Blair and Chirac's heavy responsibility

4.33.44pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 7th Oct 2005

Graham Watson MEP, leader of the European Liberal Democrat Grouping in the European Parliament comments on Blair Chirac meeting in Paris today:

"Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac, the punch and judy of EU politics, meet in Paris today. With a recent history of trading insults and punches it is time that they look for some common ground and European vision after conspiring to wreck Europe's Constitution and its budget."

"Blair is responsible for calling a referendum on the Constitution without any evident commitment to holding a genuine public debate on the subject which might have threatened his chances of re-election last May. Chirac followed suit with his own disastrous decision to call for a popular vote on the text followed by a lacklustre campaign and inability to outline a clear vision for Europe. These two are the chief architects of Europe's current malaise. They have done precious little in their long tenures at Europe's High table to inspire or enthuse public opinion on the crucial strategic importance of a solid and stable EU."

"Their latest scrap will be a fight over the EU budget and for Europe's social model - paradoxically a right wing President defending a protectionist and paternalistic state approach versus a labour Prime Minister promoting the merits of an open, liberal economy."

"The UK rebate and farming subsidies both need to be reformed in tandem. Blair is right to insist on a major review of EU budget priorities but he must be prepared to accept that the UK rebate is part of the problem. The relationship between CAP and Britain's rebate holds the key to a fair and rational budget framework for the future. Blair and Chirac's tête-à-tête today will indicate whether there is any sign of the big beasts of the jungle lifting Europe out of its current state of uncertainty."