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

Table of Contents

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

Objectives and Topics of the Dissertation

This dissertation examines the procedural arrangements of the "Convention Method" used to prepare the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) 2004, focusing on how this approach differs from the traditional, intergovernmental methods employed in previous treaty reforms. The central research question explores whether the Convention Method represents a successful model for enhancing transparency, democratic legitimacy, and efficiency in the European Union's negotiation processes.

• Evolution of the "Convention Method" from the Charter of Fundamental Rights to the Convention on the Future of Europe.
• Comparative analysis of traditional intergovernmental negotiation styles versus the newer, more supranational-oriented Convention approach.
• The impact of institutional composition, leadership, and working methods on the negotiation process.
• The influence of internal controversies, public perception, and communication strategies on the final outcomes of IGC preparations.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

A. Introduction: This chapter outlines the context of European integration, the role of Intergovernmental Conferences (IGCs), and introduces the focus on the Convention Method as a new procedural approach for preparing treaty reforms.

B. The Convention Method: This main part provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal and theoretical definitions of IGCs, reviews the history of former preparatory arrangements, and investigates the twin examples of the Convention on the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Convention on the Future of Europe.

C. Conclusion: The final chapter synthesizes the analysis, reflecting on whether the Convention Method successfully offers a more transparent and democratic alternative to traditional intergovernmental practices in shaping the future of the European Union.

Keywords

Intergovernmental Conference, Convention Method, European Union, Treaty Reform, Supranationalism, Intergovernmentalism, Procedural Arrangements, Negotiation Process, Institutional Reform, Enlargement, Charter of Fundamental Rights, Future of Europe, Multi-level Governance, Decision-making, Democratic Legitimacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this dissertation?

The work focuses on the procedural arrangements and working methods of the "Convention Method" used to prepare for the 2004 Intergovernmental Conference, rather than the substantive content of the treaties themselves.

What are the central themes explored in this research?

Key themes include the shift from traditional intergovernmental negotiation styles toward more open, supranational-based practices, the importance of institutional design in decision-making, and the impact of these changes on transparency and legitimacy.

What is the primary research goal?

The primary goal is to determine if the Convention Method is a viable and appropriate model for organizing preparatory work for future IGCs within the European Union.

Which scientific methods are applied?

The author uses a comparative institutional analysis, examining historical records of preparatory committees and contrasting them with the organizational structure and procedural rules of the newer Conventions.

What topics are covered in the main section?

The main part covers the legal background of IGCs, theoretical frameworks of integration, the history of former IGCs, the specific mechanisms of the Conventions (Charter and Future of Europe), and a critical discussion of the negotiation processes.

Which keywords characterize this work?

Essential keywords include Intergovernmental Conference (IGC), Convention Method, Supranationalism, European Union, and Multi-level governance.

How does the Convention Method differ from previous preparatory models?

Unlike traditional models that were limited to representatives of Heads of State and Government, the Convention Method includes a diverse group of actors, including national parliamentarians, MEPs, and representatives from candidate countries, aiming for greater openness.

Does the author consider the role of the Chairperson in the Convention?

Yes, the author discusses the leadership of the Convention, particularly the role of the Chair and Praesidium, noting that their influence on the agenda and working program has at times caused controversy among convention members.