Summary
Jaap W. de Zwaan
De Europese Grondwet: verantwoorde stap in het integratieproces
Jaap W. de Zwaan discusses the contents and significance of the European Constitution. He analyses the changes in the structure of EU cooperation and the major institutional reforms. It is argued that the Constitution contributes to more efficiency, democracy and transparency at the European level. However, since the Constitution is a long text and difficult to read the governments must explain their citizens carefully what the meaning of the Constitution is. The author concludes that the Constitution deserves to be ratified. In this context, however, it is important to note that several governments organize referenda to allow their citizens to give an opinion about the text. A final element relates to the fact that the Constitution, if it will enter into force, probably will not represent the final stage of European integration. Still more states will accede to the Union. Also it is likely that, in the long run, not all partners will be able to participate at the same level and with the same speed in the process of European integration. Therefore thoughts have to be made about the future structures of EU cooperation.