About the EU: Some things are clear

Eureopean Union leaders and issues often seem mysterious to most Americans.

There're good reasons for that. Many of Europes leaders, like many leaders here, hide their true intentions. Issues are regularly fogged up.

But once in a while, the sun shines through; and thoughtful Americans (Europeans,too) have a chance to get a better understanding of some of the who and what and whys of the EU.

We have one of those chances now thanks to an AP background article on the two-day summit of EU leaders which starts today. Here are samples:

Thursday's talks were scheduled to focus on the future of the constitution, with leaders split over whether to now press ahead with ratification (following French and Dutch rejection). But the budget battle, officially on the agenda for Friday, was already darkening the atmosphere.

France refuses cuts in generous handouts to its farmers; Italy says it will veto a deal that cuts aid to its poor south; Germany wants to reduce its contribution to the EU's accounts; Britain is clinging to the $5.5 billion annual rebate former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher won two decades ago by telling the continentals: "We want our money back!"

Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende's country objects to being the largest per-capita payer into the EU's coffers.

Despite the general support for the need for further integration, there were differences over whether to press ahead with the proposed constitution, which must be ratified by all 25 members.

The constitution debate has hardened governments' position in the fight over EU funding, as leaders heed voters' concerns that decisions from the EU's Brussels headquarters override their national interests.

Determined to fight, French President Jacques Chirac insists the agriculture subsides that eat up half the EU's budget — and favor French farmers — are untouchable.

The entire article is here and worth reading.

The EU may become a stong economic rival to the U.S. but not anytime soon.