Blair and Europe

Question 1

What were Blair’s main aims in Foreign policy?

Answer 1

• To make the UK a leading player in Europe
• To strengthen the Commonwealth
• To secure reform for a more effective UN
• Commitment to foster a people’s diplomacy to increase respect, understanding and goodwill for Britain among nations as well as governments - ethical foreign policy
• Taking a lead role in Foreign Policy globally

Question 2

Timeline of Blair’s Foreign policy in Europe

Answer 2

• 1997 - Treaty of Amsterdam: amendment and consolidation of existing treaties
• 1999 - Launch of the Euro
• 2001 - Treaty of Nice: reform of institutions to cope with expansion
• 2004 - Expansion of EU from 15 to 25 states: accession of Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia
• 2004 - establishment of a constitution
• 2007 - Enlargement of the EU to 27 states: accession of Bulgaria and Romania
• 2007 - Treaty of Lisbon: to increase efficiency and democracy (replacing the 2004 Constitution)

Question 3

What was significant about the Treaty of Amsterdam 1997?

Answer 3

• Britain abandoned its op-outs on EU employment and social policy bringing Britain closer to Europe

Question 4

What was significant about St Malo Treaty 1998?

Answer 4

• Britain withdrew its objection to a common European defense policy

Question 5

What was Blair’s attitude to Europe after 2000?

Answer 5

• Britain was not particularly enthusiastic towards Europe and was wary of a European ‘superstate’ was less effusive but was still very pro-European. But not quite as open about closer European integration

Question 6

What was Blair’s “third way” in terms of European policy?

Answer 6

• A EU made up of friendly nation states, retaining their sovereignty and independence, but collaborating on issues of common political and economic interests

Question 7

What were Blair’s arguments for a single currency?

Answer 7

• Would bring Britain at the heart of Europe enhancing Britain’s status in Europe and that Blair was a big supporter of it.

Question 8

Why was single currency rejected?

Answer 8

• Brown’s 5 economic tests that Euro would have to pass before adoption by Britain, which included impact on jobs, inflation and trade. The Euro did not come close to passing the 5 tests and so was rejected.

Question 9

How did Blair become a “big player” in Europe?

Answer 9

• Blair’s pro -European stance, the measures he had taken since becoming PM, and Britain’s relative economic strength and political clout

Question 10

What did Blair want from CAP?

Answer 10

• Wanted reform from the CAP
• Britain was paying more into CAP than what they were receiving in benefits

Question 11

What happened with the rebate?

Answer 11

• Blair didn’t achieve what he wanted
• Wanted to continue the rebate but in 2005 the EU demanded that Britain should increase its contributions and Blair compelled.

Question 12

How far was the establishment of the European Constitution popular?

Answer 12

• Rejected in Denmark and France, leading to Blair stating he wouldn’t have a referendum on it, opinion polls showed that most was against it

Question 13

What effect did the wars in Iraq have on Blair’s relationship with Europe?

Answer 13

• Britain and France opposed each other in regards to 2003 Iraq war, which damaged Britain’s relationship with Chirac.
• Damaged Britain’s reputation
• Strained - Britain more closer to the USA