How the EU avoids referendums
German MEP Elmar Brok yesterday admitted that the simplified procedure for amending the EU treaty was selected in order to avoid potential national referendums.
Mr Brok, who is a leading figure within the EPP Group in the European Parliament, co-wrote the report which has now paves the way for creation of a European Stability Mechanism - a mechanism expected to be endorsed at the summit of EU Member States today.
While the financial crises faced by certain Member States may require a swift response from the EU or the IMF, the flagrant way that national electorates are being avoided in case they should disagree with legislation emanating fom Brussels is the sad reality that people, it appears, are no longer embarrassed to point out publicly.
Unsuprisingly, the Report was adopted by 494 votes in favour, 100 against and 9 abstentions.