EU edges closer to twin presidency

Plans for the European Union to have two presidents edged closer yesterday, after the European Commission agreed on a blueprint which could help broker a deal.

The Commission opposes the idea of a powerful, second EU president, but has put forward ideas in other areas which could be the basis of a compromise between big and small countries. The latest moves mark the beginning of the endgame in the debate over the future of Europe, being conducted in a convention chaired by the former French president, Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. He is to present his proposals to EU leaders next month.

Backed by the UK, France, Italy, Spain and, to an extent Germany, M. Giscard wants a full-time president of the council, where national governments meet, and fewer commissioners, to make decision-making more efficient. MEPs would have more power over the selection of the Commission president who would be nominated by EU leaders, and voted on by MEPs. Small countries, which fear losing influence, oppose the council presidency plan and moves to strip them of their automatic right to send a commissioner to Brussels.

The Commission's latest statement backs M. Giscard's proposal for selecting the Commission president. It also says each country should maintain a commissioner, with the post-enlargement college working in teams.

Diplomats believe that if big countries accept these two elements, the smaller nations could be persuaded to agree to a council president.

However, opposition to the council presidency remains strong within the convention of 105 politicians.