,,G 5"
LA BAULE Taking advantage of a new alliance of the five largest EU states, Berlin promotes the formation of the EU according to German interests. For the time being the alliance of Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy and Spain applies only to domestic and judiciary policies. For the smaller EU states it is tantamount to a far reaching loss of power in these areas.
The efficiency of the new alliance was demonstrated at the recent second meeting of the interior ministers in La Baule. The German press emphasizes the common or ,,the unidirectional interests"of the participants, stating: ,,this easily understandable circle reduces the necessity for translations". The next meeting of the alliance of the interior ministers ( ,,G 5") to expedite arrangements for the European police authority Europol is to take place in Germany in February. This and all future meetings will be organized by a ,,permanent coordinator."
Alliance for deportations
In La Baule far reaching decisions were made enabling states to repel undesired immigration and include entry of biometric features in visa and residency documents. Among others, airlines as well as bus and sea transportation companies will be required to submit, to all authorities, personal data of persons entering the EU. Agreements to deport persons who arrive without the proper documentation ( ,,repatriation agreement") are to be withdrawn from the jurisdiction of the EU commission. In Brussels it is said that this is due to indignation by EU authorities and several smaller states to submit to strict German deportation policies.
Changing coalitions
With this new alliance Berlin extends its opportunities to reach majority decisions according to German interests through shifting coalitions within the EU. While the German government seeks to reach its foreign and defense policy goals in an alliance with France and the Benelux States, Berlin can count on the support of the Mediterranean states Spain and Italy in intercepting unwanted immigration due to common interests.
See also earlier article Divide et impera
Sources:
Grosse EU-Staaten wollen Informationen von Passagierlisten; reuters 20.10.2003
Die Runde der Fuenf; Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung 22.10.2003
EU-Fuenferrunde stoesst auf Misstrauen; Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung 23.10.2003