WORKING ON EU DYSFUNCTIONALITIES TO MEET UK WISHES: THE MISSING POINT

The relationship of the UK with the EU has always been difficult. This, partly explained by geography, history and culture, has deteriorated in last years. This is because the British think, with some reason, that the EU institutions have been marked by growing dysfunctionalities. The Eurozone crisis is seen as a further demonstration of the EU’s wrongdoings. It is also feared that it might entail a further integration of the Eurozone, which is seen as a potential danger to British interests. Many Member States agree that the EU does not work well and needs reforms. It is an illusion, however, to think that this could be cured by an improbable «repatriation of powers» which will not happen. It is more a question of political will of the Member States and of culture in the institutions.

Addressing the issues here below would open the way to a more efficient, democratic and successful European Union, where the United Kingdom would continue to be able to defend its legitimate interests, and to play the essential role it has been playing in the past, and which is needed for the good of Europe.

1. A calendar for completing the internal market, especially in services
2. Optional cooperation policies on energy, industrial cooperation, in defence equipment programmes
3. Non-legal measures aimed at improving the functioning of the institutions
4. A closer scrutiny of the Commission’s proposals by national authorities
5. Improving the current Impact Assessment system and making it autonomous and common to the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission
6. Developing performance indicators and regularly assessing some EU laws after a few years of implementation.
7. Offering practical facilities to National Parliaments, applying delays with flexibility, and having the Commission agree on a political commitment in principle to follow their conclusions.
8. Members of the eurozone with the addition of some other EU members (the so-called "pre-in" eurozone members), could confirm their legal obligations, and accept to submit them to the control of the EU Court of justice: - to guarantee the rights of non eurozone countries, including on the integrity of the single market, - to respect the «acquis communautaire» and the exclusive and exercised powers of the EU under the Treaties, - to respect the legal primacy of the EU Treaties and of the EU’s law over any eurozone treaty, - to accept to ensure openness of their activities, and - to give the right to participate in meetings for those willing to join the euro within a given delay.
9. Preventing EU legislation from creating unnecessary and cumbersome obstacles to economic life is day-to-day work, which is taken more seriously today than it was the case in the past, both by the Member States and by the EU Institutions