Negotiating the future of europe - an analysis of the convention's procedural arrangements

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Preface
• A. Introduction
• B. The Convention Method
  • Defining an IGC
  • The Legal Background
  • The Interactive Relationship between an IGC and the Council
  • How to approach an IGC
  • IGCs in a theoretical perspective
  • Setting and Procedural Arrangements of former IGCS
  • The first circle of IGCs: 1950 - 1957
  • The second circle of IGCs: 1985 - 2000
  • IGC 2004 and the twin examples of the Convention on the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Convention on the Future of Europe
    • The Convention on the Charter of Fundamental Rights
    • The Future of Europe – Debate
    • The Convention on the Future of Europe
    • What makes the Difference?
    • Negotiation Process
    • Traditional Style vs. Convention Method
    • Future Prospects of the Convention Method
• C. Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This dissertation focuses on the Convention on the Future of Europe, a body launched in 2002 with the task of preparing the next Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) in 2004. The dissertation examines the Convention's procedural arrangements, specifically the "Convention Method" and its differences from previous IGCs. Key themes explored in this work include:

• The nature and function of Intergovernmental Conferences (IGCs).
• The historical development of IGCs and their preparatory groups.
• The distinct features of the Convention Method, particularly in comparison to traditional IGC preparations.
• The influence of negotiation processes on the outcomes of IGCs and the behavior of participating actors.
• The complex interplay between intergovernmentalism and supranationalism within the European Union.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• A. Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of "ever closer Union" in the European integration process and highlights the challenges posed by EU enlargement. It establishes the role of Intergovernmental Conferences (IGCs) in addressing treaty amendments and reforms, emphasizing the influence of preparatory committees on IGC outcomes.
• B. The Convention Method: This chapter begins by defining IGCs, exploring their legal background, and examining the relationship between IGCs and the Council. It then delves into various perspectives on IGCs, including theoretical, legal, and practical approaches. The chapter proceeds with a historical analysis of IGCs and their preparatory groups, focusing on the setting, procedural arrangements, and mandates of different IGCs throughout the EU's history. Finally, the chapter examines the Convention on the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Convention on the Future of Europe, highlighting their distinct characteristics in relation to IGC 2004.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The main keywords and focus topics of this dissertation include Intergovernmental Conferences (IGCs), Convention Method, European Union, negotiation processes, EU enlargement, intergovernmentalism, supranationalism, institutional reform, and treaty amendments.