The question is not whether it is better or not to have a Constitution for Europe, the question is rather whether Europe can do without and still evolve in a desirable direction.
Arguments to support this view:
1. Many of the positive changes brought about by the Constitution could be implemented without the adoption of the current Constitution. A good example is that of the EU Foreign Minister. All it takes is the political will in the Council to implement this change. Of course, without a Constitution, this is not guaranteed. However, the Council should play a critical role both in the choice of the High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy and the EU Commissioner for External Affairs. It could thus nominate the same person for both jobs. Many other changes, apart from the voting rules in the Council and most legal changes can be implemented without the Constitution. [9, p.15-28]
2. The status quo is not as bad as many have stated. The most important difference implied by the rejection of the Constitution is that one maintains the Nice rules for qualified majority. It is generally agreed that these rules make it very difficult to adopt new legislation. However, it is not necessarily clear why this should be considered a bad thing. Most of the legislation related to economic and monetary integration has been passed (liberalization of services being a big exception). [3, p.39-40]
3.2.2 Option 2: a none cosmetic revision
This way implies a new Convention, a new Intergovernmental Conference and a new ratification process.
There are clear disadvantages to such an option.
1 It is not clear from the referendum results in France and the Netherlands in which direction to go.
2 A revision of the current draft might take a very long time. [15, p.24-27]
Conclusion
In my work I have examined such topic as “The UK as a member of the EU” and have come to the conclusion that the loss of status as world power and economic downturn, connected with it, made British politicians take choose between sovereignty and future flourishing, connected with the EU membership. In 1964 Britain applied for the Union, but its application was rebuffed, and only in 1973 the UK could enter the EU.
United Europe and Britain have relations in many spheres. For example in economy, it is Common Agricultural Policy and European Monetary Union, in policy – Common foreign and security policy and European Constitution. But the greatest problems in relations between the UK and the EC are joining the Euro and Constitution, because British government considers that these two points threat soverenity and independence of the UK.
That is why I think that in future we will not see any revolution changes in relations between the UK and the EU although it is difficult for the EU to find proper strategy to be united, and it has become a reason for the Union to find a new way of development. But in spite of it I consider GB is considered to have essential role as strategic partner for united Europe and the UK will be one of the most powerful states in the EU as well as in the world.
References
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2. Andrew Geddes British politics. Oxford, 2006. – 378p.
3. David Heathcoat-Aming MP the European Constitution and what it means for Britain London, June 2003. - 48p.
4. European Union (Amendment) Bill 48 of 2007-08. Research Paper 08/03. London, 15 January 2008. – 28p.
5. European Union//www.europa.com
6. Foreign and Commonwealth Office//www.fco.gov.uk/eu
7. Gerard Batten MEP How much does the European Union cost Britain? // The Common Agricultural Policy. London, 2008. - 34p.
8. Gerard Batten MEP How much does the European Union cost Britain? //The EU Budget. London, 2008.-34p.
9. Gerard Roland “Europe is constitutional imbroglio”. Rome, 2006.-36p.
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12. The Bruges Group//www.brugesgroup.com
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14. UK 2005 the Official Yearbook of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Office for National Statistics, London: TSO.-537p.
15. Vaughne Miller The future of the European Constitution. Research Paper 05/45 London, 13 June 2005. - 47p.