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A Sense of Security
One of the first political consequences of 11 September is to have given the European Union more power. This is not a panic reaction but, rather, the re-ordering of priorities within the Union, a necessary adjustment of items on the agenda in response to the crisis.
The Treaty of Maastricht (1992) ordained that member states should develop a common foreign and security policy that may lead in time to common defence. Until now, divergences between those EU countries which are also members of NATO and those which are not, and an age-old quarrel between France and the United Kingdom over relations with America, have impeded the steady evolution of a defence character to the Union. Although there were already examples of effective, small-scale cooperation between the Europeans in the Balkans, the assault on America has forced much closer coordination of military and political responses across a wider field. Institutional rivalries have been parked. The US is supported in its bid for self-defence. A greater concerted effort is being made to achieve peace in the Middle East. More attention will be paid to the integration of moderate Moslem states into the world community. The possibility of transforming the United Nations into something more akin to world government gains credibility. Within the European Union itself, it will no longer be respectable for member state governments to preach about international solidarity but do nothing about it. The development of the EU Rapid Reaction Force, with a tough peace-making role as well as its usually cited humanitarian purposes, must be consolidated quickly.
The second big effect of the crisis is to promote the EUÕs attempt to unite against international organised crime Ñ not only terrorism but also the trafficking of drugs and people. The European Parliament has already been asked to pass a whole range of legislation in the field of internal security, such as measures to stamp out money laundering and to provide for a Europe wide arrest warrant. These were objectives set by the Treaty of Amsterdam (1997), but a more relaxed timetable for their accomplishment was foreseen. Indeed, the UnionÕs previous efforts to agree the outline of a common asylum and immigration policy Ñ an essential first step in creating a common EU Ôarea of freedom, security and justiceÕ Ñ have been fairly tortuous.
Now the time for such reticence is past. Europe needs to become as integrated in the field of internal and external security as it is already in trade policy, social and economic affairs and the environment. Liberal Democrats welcome that. It is now for those like Mr Duncan Smith who oppose European unification, and who wish for Britain to play no real part in it, to give us their alternative prospectus. What helps America more: a united or divided Europe?
This article first appeared in the Hertfordshire Mercury
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Andrew's
work
in the European Parliament since 1999
Andrew is Vice-President of the European Parliament delegation to the Constitutional Convention on the Future of Europe.
Andrew drafted the Charter of Fundamental Rights which has strengthened the rights of all the citizens of the European Union.
Andrew is working for improved links between the EU and Turkey, to encourage improvements in Turkey's human rights record and to enhance its democracy.
Andrew's campaigning in the East of England
Andrew has led calls for the Air Travel industry to be subjected to the same rigorous environmental criteria as other modes of transport
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