among them is a welcome for the European Food Safety Agency and for moves by agriculture ministers to limit the spread of mad cow disease.
Draft conclusions approve a six-month ban on the use of meat and bone meal for cattle. However, German chancellor, Gerhardt Schroeder, said last night that there should be a permanent ban. Approval is also expected for a European Marine Safety Agency, to reduce oil and chemical tanker spills. There will also be approval for the establishment of an EU Rapid Reaction Force and the development of what the document describes as a close and trusting relationship with NATO.
The second half of this summit is concentrating on the difficult task of reforming the European institutions. This morning, the European Commission was trying to talk up the prospects of an early deal, saying that last night’s leaders dinner had indicated many areas of agreement. However, most observers expect talks to go on all night and well into tomorrow.
