Europe unites to stop Constitution

The European No Campaign (ENC) will launch on October 29, when the heads of states sign the EU Constitution in Rome. To mark that launch 40 initial signatories from 12 countries – among them 22 MEPs and MPs - represent a cross-section of opponents to the Constitution. The objective of the EU-wide network, that is launching its homepage (www.EuropeanNoCampaign.com) today, is to gather opponents of the Constitution across the EU and across all party lines. The idea is to join forces, to participate in mutual conferences, to organise media events and to exchange information to help each other get as many no-votes as possible in the upcoming 11 referendums on the Constitution.

The supporters of the network – which will continuously grow over the next two years – stand for completely different political views about the future of Europe but in the statement of beliefs they all agree, that “for the sake of the EU, urgent reforms are needed.” But “the crucial requirements of these reforms” would not be met by the proposed Constitution. Because “the negative consequences outnumber the positive aspects” the ENC supporters “consider this draft counterproductive to the future of Europe and recommend that the citizens of Europe say 'no' to this EU Constitution.”

If the Constitution is stopped it will be possible to begin a real debate. This debate is urgently needed: “Only a democratic EU, fully engaged with Europe’s citizens, can succeed in the future. A Constitution that is drafted without involvement of the citizens cannot provide solutions to the present and future problems of the EU,” says Thomas Rupp, director and coordinator of the campaign. “There are more and more individuals and organizations that do not oppose the EU in general, but who oppose this particular Constitution. And we want to provide a platform for that group of people.”

The ENC supporters include: former Governor of the Swedish Central Bank Lars Wohlin, former chief accountant of the EU Marta Andreasen (E), members of the convention on the future of Europe Jens-Peter Bonde MEP (DK), David Heathcoat-Amory MP (UK) and Esko Seppaenen MEP (FIN), German economist Prof. Roland Vaubel, Philippe de Villiers MEP (MPF,F), Adam Bielan MEP (PiS, PL), the Green MEPs Caroline Lucas (UK) and Carl Schlyter (S), Dutch socialists Harry van Bommel (MP), Swedish social democrat Soren Wibe MP, German NGO leaders Thomas Mayer and Jens Loewe as well as Roger Cole from the Irish peace movement, Matthew McGregor (UK) fom the Center for a Social Europe, Prof. Dr. Claudia von Werlhof (A) and Prof. Dr. Margit Kennedy (D) engaged in citizens’ movements.

David Heathcoat-Amory MP (UK): “This European Constitution is centralising and technocratic - a Politicians Europe. By rejecting it we can build a Peoples Europe which puts democracy first.” And he sums up the spirit of the network: “Whatever our political leanings let us join together in this international campaign for a better Europe.” Despite the political differences there is a common denominator that all supporters agree on: That debate is a crucial requirement in a democracy, and that democracy is itself endangered by the Constitution. “The EU Constitution is a step backwards for democracy in Europe”, says Ian Davidson, British Labour MP, “so it is vital that the campaign against the Constitution and for EU reform is put forward across borders.”

Therefore this campaign is a real European project. It will encourage cooperation and improve understanding among the citizens of the EU countries – not top down, but bottom-up. "This is a call for a more open and democratic Europe, which listens to its citizens,” says Nils Lundgren MEP and leader of the Swedish Junelist. “So far, this has not been done. The EU Constitution will not change this - it will continue the ongoing centralisation of power from accountable national parliaments to unaccountable EU-institutions."

Whether the EU should promote more free trade or more social justice, whether it should be a military power or not, whether it should be based on the principle of federal or nation state. These questions have to be discussed and decided by Europe’s citizens and politicians after the Constitution has been stopped. “The ENC will take no stand in this debate”, reassures Alex Hickman, CEO of the British campaign vote no, that has initiated the ENC project. “The rejection of the Constitution will not be the end of the EU but the start of a fruitful debate for a better EU that is really connected with its citizens.”