The EU is expanding

Final proposals for a draft EU constitution protect the nation state and improve the accountability of Brussels, Peter Hain has claimed. The newly promoted leader of the Commons who was one of the UK's delegates on the convention that came up with the draft constitution, said the document laid the path to a more efficiently run EU. But Mr Hain's comments are unlikely quieten those critics who argue that massive constitutional change is planned which should be the subject of a referendum. It has taken 16 months for the convention - chaired by former French president Valerie Giscard d'Estaing - to come up the controversial plans. The treaty was "simpler and clearer" and would help create a more efficient and effective EU once 10 more countries join the organisation next year. Mr Hain highlighted the establishment for the first time of a permanent president of Europe - a key British goal.