May 21, 2004: After a five month break, foreign ministers from all 25 European Union countries resumed negotiations in Brussels on Monday and Tuesday on the proposed EU constitution. After two days, the diplomats adjourned their meeting without having reached an agreement. The failure to reach an agreement was a disappointment, since an earlier disagreement over the proposed new voting system had been resolved in March of this year.

At the EU summit conference last December Poland and Spain prevented adoption of the constitution by rejecting its "double majority" voting system for future EU decisions, which will replace the current unanimity rule. Many consider the new voting system to be essential for the EU to retain effectiveness in reaching agreements among its 25 members.

Following the Madrid terrorist bombings on March 11, 2004 and the election of a new Spanish government, both countries now accept the "double majority" system in principle, but are still not satisfied with the proposal. The "double majority" ballot foresees a simple majority of EU countries representing at least 60 percent of EU total population. Poland and Spain want an additional provision that would give more weight to smaller EU countries, making it easier for them to veto proposals.

Britain's foreign minister Jack Straw surprised the meeting by voicing British objection to having any decision in tax, judicial, social and foreign policy matters made via the proposed "double majority" system. For these areas Britain wants to keep the current unanimity rule, which emphasizes national sovereignty. Since negotiations were considered to completed on this item, the new British concerns present a challenge for reaching agreement in time for June's EU summit meeting.

German foreign minister Joschka Fischer denied press reports quoting him as having referred to Britain's stance during the negotiations as a problem. German newspapers had reported Fischer being upset over the "salami tactics" used by the British to gain concessions bit by bit on various items they would like to have removed from the proposed text of the new constitution.

Finnish foreign minister Erkki Tuomioja doubts that the EU constitution can be approved next month. "Just a month ago I was 80 percent sure that we could complete it. Now I think its 50-50," Tuomioja remarked at the conclusion of the Brussels meeting ("Wiener Zeitung", May 19, 2004).