The European Constitution

Until very recently, the word 'constitution' was noticeably absent form the EU's political vocabulary. However, as soon as it became clear that the gap between the institutions of EU and its citizens must be bridged, the European Convention of 2003 developed a single integrated constitutional text, which was quickly adopted by the heads of all EU Member States and submitted to the States for ratification in 2004. This remarkable book is the first in-depth analysis of the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe. Although the author, notable constitutional jurist Jacques Ziller, acknowledges that the new Constitution is in many ways a grand integration of elements from exiting European law (most importantly from the case law of the European Court of Justice), he clearly explains the treaty's innovations and its far-reaching implications for the future of Europe. Combining legislative history, acute insight, rigorous analysis, and detailed supplementary information, "The New European Constitution" elucidates the genesis, growth, and future implications of this intriguing European development. Professor Ziller's treatment covers and investigates such as the following: the background, composition and internal organisation of the Convention; profiles of the Convention's principal players; the drafting of the constitutional text; the Constitution's chapters and themes and the problems addressed by each of them; the major objections made to the text; and procedure for future amendments. In one of the book's most extraordinary features, the commentary is regularly accompanied by tables illustrating essential terms and concepts pertinent to the discussion. Whether the ratification process succeeds or not, Professor Ziller has rendered a service of inestimable value, as the principles and arguments crystallised in this moment of European political history will continue to exercise a profound effect on European society. And while the breath and precision of the knowledge embodied in this work is prodigious, the presentation is clear, simple, and captivating. It is sure to familiarize many interested parties with the new European constitution and what it means.