Tribune
| 30/11/2006
The French and Dutch "Noes' to the draft European Constitutional Treaty have not just given rise to an institutional problem but are also symptomatic of an underlying crisis in the process of European integration. The French "no" has at the same time cast more doubt on how the Franco-German special relationship works in the EU. The reasons for both countries' decisions to reject the text could also have led to a "no" in referenda in other member states, including Germany. That is why it is essential to understand these reasons first so as to gain a clear understanding of the nature of the crisis. Such considerations must fulfil the terms of reference, as suggested for the "period of reflection" set out by the European Council. The "period of reflection" is ongoing.
