Convergence or Divergence: An Overview of the Positions of the EU Member States.

The debate on the “Future of Europe” has gathered momentum. Outsiders might at first find it somewhat confusing not only because of the many ideas and proposals that are being put forward but also because of the often-vague manner in which positions have been and continue to be (perhaps deliberately) presented. Member State governments are obviously hedging their positions on the details of the reforms they would like to see eventually approved. The negotiating phase is still far away. As was to be expected, the more academically-inclined contributions have been freer and bolder in what they discussed. If Governments have tended to hold back on proposals, they have been more forthcoming on the principles that ought to guide this latest round of EU reform. This also partly explains their reluctance to engage in defining the concepts employed in this debate….(short extract)