EU leaders may find new constitution a tough sell

BRUSSELS, Belgium — Getting agreement on its first constitution took three years of wrangling. Now the European Union may face an even tougher fight in selling the charter on the streets and in the parliaments of Europe amid growing skepticism about the wisdom of more integration.

The historic deal, reached Friday night after two days of contentious talks, now must be ratified by each of the 25 member nations either by referendum or parliamentary vote — and reaction in some countries suggested just how hard the pitch will be.

"Blair sells out to EU," the British newspaper The Sun declared on its front page Saturday in lambasting Prime Minister Tony Blair. The Daily Telegraph said Blair had committed the "worst blunder of his premiership."

Spain's conservative Popular Party criticized the Socialist government for agreeing to a deal that it said would lessen Spain's voting clout in the EU. Spain "is no longer in the group of important countries," said Angel Acebes, a former interior minister.

The treaty includes a 50-article charter of fundamental rights, including the right to free speech and religion as well as shelter, education and fair working conditions.

It also retains a requirement for unanimous votes on foreign and defense policy, social security, taxation and culture.

But to streamline decision making, the charter would end national vetoes in some 50 new policy areas, including judicial and police cooperation, education and economic policy. That's what alarms people worried about the EU evolving into a federal "superstore" that would erode national sovereignty.

Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, who as chairman of the summit was credited with clinching the agreement, said he was convinced Europeans will embrace the charter.

"This is a great achievement for Europe and for all Europeans," he said. He said that the treaty would help safeguard human rights and democracy and that its promise to promote peace "will resonate with all decent people."

But while EU leaders toasted their deal with champagne, they also had to admit they failed to select a new head of the European Commission, the EU's executive body. At least eight candidates were considered, including several prime ministers, but none could muster sufficient support.