HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

In a recent development, a 60-page document outlining a fresh Franco-German plan for various layers of EU membership has surfaced. This proposal extends an invitation for Britain to rejoin the European Union as an 'associate' country, introducing the possibility of a Norway-style relationship with Brussels. The Daily Mail, made public concurrently with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, introduces a novel framework for European integration, featuring four distinct tiers.

The plan, commissioned jointly by the French and German governments, envisions a multi-speed European Union, with an 'inner circle' at its core comprising Eurozone nations. Britain is considered a prospective member of the third tier, characterised by a relationship akin to Norway's arrangement with the EU. This would entail British adherence to EU judicial decisions, financial contributions to the EU budget, and reentry into the EU's single market, possibly accompanied by the reinstatement of free movement.

The role of former Labour Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair in what some perceive as a covert effort to overturn Brexit has drawn scrutiny. Recent revelations indicate that Sir Tony leveraged his extensive EU connections to facilitate Sir Keir's meeting with President Macron at the Elysee Palace.

According to a Whitehall source, Sir Tony is convinced that portraying Brexit as a disaster can bolster Labour's electoral prospects, urging his successor to consider reversing it. Senior Conservative MP David Jones speculates that Sir Keir would likely embrace 'associate' EU membership if he were to become Prime Minister, noting his previous support for a second Brexit referendum.

Former business secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg characterises Sir Keir as a committed Europhile who aims to achieve his goals through subtle means. Despite Sir Keir's promise of securing a better deal with the EU, the Labour Party has publicly rejected the Franco-German blueprint for 'associate' membership, as articulated by Shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds.

So, how does the Franco-German plan function, and what implications does it hold for Britain? French President Emmanuel Macron has advocated for a 'multi-speed' EU since Brexit, considering the possibility of the bloc expanding to encompass countries like Ukraine and Moldova. The Franco-German plan, nicknamed 'Macron's onion' due to its tiered structure, appears to have been tailored with Labour in mind.

According to an EU source, these proposals were meticulously designed to create a potential space for Britain without necessitating full reintegration into the EU or a referendum. The 60-page document lays out four potential levels of EU integration:

1. The Inner Circle: This entails the deepest level of political and economic integration, reserved for Eurozone and Schengen area members. These nations would coordinate on taxation, finance, defence, and foreign policy, relinquishing their national vetoes in these domains.

2. The EU: Existing and future EU members wishing to remain outside the deepest integration level would still adhere to established EU political objectives outlined in the Lisbon Treaty.

3. Associate Members: This 'outer tier' would include countries participating in the EU's single market without full membership. Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are mentioned, with even the UK considered a possible addition. Associate members would fall under EU judicial jurisdiction, make financial contributions to the EU budget, and participate in the single market, likely necessitating adherence to free movement rules. However, they would not be obliged to pursue 'ever closer union' or deeper political integration in areas such as justice and home affairs.

4. The European Political Community: The second 'outer tier' would establish looser bilateral relations with Brussels, excluding access to the single market. Instead, it would emphasise 'geopolitical convergence' and political cooperation in areas like security, energy, and environmental policies. Britain has actively engaged with the European Political Community since its inception.

Germany's Europe minister, Anna Luhrmann, highlighted the importance of EU enlargement, particularly concerning Ukraine and Moldova, which became EU candidates last year and aspire to commence accession talks by the end of 2023.

Sir Keir Starmer's closed-door meeting with President Macron at the Elysee Palace focused on political discussions. Sir Keir expressed his commitment to strengthening the UK-France relationship if Labour were to assume power, characterising their talks as 'very political.' A senior French source praised Sir Keir for projecting moral authority and not approaching the meeting as a transactional negotiation.

Stella Creasy, chairman of the Labour Movement for Europe, asserted that Brexit could not be made to work and acknowledged the lengthy process of regaining full EU membership. However, she emphasised aiming high for 2025, echoing sentiments expressed during Sir Keir's visit to Paris.

Downing Street clarified that Chancellor Rishi Sunak is not interested in pursuing associate EU membership, while Labour declined to comment on whether Sir Keir discussed this proposal with President Macron. Sir Tony Blair also refrained from making any statements on the matter.

Source: Daily Mail