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EU Summit Opens in Nice
European Union (EU) leaders began discussing reform issues at the three-day summit in Nice on Thursday, December 7, trying to pave the way for the bloc's eastward expansion.
Top issues on the agenda concern key internal reforms to facilitate EU expansion. Leaders are discussing the size of the European Commission, reforming the Council of Ministers voting mechanism, and re-weighting council votes.
If leaders can reach an agreement on these issues, the Union will become stronger and more efficient.
During the summit, leaders will also discuss reinforced cooperation, so that the 15 EU members may more easily carry out certain programs.
EU leaders will also discuss an amendment to the European Commission's proposal that would allow the EU to accept new members beginning in 2003.
EU foreign ministers will discuss defense issues, in particular member states' contributions to the European Rapid Reaction Force, permanent arrangements for consultation and cooperation between the EU and NATO, and the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy.
In addition to discussing the "mad cow" crisis, the leaders will discuss the European Commission's plans for food safety legislation and the proposed establishment of a European Food Authority.
Leaders will most likely agree on a treaty amendment that allows the Union to monitor states suspected of violating commitments on human rights and that stipulates a European Social Agenda for cooperation among countries on creating jobs, fighting poverty and ending discrimination.
Observers believe the results of the Nice summit will mark a turning point in the EU's history.
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