The march toward a larger, more integrated Europe took another step forward last weekend with the opening of the intergovernmental conference (IGC) that will approve the new European constitution. The drafting of the document has been an unprecedented exercise in democracy for the European Union. That does not mean that it is guaranteed passage in its current form. Serious questions remain, and public confidence in the final product depends on a spirited and open debate. Yet, equally important is the creation of a document that balances the need for democracy in EU institutions with efficiency in decision-making. It is a delicate balancing act, and no outcome can be assumed.

The constitutional convention began 16 months ago, directed by former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing. The resulting draft is a bulky and sometimes unwieldy document of 465 articles; while the intent and the compromises have been applauded, the language itself has often been skewered.

Last weekend, 25 presidents and prime ministers descended on Rome to discuss that draft. If all goes according to schedule, those discussions will conclude in December and the treaty will be signed next May. All members of the EU must then ratify the final document; several have said that they will hold referendums on it. In any case, it will receive a public verdict in the European Parliament elections that will be held in June 2004.