Coffee shops will stay open to fonctionnaires

Despite not being in favour, the Dutch nevertheless prepared a sweetener in case the Germans were successful in their push for Treaty change at this week’s European Council.

A better way to reach a joint agreement?

The new government in The Hague is introducing an exception to the proposed restriction on coffee shops selling cannabis to non-Dutch residents. According to the official who woke up on the floor of a Brussels Jungle reporter this morning, the measure is to help hard-pressed EU civil servants relax and perhaps find the mental space necessary for juggling all the conflicting demands of member states.

The original plan offered access solely to those unfortunates directly involved in developing proposals for amendments to the EU’s rule book. But this was considered unworkable: “Where would it be possible to draw the line?” asked an old Brussels hand at the Netherlands representation.  It has therefore been decided to extend the opportunity to all badge-carrying employees of the institutions.

Reactions to the move from those in the know have been entirely positive. “We said never again after Lisbon,” sighed Mary Jane (not her real name), “this is the only way we could face up to such a challenge and not make a hash of negotiations.”