Future Uncertainties
It's about 15 months since the European Economic Community enlarged its membership from six to nine, to the accompaniment of resounding declarations of intent on monetary union and a common foreign policy. Today the Community faces its darkest hour. Its relations with Washington are badly strained. The new minority government in Westminster is asking to ' re-negotiate' the terms of Britain's membership and intends to submit the outcome to a popular vote. The government in Paris is temporarily incapacitated until the people of France elect a new President. Their preference may not be for a candidate of the ruling Gaullist coalition.
Charles Wheeler , the BBC's Chief European Correspondent, talks to politicians and other leading figures in Britain and Europe about the current crisis and its possible solution. Producer BERNARD TATE