UK to Have Key EU Opt-Outs Merkel is pursuing alternatives to EU constitution, plans to push through substance by way of treaties, UK likely to be offered substantial opt-outs, including justice and any 'fundamental rights' that impinge on employment law 16.05.07 Financial Times, EU Law

Push for EU Constitution Lite PM Tony Blair has had talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the potential for another try at an EU constitution, focus on fast-track 'amending treaty' which would not require referenda 25.04.07 ePolitix

Back to the Constitution Summit has endorsed move to bring EU to 'common basis' before 2009 election, simplified constitution under another name and without referendums 26.03.07 Daily Mail, EU Law

Merkel Retreads Constitution German Chancellor plans to use EU presidency to launch new, heavily reduced version of the constitution, hope it will go through governments and not require referendums 09.03.07 Guardian, EU Law

New Life for EU Constitution Most of the objections to the constitution were to text already in force, take them out and the treaty can be re-presented to states that rejected it, but not to states that have ratified it 20.02.07 Telegraph, EU Law

Don't Mention the Constitution Brown and Blair have agreed to reject any reform in the EU unless there is agreement to bury the constitution, fear it will dominate politics in run up to election 01.02.07 Times, EU Law

Hoon Plans EU Reform-Lite Europe minister Geoff Hoon says there is consensus among member states for 'streamlining' decision-making process, sidesteps grand plan of new constitution 03.11.06 Guardian

Tight Restrictions on New EU Members Roumania and Bulgaria to accede to EU in January, but will face sanctions as early March if they fail to show clear improvement in criminal justice, corruption 27.09.06 Guardian, Corruption, EU Law

EU Parliament Fraud City of Strasbourg suspected of raking E150m by over-charging rent on parliament buildings, suspicion of fraud, police likely to be called 26.04.06 Times, EU Law, Microsoft

EU Constitution Austria takes over EU presidency and says it wants to revive constitution, elements in France and Germany call for picking off bits we like 09.01.06 Telegraph, EU Law