Beyond Notre Europe | 30/07/2007 

The political agreement of the European Council of 23 June produced a precisely-defined mandate on how to save the bulk of the Constitutional Treaty - a blueprint destined to be the springboard for the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC). The IGC was launched on 23 July by a short meeting of foreign ministers, followed by technical meetings on 24 and 25 July. Work will recommence at the end of August.

The Portuguese presidency has already published a draft Reform Treaty, evidence of the Portuguese government's determination not to waste time. The IGC will meet at ministerial level on the 7th and 8th September, the Portuguese objective being to reach an agreement at the informal meeting of the European Council on 18-19 October. The existence of a detailed mandate - already peppered with concessions, principally to Britain and Poland - combined with the desire of the Commission and most member states to "turn the page" on institutions, should ward off surprises at the IGC.

Poland will not miss the chance to make itself heard. It has already announced its intention to demand an opt-out from the Charter of Rights (probably with the UK), and may yet try to re-open discussions over double-majority voting and its understanding of the Ioannina compromise. But the presidency, just like the majority of member states, seems determined to stick to the accord of 23 June.