Stability pact

“Golden Rule” doesn’t glitter anymore

Published on 13 January 2012 at 12:32

"'Golden Rule' is no longer obligatory in national constitutions",” writes Público. According to the Lisbon daily, the enforcement of the principle of balanced budgets in the EU member state constitutions is about to be abandoned "although Germany is not yet totally convinced".

In spite of Berlin`s intentions, many countries — like Ireland, Denmark or France — have invoked legal or political difficulties in modifying their constitutions, putting ratification of the EU’s new stability pact in doubt. The new draft treaty, the subject of discussion among national officials in Brussels this January 12, is to grant each country the right to decide how to proceed.

According to the Lisbon daily, new rules will be implemented on 1 January 2013. Eurozone states will not only be obliged to have eliminated current budget deficits, but also to ensure that budgets are balanced from then on.

We are "closer to a European consensus", writes Público in its editorial, adding that the new treaty should be approved before the end of January by all EU members, except the UK:

Receive the best of European journalism straight to your inbox every Thursday

Things will not go exactly as the Germans wanted. A concession… was made for the sake of the main goal, which is to have the new budget agreement signed as soon as possible. The roadmap for the German plan to combat the euro crisis requires speed and the new rules will be included in permanent legislation of the member states.

Tags

Was this article useful? If so we are delighted!

It is freely available because we believe that the right to free and independent information is essential for democracy. But this right is not guaranteed forever, and independence comes at a cost. We need your support in order to continue publishing independent, multilingual news for all Europeans.

Discover our subscription offers and their exclusive benefits and become a member of our community now!

Are you a news organisation, a business, an association or a foundation? Check out our bespoke editorial and translation services.

Support independent European journalism

European democracy needs independent media. Join our community!

On the same topic