Introduction: time for an EU constitution The Rt Hon Peter Hain MP
The EU is not simple. The founding fathers set out to devise a political and economic order for a highly developed, culturally diverse region of the world. They wanted to create a dynamic framework – unique among international organisations – that would not just operate at the lowest common denominator of agreement. It has been remarkably successful: Europe’s peace and prosperity have been assured by the founding fathers’ vision of bringing us together to achieve common goals. But the corollary of dynamism is popular consent. And the risk of projects as ambitious and complex as this one is that people feel they are in a fastmoving car, without any influence over the controls. Fifty years on, the founders’ goals remain essential and viable. But around them, the needs and expectations of our citizens have developed. One of the paradoxes of the modern world is that globalisation, and increased economic interdependence, have made us all think harder about our identity and our roots. We see ourselves as, say, Geordies or Brummies, as English or Welsh, as British and increasingly as European. We have no problem carrying those different identities in our heads, and we are proud of them all. Integration and co-operation across borders have undoubtedly improved our lives in many ways. But they have not convinced us that we want to be the same. They have made many of us value our diversity, and our local and regional heritage, even more. And we want to see that reflected in our political arrangements.