EUROPE: CALL FOR 'PIONEER GROUP' OF EU STATES

Article Abstract:

The French President, Jacques Chirac, has issued a calls for a redrafted European constitution, and a 'pioneer group' of states within the European Union (EU) to develop common policies in a range of areas. The proposal, which appears to have taken some EU members by surprise, could in effect create a two-tier EU: its first division would be built around the euro and common policies on areas ranging from economic affairs to defence, and the second division would comprise countries opposed to the single currency. The activities of the first group would, under President Chirac's proposals, be co-ordinated by a new secretariat bypassing the European Commission. There are fears that the radical approach could threaten to isolate the UK government. France is due to take over EU presidency for six months from 1 July 2000.

European Union, Public affairs, Social policy, Constitutions, Chirac, Jacques

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UK: BRITAIN COULD JOIN EURO SOON

Article Abstract:

Britain could join the euro single currency sooner than people think according to trade and industry minister Helen Liddell. The government is preparing for entry and she believes the Labour government will hold a referendum after the next election. Speaking to German newspaper Berliner Zeitung she added that the government no longer had reservations about the euro in principle. However, Downing Street insisted the Government would not call a referendum immediately after the next election and that Liddell's comments were confused in the translation.

Government regulation (cont), Money

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UK: IMPACT OF EU WITHDRAWAL ON JOBS

Article Abstract:

Should the UK decide to withdraw from the European Union, 30% of its 27.2mn workforce would lose their jobs, according to a National Institute for Economic & Social Research report. The report, scheduled for release in the week beginning 21 February 2000, says that such a move would also halve the UK's exports, claiming that employment would decline by about 8mn if prices and pay remained the same. The report is expected to be used by pr-Europe members UK government in an initiative to end wave of Euro scepticism among the general public.

Employment, Forecasts, trends, outlooks, Foreign Trade (Exports & Imports), Planning

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