ABSTRACT
After successfully completing the European Economic and Monetary Union we are currently observing two processes: a process of reforming the financing of the European Union budget (Agenda 2000) in order to secure future financial position of the EU and a first process of negotiations between the EU and some transition countries (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia) about EU membership of these countries. Imagine a European Union with twenty or more members without a sound financial system and without some basic constitutional reforms (ending in a European federal constitution) – this would lead to a situation where the advantages of the EU are fewer than the disadvantages, with the consequence of destroying the EU. In order to avoid a major crisis of the functioning of the EU and in order to give the transition countries a real chance to become EU members in a foreseeable time, some (minimal) European federal union will be necessary.
