Constitution for Europe

There is much confusion over the 'Constitution', and this book provides an in-depth legal analysis of the institutional aspects of the Constitutional Treaty which, if ratified by the 25 EU Member States, would govern the European Union. Piris argues that, despite its ratification being rejected by the French and the Netherlands referenda in 2005, the Treaty should not be discarded, as it will inevitably be the point of departure for the future of European integration. He places this analysis in an historical and political context and explains the origin, meanings and legal and political effects of all proposed changes to the present treaties. • Provides an in-depth and rigorous legal and political analysis of all proposed changes to the present EU treaties • Aims to answer some key questions such as: 'What would be the legal, institutional and practical consequences of the Constitution?' and 'Would it be a 'legal revolution' transforming the Union into a 'pre-federal State', or would it rather confirm the existing relationship between the Union and its Member States?' • Places this analysis in an historical and political context'Whatever its ultimate political destiny, the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe is destined to remain a fundamental text. Piris has managed the impossible: a commentary written with the authority (and passion) of a key insider who has 'been there, done that' and yet displaying critical objective insights more habitually found in the detached observer.' Professor Joseph H. H. Weiler, Director, Global Law School Program, NYU School of Law'Jean-Claude Piris is the leading expert on the EU Treaties. It was he who was called on by John Major to convince a sceptical European Council, in Edinburgh in 1992, to accept the additional package which persuaded the Danish nation to reverse their initial rejection of the Maastricht Treaty. His analysis of the Constitutional Treaty is legally authoritative and politically astute. Clear, timely, and wise, it can be commended not just to scholars and practitioners, but to all confused by the Treaty's text, history, or fate.' Lord Kerr of Kinlochard, Former UK Permanent Representative to the EU, Former Head of the UK Diplomatic Service, and Former Secretary-General of the European Convention