EU Constitution Creates new Posts, Curtails Veto

One of the new positions is that of European Union President. The President will be elected by the EU leaders and will be in charge of representing the EU at international meetings.

Along with the post of EU President is the office of EU Foreign Minister. The EU Foreign Minister will chair the meetings of Foreign Ministers from EU member countries and will shape many policies ranging from terrorism to keeping the peace. He will also represent the EU abroad with the EU President.

The members’ right to veto is curtailed in nearly 50 areas, including law, judiciary, education and economy. The members retain their right to veto in the areas of foreign affairs, defense, social security, tax and culture.

There is also a change to the EU Commission in the Constitution. It will limit the number of commissioners to the one third of the member countries after 2014. The number of commissioners will be 30 until 2014.