Prodi : Core group of EU states
Romano Prodi has unveiled plans of a core group of EU states that work towards even closer integration. The group would consist of Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium and Luxembourg. The UK and the Netherlands would not be invited. Both France and the Netherlands rejected the planned EU constitution. He did not specify why the Netherlands would not be welcome, but said that the UK is not as enthusiastic about European integration as some continental countries.
As befits a former head of the European commission who prides himself on having overseen Italy’s adoption of the euro, Prodi said his priority was to forge an alliance of what he called “the countries most determined to push for a common European policy”.
“We need a strong relationship not just with France and Germany but also with the so-called group of six, countries like Belgium and Luxembourg — but not the Netherlands,” Prodi said.
Asked if this group would include Britain, he replied: “I believe it is difficult to include it among countries which are pushing for more integration. Britain has decided not to hold a referendum on Europe so it has not approved the European position. Evidently it believes in a policy which is more independent of the EU.”
Click here to read the full article at the Times Online.
Administrator @ April 17, 2006