Chirac and Ahern Hope for June Finish on Constitution

Hopes that a deal on the draft EU Constitution can be reached within the first half of this year were given a further boost following a meeting Monday, March 22, between France and the Irish EU Presidency. At a joint press conference afterwards, French President Jacques Chirac and Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern gave their clearest indication to date that a deal may be in sight.

Chirac, who until now has been publicly reticent on the Constitution blueprint, said he was "determined" to do everything so that an agreement can be found at a meeting of EU leaders on June 17-18. "Today we think that it is possible to reach an agreement by this date," he said.

Chirac's comments follow in the footsteps of important U-turns by Madrid and Warsaw towards a compromise on a proposed new voting system, a contentious issue that caused Constitution talks to collapse in December. The revised compromise voting system would call for support by 55% of member states representing 55% of the EU population in order for a decision to pass. Such a structure would mean that a combination of Germany, France and Britain -- the EU's biggest countries -- could not block a decision without the backing of other member states.

Influence of terror attacks?

There have been signs that the recent terror attacks in Madrid may have refocussed political will for adopting an EU Constitution. Speaking at a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday, France's Dominique de Villepin said that following Madrid bombings it was time for the EU to affirm its "vision."

Similarly, his German counterpart Joschka Fischer said that the challenges involved with fighting terrorism needed "an effective, democratic and strong Europe." He added that this could only be achieved with a Constitution.

All depends on the dinner date
All these signs have been interpreted positively by the Irish EU Presidency which has been quietly but determinedly working towards an agreement. Prime Minister Ahern was quoted in the Irish Independent saying, "I think it is possible that we can conclude the work of the convention by the June council."

However, the decision to formally revive the talks on the Constitution will depend on what EU leaders decide over dinner on Thursday evening during a summit in Brussels. Ahern will circulate a summary document on Wednesday outlining the status quo and is set to give a more frank overview on Thursday. Afterwards a decision will be made.

"It is up to them to decide 'well do we resurrect this thing together, or do we let it fall'," said a diplomat close to the Irish Presidency.