Ce « Policy Brief » rédigé par Sebastian Kurpas, chercheur au Centre for European Policy Studies, passe en revue les différentes mesures susceptibles d’être prises au niveau européen suite à la victoire du « non » lors des référendums français et néerlandais, et pèse le pour et le contre de chacune des options envisageables.
After the resounding Dutch no-vote of 62%, ratification of the Constitutional Treaty has become even less likely than it already was after the political earthquake caused by the French referendum three days before. While the German Chancellor and the French President encourage other countries to continue with the ratification process, the British message is clear: Any attempt to proceed at this point would be pointless. British Foreign Minister Jack Straw found rather subtle words in the House of Commons to describe the situation, but other sources suggest that instead of wasting their time on a lengthy and useless exercise that would cost the EU even more support, European leaders should bury the Constitution at the upcoming European Summit on 16-17 June (or soon afterwards) and then settle for something ‘more modest’.
The British view has largely met a positive reception in the media and among other opinion-makers. Before such a consequential decision is taken, however, those who are responsible must have a clear idea of the alternative scenarios and the probability of finding a common agreement on them. This Policy Brief looks a little closer at the different options available and assesses their respective advantages and disadvantages.