Future of Europe

Spain’s Referendum on the European Constitution: a Double Disappointment
Future of Europe Analyses

Spain’s Referendum on the European Constitution: a Double Disappointment

Despite the huge majority in favour of the European Constitution, the low turnout (42.32%, ie, seventeen points lower than turnout in 1986 when Spain’s membership of NATO was at stake) calls into question the Government’s two objectives in calling the referendum. The referendum has neither served to open a new space of democratic participation for Spanish society, nor will it serve to export enthusiasm to the rest of the EU in regard to ratification of the Constitutional Treaty. By breaking the psychological barrier of 40% turnout, the referendum cannot be described as a failure, but in view of such low participation the dual purpose can hardly be said to have been fulfilled

By José Ignacio Torreblanca
21 Feb 2005 //
15 mins Reading time
The three points of dissensus on the European Constitution
Future of Europe Analyses

The three points of dissensus on the European Constitution

After years of consensus on European issues in our country, the process of ratifying the European Constitution has revealed significant differences regarding the European Union. The new dissensus on Europe is visible in the three main points of the political debate: at the civic level, in the growing distance between the opinions and attitudes of the political class, on one hand, and citizens on the other; in terms of ideology, in the appearance of major tension between the left and the right, but also –and this is new– within the left and the right; and finally, at the territorial level, in the discrepancies over tactics and principles among old and new nationalist parties. In these circumstances, it is reasonable to wonder if the first victim of this new dissensus will be the referendum on the European Constitution. And if so, what will the consequences be?

By José Ignacio Torreblanca
21 Feb 2005 //
18 mins Reading time
Europe’s image
Future of Europe Analyses

Europe’s image

It is well known that Europe has ‘internal’ communication difficulties. The EU does not have a ‘face’, a figurehead or political symbol that unequivocally identifies it. If this is true within the EU itself, then what about elsewhere? Europe is the ‘metrosexual’ superpower, which has renounced military and aggressive supremacy as embodied by the US. This stereotype, which was already part of Europe’s self-image as a ‘civilian power’ in the 60s, has returned to the fore. As Europeans, we think that our continent may have been strengthened by the US’s image crisis. But is this the case? How is Europe perceived outside its own borders and those of the United States?

By Javier Noya
03 Feb 2005 //
14 mins Reading time
Turkey-EU Relations After the European Summit Meeting: A Historical Decision and a First Step to a Final Destination
Future of Europe Analyses

Turkey-EU Relations After the European Summit Meeting: A Historical Decision and a First Step to a Final Destination

The EU Commission and the EU’s leaders are now persuaded that Turkey has made sufficient progress on fulfilling the so-called ‘Copenhagen Political criteria’ regarding democracy, human rights and legal reforms. The European Parliament adopted the resolution for the opening of negotiations with Turkey on December 15, 2004

By Bahri Yilmaz
12 Jan 2005 //
12 mins Reading time
EU-Turkey Membership Deal, Subject to de facto Recognition of Greek Cyprus
Challenges and opportunities in the neighbourhood Analyses

EU-Turkey Membership Deal, Subject to de facto Recognition of Greek Cyprus

This report examines the historic agreement taken by European Union leaders at their 16-17 December summit in Brussels to begin accession talks with Turkey after 41 years in Europe’s ante-room. The process will begin on 3 October, 2005 provided Turkey has by then tacitly recognised Cyprus, which joined the EU in May.

By William Chislett
20 Dec 2004 //
16 mins Reading time
China’s military modernisation and the possible end to the EU arms embargo
Uncategorized Analyses

China’s military modernisation and the possible end to the EU arms embargo

The recent end to the EU arms embargo on Libya, announced in Luxemburg on 11 October, has raised new speculation as to a similar measure with respect to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The country’s armed forces have been undergoing a comprehensive modernisation process over the past decade, but they will not close the technology gap with more advanced countries (something of an embarrassment for an upcoming power) without foreign support.

By Augusto Soto
01 Dec 2004 //
14 mins Reading time

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