Quote of the day 26th September 2015

“We shouldn’t turn a treaty change into something traumatic or taboo.”

“We mustn’t close the door to the British if what they are demanding from other member states is acceptable.”

(Emmanuel Macron, the French economy minister, speaking on a visit to London about the need for the EU to accommodate the concerns expressed Britain. He also said creative ways can be found to amend the EU treaties

Comments

Jim said…
one "creative" way exists, that is to use the "simplified procedure" of Article 48 of TEU in order to make changes to Part Three of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. This requires a unanimous decision by all member states.

The only other way is to use the Normal procedure of the same Article, which could not be done in time for the 2017 referendum.

Its looking increasingly likely that the second path will be the option taken, and the Referendum will be a double referendum. The first in 2017 which will be a "Promise of Associated Membership" (though most likely will have a different name). The second will be a referendum on "should the UK ratify the new treaty?" as per the referendum lock.
10:06 am
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