THE breakdown of talks on the new European Constitution last weekend was a disappointment, but not the end of the world.
Difficulties arose over one issue - voting rights for Spain and Poland. The rest of the document is acceptable to everyone.
Last weekend's events demonstrate yet again that Europe is far from becoming a centralised superstate. What we have seen are 25 countries each representing their own positions around the bargaining table, trying to thrash out an agreement without compromising national interests.
Like so much else in the EU, we can only move forward when we have a solution that satisfies everyone's national interests and those of the whole community. So much for the mythical domineering superstate of Europe.
Richard Corbett MEP,
Labour MEP for Yorkshire & the Humber,
Blenheim Terrace,
Leeds.
...THE only thing the British Government should be negotiating in Brussels right now is Britain's total withdrawal from the EU.
David Quarrie,
Lynden Way,
York.
Updated: 10:55 Thursday, December 18, 2003
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