By B. Papadimitriou

It is essential that Greece holds a referendum on the EU Constitution. A plebiscite would trigger an in-depth discussion over the future of our country in the bloc and enable citizens to clarify their stance on Greece’s foreign policy.

Indeed, what sort of relationship should Greece maintain with the European Union and the United States? To what extent do we believe that Turkish membership of the bloc would improve our ties with our eastern neighbor? Can we trust the Franco-German axis and what should Greece’s role be in finding a role for the Balkans in Europe? Will a single EU foreign policy voice enhance Greece’s sense of national security?

Furthermore, a public debate on the EU would render us accountable on crucial domestic policy issues. It is easy to accuse former French President Valery Giscard d’Estaing’s draft text of lacking a “social dimension.” However, could the British be right that it is the national governments which should have the final say on issues such as social security, health and education?

An open discussion over the content of Europe’s charter would reveal the big responsibilities of a vast section of the Greek population which should shoulder its share of responsibility on the tough path toward structural reform rather than take shelter behind the — often disliked — European directives.