CzechBusiness: Klaus’ stand on EU Constitution draws criticism

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Klaus’ stand on EU Constitution draws criticism

Czech President Václav Klaus’ (Civic Democrat, ODS) persistent opposition to the further development of the European Union will push the Czech Republic into isolation, Jo Leinen, the chairman of the European Parliament committee on constitutional affairs, (Social Democrat, SPD) said in Brussels Jan. 29.The Czech Republic and Poland are among the few countries that are still reluctant to fulfill their duties and start the ratification process, Leinen said. “To want to change the rules for the ratification of the European Constitution today would be the same as if we changed the rules of an ice hockey match after two periods. None of the referees has such a right and even less so any of the players like Czech President Václav Klaus, who wants to be a player in the team of top European representatives,” Leinen said. He rejected Klaus’ idea of the EU as a “mere large market.”

According to Leinen, the EU with the Constitution will function more effectively in the “area of energy policy, in the fight against terrorism or in the immigration policy sphere.”