Is enlargement possible without the Nice Treaty?
Theoretically yes, although there are limits. Some analysts are saying that the first wave of enlargement could still go ahead as planned. The current Amsterdam Treaty allows enlargement to up to five new Member States before 2006. Institutional issues, such as the participation of the new members in the European Parliament, Council and Commission, could also theoretically be resolved by additional treaty agreements. Q: How will leaders at the Gothenburg summit handle the situation? They will be on major damage limitation control! The Europeans wanted to show Bush that the enlargement project is on track – a “fait accompli”. Instead of this, he will see enlargement as a divisive and difficult issue for the Europeans. The fact that Ireland – a well known European enthusiast – has failed miserably to sell a credible political case for the Nice Treaty will occupy much table talk with other EU leaders keen to hear the Irish Prime Minster say when he plans to hold the second referendum. Q:
