Italy wants Tony Blair to become president of the European Union – but a minister admitted today that Britain’s stance on immigration might hamper the former Prime Minister’s bid.
‘We have expressed our appreciation for Tony Blair, knowing however that there is a bloc of countries with concerns about him,’ Foreign Minister Franco Frattini told Corriere della Sera newspaper today.
Britain’s refusal to adopt the euro as its currency – and to sign up to the Schengen agreement – may be obstacles that will prevent other countries from agreeing with Italy, however.
Signing up to the Schengen agreement would open Britain’s borders to anyone travelling from Europe without a passport or visa, whether they were European or not.
Mr President: Tony Blair, pictured here with wife Cherie in 2004 on holiday with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, is expected by many to become the new EU president… LET’S HOPE HE IS NOT GOING TO BECOME THE PRESIDENT OF THE EU!
Calais mayor Natacha Bouchart has long been demanding Britain sign up to the agreement, which would allow refugees who congregate in the port as they wait to sneak into the UK to openly travel here.
‘We appreciate [Mr Blair] as a person. We realise these limits, we do not deny them,’ said the Italian minister.
The new role of long-term president of the European Council of MInisters is due to be created under the Lisbon Treaty.
Mr Blair’s name has long been tossed about as a potential candidate for the post, ever since it was raised by French President Nicolas Sarkozy back in 2007.
Britain’s Labour government also supports its former leader’s bid – but Mr Blair may find a roadblock in Germany’s Angela Merkel.
Other candidates may include Dutch premier Jan-Peter Bakenende and Finland’s Paaco Lipponen.
The appointment may be made at an EU summit later this month.
The Lisbon Treaty will take effect when Poland and the Czech Republic follow other member states in ratifying it.
Ireland just ratified the treaty last week.
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United States of Europe! Unbelievable! :(