UEF News e Newsletter 2004

16 February 2004

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary -14 February-, of the adoption by the European Parliament of the draft Constitutional Treaty presented by Altiero Spinelli, the Union of European Federalists reaffirms the urgency to proceed resolutely on the constituent track initiated twenty years ago.

According to UEF Secretary-General Bruno BOISSIERE : " a fundamental political act must now give concrete expression to the visionary ideas put forward at the time ; a first European Constitution should be adopted before the EP elections of June 2004. Indeed, without an immediate qualitative step forward as the one proposed by the European Convention, the European Union will neither get a chance to meet the current challenges nor be able to initiate further developments".

Altiero Spinelli's lucidity and vision of a democratic, efficient and transparent citizens'Europe must inspire all parliaments and governments, which have the political will to realize the federal aim as envisaged since the origin of European integration. Therefore the UEF invites the European Parliament to follow its vocation and to take, in a coordinated action together with the national parliaments, all necessary initiatives so that the current constitutional process leads to the approval of the Convention draft before the European elections.

" Governements must look ahead to the future of Europe, instead of going back to intergovernmental practices of the past which are not democratic and would also condemn Europe to the incapacity to act. The political Europe should not go backwards ", declared UEF President, Jo LEINEN, MEP.

3 March 2004

Peter Ustinov, a friend of global federalism has died

The President of the Union of European Federalists, Jo Leinen, Member of the European Parliament, described the death of Peter Ustinov as a great loss for the federalist family.

Peter Ustinov was a truly global citizen and had been the president of the World Federalist Movement (WFM) since 1991. He fought with passion for a multi-lateralist approach to solving the great problems of mankind. Under Ustinov's chairmanship the WFM built a successful coalition of 4000 NGO's to achieve the International Criminal Court as the means to realise human rights in the world.

UEF and WFM held their founding Congresses simultaneously in August 1947 in Montreux (Switzerland) following an initiative of resistance fighters from the second world war. Since the European Constitution and thus the political unification of Europe are within reach now, European federalists are from now on going to concentrate their efforts on Europe's Role in the world and on the strengthening of the United Nations and the rule of law. The European Congress of the Union of European Federalists in Genoa (19.-21. March 2004) therefore decided to unite European and World Federalists after more than 55 years of separate activities. The UEF will become the European branch of the WFM.

This has always been the aim of Peter Ustinov. In his spirit, the UEF will work increasingly on 'global governance issues', said UEF-president Jo Leinen.

23 March 2004

European Congress of the UEF: Jo LEINEN re-elected President - federalists call for the adoption of the constitution without veto

22 May 2004

The Prague Declaration

The participants of the international conference organized by the Union of European Federalists (UEF) in Prague on 21st to 22nd May 2004 declared in favour of the approval of the European Constitution in June.

Concerned by the negative developments in the new phase of the Intergovernmental Conference, the participants urged the governments of the member states to confirm all the democratic elements which have been introduced by the Convention to place the citizens at the heart of the new political union.

The Union should primarily become a citizens'union rather than merely a union of states. Therefore the participants sought to defend the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the co-decision and budgetary powers of the European Parliament, the election of the Commission president by the European Parliament, the double-majority voting in the Council as well as the citizens' initiative.

Any attempt by governments to water down or postpone the above mentioned improvements proposed by the Convention would endanger the necessary citizens' support in the Constitution; it would also weaken the capacity of the EU to act effectively.

Notes :

1. The Prague Conference was attended by about 120 participants from Albania, Bulgaria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Finland, United Kingdom.

2. The UEF, founded in 1946, is an independent and non-governmental European organisation, campaigning for a federal Europe. It is presided over by Jo LEINEN, German MEP.

26 May 2004

Convention: A Human Endeavor - a documentary - a debate

Just three and a half weeks before the EU Heads of State and Government take a final decision on the draft Constitutional Treaty produced by the European Convention, the Union of European Federalists (UEF) and Domino Productions, presented the Documentary "Convention" directed by Sergio Ghizzardi and Patrick Delfosse. More than 400 participants found their way into the European Parliament to watch this documentary and debate on the future of the Convention's draft Constitutional Treaty.

Modarated by Katryn Brahy, journalist of RTL-TVI, the debate gathered ex-Members of the Convention like Vice-President Jean-Luc DEHAENE, MEP Giorgos KATIFORIS (representative of the Greek EU-Presidency in the Praesidium), French MEP Olivier DUHAMEL (representative of the European Parliament in the Convention European Commissioner Peter BALAZS (representative of the Hungarian government in the Convention), Hannes FARNLEITNER (representative of the Austrian government in the Convention), Henrik HOLELEI, Head of Commissioner Kallas' Cabinet (representative of the Estonian government in the Convention) and the Head of the European Commission's Task force on the Future of the EU, Paolo PONZANO (representative of  the European Commission in the Convention).

All these actors of the "Human Endeavor" agreed that the Convention method has been far more successful than any previous intergovernmental conference and that the results on many issues go far beyond the Nice Treaty. They confirmed that the outcome was unhoped-for. As to the conclusion of the negotiation by the governments, they showed confidence that the Constitutional Treaty will be approved by the Heads of State and Government in late June. They acknowledged that the ambition of the Member states could not be as high as the one of the Convention. According to them, the steps forward will probably be minor, but will nevertheless be worth supporting.

UEF Secretary-General, former MEP Bruno BOISSIERE, showed concern about the postponement of crucial decisions by the IGC to the 14th of June, a day after the European elections, since this is a clear indication of a possible package of horse-traded concessions among the biggest countries. "This is a insult to the Convention !", Boissière exclaimed.

8 June 2004

European federalists launch appeal to the European citizens: go vote and take part in the shaping of the future of Europe

The European elections, which will be held from 10-13th June are historic. For the first time, people from the 10 new member states who have been separated from the free part of Europe for half a century will be able to participate in these elections. Across the 25 member states around 342 million people are called to go to the polls in order to elect a new European Parliament.

"The European elections are a unique chance for the Europeans to take part in the shaping of the future of Europe. We urge all citizens to seize their democratic right and go vote", says Jo Leinen, President of the Union of European Federalists (UEF).

"Nowadays, more than 70 percent of national legislation stems from the European level. The powers of the Parliament, the only directly elected body in the European Union, have been substantially strengthened during the past years. Hence, every single vote can make a difference", Mr. Leinen underlined.

According to UEF there is the danger that the European elections are once again misused as a referendum on the performance of the member state governments. That neglects the importance of the issues to be decided by the European Parliament.

The coming months and years are decisive for the creation of a democratic and efficient European Union. Only by giving the European Parliament a strong mandate, it can fulfil its role as the voice of the citizens and accordingly influence the direction Europe takes. "Against this background, we appeal to the European citizens to reinforce democracy in the European Union by going to the polls and thereby strengthen the place of the European Union in the world", the President of UEF concluded.

Three members of the Bureau of UEF run for the new European Parliament: Jo Leinen, President of UEF and Member of the outgoing European Parliament (Germany), Alojz Peterle, Vice-President of UEF and former representative of the accession countries in the Praesidium of the European Convention (Slovenia), as well as Thomas Mann, Member of the outgoing European Parliament (Germany).

16 June 2004

It's high time for a European Constitution! Europe cannot afford another failure, European federalists warn

The Union of European Federalists (UEF) urge the next European Summit starting on Thursday to adopt a European Constitution without any further due.

"There is one lesson to be learnt from last week's European elections: The citizens want a European Union that is democratic, transparent and accountable to them. We've heard enough lip services, now it's time to act. Europe cannot afford another failure", said Jo Leinen, President of UEF and Member of the outgoing and the newly elected European Parliament.

UEF warns against watering down the draft text for the sake of the least common denominator. "The Constitution has to be as close to the Convention's draft as possible", insisted Mr. Leinen. It is absolutely necessary that the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights be incorporated in the Constitution, thus making it legally binding as an important step towards a Union of Citizens. Furthermore, no retreat should be agreed as far as qualified majority voting and the powers of the European Parliament in both legislative and budgetary procedures are concerned.

Don't dilute the draft Constitution

However, UEF regrets that several items which are of vital importance for an efficient functioning of the European Union seem not be resolved at this IGC: The Commission will not be transformed into a true European Government and despite the creation of the post of a European Minister for Foreign Affairs Foreign, Security and Defence Policy will largely remain in the hands of the Council voting by unanimity. Besides, Economic governance of the Economic and Monetary Union will not improve significantly.

Another Convention no later than 2008

"These failings need to be corrected if the European Union is to have a long-term future in securing peace, justice, democracy and economic and social stability", Mr. Leinen underlines. "This is why the Danish Prime Minister is wrong, when he demands no more EU treaties for many years." Instead, the European Federalists ask the heads of state and government to commit to convening another Convention no later than 2008 to revise the Constitution and rectify its failings.

Furthermore, UEF calls on the IGC to deal now with the answer to give in case of non-ratification by one or more Member states. Jo Leinen: "The EU must not be held hostage by its most reticent members. The Constitution should enter into force if approved by the European Parliament and ratified by a large majority of Member States."

Nominate a "strong" Commission President

Another crucial item of this week's European Summit is the nomination of the next President of the European Commission. The European Federalists appeal to the heads of states and governments to appoint a "strong" candidate with a clear vision of the united Europe, who has the backing of the majority of the European Parliament".

"Only a transparent Constitution with a strong Parliament representing the European citizens and a Commission acting like a European government will ensure an approval of the Constitution by the peoples and the parliaments", the President of UEF concludes.

28 June 2004

International seminar "Europe on the move, enlargement and the Constitution"

On June 24-27, 2004, the international seminar, organised annually by Europahaus Bad Marienberg in cooperation with UEF gathered more than 60 participants from Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland and the UK.

Two weeks after the European elections and a week after the European Union summit in Brussels, it took place at the time of important changes for the EU, thus providing for an intense programme and a lively discussion among participants.

19 July 2004

Federalists' action in front of the European Parliament and launch of the new federalist intergroup

On Monday 19 July 2004, a few hundred activists from UEF and JEF from Belgium, Italy and France, gathered in front of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (France) in order to welcome the new MEPs to their first plenary session after the European elections and to hand over an appeal with the Federalist’s expectations for the legislative period 2004-2009. In the afternoon the activists met with MEPs and discussed the issue of a federal .

The constitutive plenary session and the election of the President of the new European Parliament took place on Tuesday 20 July 2004. On Wednesday 21 July a new Federalist Intergroup for the European Constitution was launched, attended by 25 MEPs and other observers. It aims at monitoring the next crucial stages of the constitutional process and to give the necessary impetus for assuring the federal vocation of the European political union.

8 September 2004

New EU Commission responsibility for European Constitution unclear

In the new European commission no member will be directly responsible for the further process of realising the European Constitution. This was critizised by the president of the committee on constitutional affiars, the German social democrat Jo Leinen. The Barroso commission should see itself as an engine of the constitutional idea and as a guardian of the achieved compromise. It must not step into the role of a pure bystander, said Leinen.

It was extremly useful to have two commissioners in the Prodi commission - Michel Barnier and later on Antonio Vittorino - who were responsible for the constitutional project. It would be foul play if no member of the Barroso commission was to have the task of intensively followinging the constitutional process. The most difficult etappe on the way to realising the European constitution was still ahead, said Leinen.

Although the ratification will take place in the 25 member states the European constitution is a common project of the first degree, that would call for the aktive co-operation of all European institutions. Therefore a European communication strategy is needed in order to explain to the public the essential advantages and contents of the European constitution. It is also necessary to have a common ratification strategy to prevent that the hostorical project of the European constitution will be watered down.

Some of the ideas in the constitution, such as the structural dialog with civil society or the possibility of a petition for a European referendum, could be dealt with by the commission before the entering into force of the constitution, said Leinen.

Leinen added that the commission on constitutional affairs in the European parliament awaits a competent partner in the European commission for the many constitutional questions that will come up in the legislature until 2009.

29 September 2004

European Constitution : What strategy for its ratification?

On 29 September, 2004 at 7 p.m., the UEF organised an evening debate on “The European Constitution: What Strategy for its ratification?”.

The debate took place in the Eastman Building of the European Parliament and was attended by approximartely 200 people. Speakers included Inigo MENDEZ DE VIGO, MEP, and Henri MALOSSE. the debate was chaired by Jo LEINEN, MEP, then President of the UEF.

1 October 2004

European federalists debate strategy to ratify the European Constituion. Joint effort needed to conclude ratification process successfully

A joint effort including all European institutions as well as national and regional governments and the civil society is necessary if the process to ratify the European Constitution is to be concluded successfully. This was the main outcome of the public debate “What strategy to ratify the Constitution?”, organized by the Union of European Federalists (UEF) on September 29th in Brussels and attended by about 200 participants.

“The Convention and the IGC have done their part of the job. But the 3rd and most difficult part of the game is still ahead: the ratification of the European Constitution by the 25 national governments of the European Union”, Jo LEINEN, President of UEF and MEP (PSE, D) Chairman of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs of the European Parliament said in his introductory remarks. The “European spirit” was quite good in the Convention and – although to a much lesser extent – still existing in the Intergovernmental Conference, Mr. Leinen analysed. Just before the signing of the Constitution on October 29th in Rome the mood has changed dramatically. In quite a few EU member states the Constitution was misused for party-political purposes, Mr. Leinen criticized. Secondly, the constitutional debate was highly fragmented. “One must not look at the individual trees but at the whole forest”, the President of UEF underlined.

Inigo MENDEZ de VIGO, Member of European Parliament (PPE-DE, E), Co-Rapporteur on the constitutional treaty, confirmed this view. “It is necessary to assess whether the Constitution is better than what we have now”, he said leaving no doubt that the first was true in his mind. He warned against leaving the responsibility of promoting of the Constitution to national governments alone. Neither the European Parliament nor the Commission could lean back and take a neutral stance, he insisted. “Those who think that the Constitution is a big step ahead have to say it.” Mr. de Vigo also called for an “intelligent way to organize the ratification procedure”.

Henri MALOSSE, the European Economic and Social Committee’s Rapporteur on the Constitution, declared that the ECOSOC fully supported this European project and that it was ready to play its part in the ratification process. “This means that we will try to mobilize the civil society”. According to Mr. Malosse those who are in favour of the Constitution should not hesitate to “diabolise” those who are opposing the project as “they don’t have anything else to offer.”

These introductions were followed by an open debate with the audience including contributions from Mr. Paolo PONZANO, Head of the Task Force on the Future of Europe and institutional matters of the European Commission, the MEPs Proinsias DE ROSSA (PSE, IRL) and THOMAS MANN (PPE-DE, D), Fernand HERMAN, President of UEF Belgium, as well as from many interested citizens who invited the politicians and all those willing to campaign for the ratification of the Constitution to convince the people by using emotion and simple - but not simplistic - messages instead of using heartless arguments.

1 October 2004

European federalists debate strategy to ratify the European Constituion. Joint effort needed to conclude ratification process successfully

A joint effort including all European institutions as well as national and regional governments and the civil society is necessary if the process to ratify the European Constitution is to be concluded successfully. This was the main outcome of the public debate “What strategy to ratify the Constitution?”, organized by the Union of European Federalists (UEF) on September 29th in Brussels and attended by about 200 participants.

18 October 2004

UEF / Federal Union Workshops and Stand at the European Social Forum

Federalists went to the European Social Forum in London on 15-17 October to argue the case for federalism and the European Constitution. Federalists were in a minority, but it was important to be there.

We had a stall to distribute literature and sign up supporters; George IRVIN, Brendan DONNELLY and Nicola VALLINOTO spoke in seminars; Peter LUFF, Nicola VALLINOTO and Richard LAMING spoke in workshops.

The political atmosphere was overwhelmingly hostile to the Constitution - as Brendan DONNELLY found out when he spoke - but not to federalism. Most people were unaware of it but sympathetic to its values: the articles we circulated included a piece on globalisation by Alberto MAJOCCHI and one on Guantanamo Bay  by Richard LAMING which were intended to strike a chord with the people we met.

We were also able to make contact with representatives of various environment and development NGOs on issues such as WTO reform and tax havens - which will be useful in the future - and we also met people from act4Europe, which is a grouping of Brussels-based NGOs interested in the constitution.

The follow-up includes adding the new supporters to the various mailing lists, continuing the contact with the NGOs and seeing what we can do with act4Europe.

Thanks go to all those who worked on the event, particularly Anja HÄRTWIG who came over from Brussels to help on the stall and with the meetings. I would hesitate to call the weekend fun, but it was certainly worthwhile.

24 October 2004

UEF becomes member organisation of world federalist movement, European federalists demand EU seat at UN

The application of Union of European Federalists (UEF) to become a Member Organisation of World federalist Movement (WFM) has been unanimously approved by the Council of World Federalist Movement meeting on 22-23.

October 2004 in The Hague. On this occasion, the Bureau of UEF declared its support for an EU seat in the United Nations Security Council.

For the UEF Bureau, the German Government’s bid to win a permanent seat in the UN Security Council would risk dividing Europe into opposing camps and confirms the impression that the real intention is to form a European Directorate of powerful countries. This goes against the European spirit.

The only way to enable Europe to speak with a single voice in the world is for the European Union to have a seat in the Security Council. Furthermore the presence of the European Union in the UN would pave the way for a reform of the United Nations on the basis of large regional Unions, as the simplest and most effective way to build a peaceful, just and safe world.

The UEF Bureau encourages France and United Kingdom to find the necessary compromises in order to allow Europe to speak with a single voice at the world stage. It demands the German government to step back from its plan to secure a permanent seat in the UN Security Council and the Italian government to confirm its opposition. “All European governments should join forces in favour of an EU seat at the UN”, concludes the UEF Bureau.

29 October 2004

European Federalists call for joint efforts to conclude ratification process successfully - Revision of the new Constitution no later than 2008

The Union of European Federalists welcomes today's signing of the European Constitution in Rome. "This is an act of great political importance. And it is a symbol towards the political unity of Europe - something the European Federalists have been struggling for since the end of the 2nd World War", declared Jo Leinen, President of UEF and Chairman of the Constitutional Affairs Committee of the European Parliament.

The citizens rightly ask for a European Union that is democratic, transparent and accountable to them. "This Constitution is a first step into this direction", said Mr Leinen, particularly welcoming the incorporation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the clarification of values, principles and objectives, which form the common ground of Europeans, as well as the strengthening of the democratic legitimacy of the EU by giving the European Parliament the co-decision-power in most EU legislation as well as the right to elect the Commission President. "Recent events concerning the nomination of the Barroso Commission have demonstrated once again that behind-the-door-deals by the Heads of State and Government are no longer acceptable", said the President of UEF.

In view of the different national referendums taking place in the coming months and years the European Federalists insist on the need to make known this important move forward to the European citizens. A joint effort including all European institutions as well as national and regional governments and the civil society is urgently needed if the ratification process is to be concluded successfully.

"The most difficult part of the game is still ahead: the ratification of the European Constitution by the 25 member states of the European Union", said Mr Leinen. "Neither the European Parliament nor the Commission can lean back and take a neutral stance on this matter." Furthermore, national governments have to create a framework for a democratic and transparent public debate. "We must not leave the information camp to the Euro-sceptics and their wrong and misleading negative campaigning", said Mr Leinen.

In addition, if one or two member states are unable to ratify the text, the other member states should proceed nevertheless with the entering into force of the Constitution, claims UEF.

Last but not least, the European Federalists stress that the Constitution, however positive, in many respects falls short of what is needed. To give just one example: Many important fields such as foreign, security and defence policy and the multi-annual financial framework will still be decided by unanimity.

"These failings need to be corrected if the European Union is to have a long-term future in securing peace, justice, democracy and economic and social stability", insists the President of UEF, therefore calling for a revision of the Constitution by a new Convention no later than 2008.

10 November 2004

Café Babel Conference "Is European Federalism Dead? - The Eurogeneration and Europe's Decision Makers Face to Face

On 10 November 2004 in Brussels, the on-line European current affairs magazine Café Babel organised a day of debate "Is European Federalism Dead?" in collaboration with UEF & JEF. It aimed at putting European federalism to the test to see what it could bring to a Europe currently lacking a political project.Crossing the generational divide, around 100 young and older people attended the event and discussed with European actors the future of the Europe.

The discussions were organised around three round tables on the following issues:

• "Is there a way back for politics?" with Virgilio DASTOLI (EC Office in Rome), Hartmut MARHOLD (CIFE), Michel THEYS (L'Européenne de Bruxelles) and Marco BUCIK (JEF Europe)
• "Federalism: Remedy for Economic Decline?" with Christa RANDZIO PLATH (ex-MEP), Henrik HENDERLIN (Freie Universität Berlin) and Piia-Noora KAUPPI (MEP)
• "What next? Who has a vision for tomorrow?" with Bronislav GEREMEK and Marco PANNELLA (MEPs), Ferdinando RICCARDI (Bulletin Quotidien Europe) and Bruno BOISSIERE (UEF)

Among the conclusions, it was agreed that European federalism was not dead (some speakers even stated that it was not born yet!) and could bring a breath of fresh air to the European political project.

On the day of this event Café Babel issued an internet dossier "After the Constitution, a Federal State ?"

24 November 2004

International seminar: The prospects of federalism in an enlarged

On November 21-23, 2003, around 50 participants - UEF, JEF and other participants from around 15 different European countries) had the opportunity to enjoy Sofia, not only beautiful weather and the wonderful food UEF and JEF Bulgaria had organised, but also, and first and foremost, to learn about and discuss the issues that were debated during the two days in the non-militant surroundings of the Sofia Military Club.

Despite the fact that Bulgaria does not belong to the countries acceding to the EU in May next year, the seminar organisers had managed to attract the attention and participation of high-ranking officials in the seminar. An official welcome address from the Prime Minister (and former King) Simeon Saxe-Coburg Gotha was read by the President of UEF Bulgaria and MP Svetoslav SPASSOV. The Bulgarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Solomon PASSY said in his welcome speech that the terrorist attacks in Istanbul demonstrated that no country is safe on its own and that a common European Foreign Policy therefore was a necessity. The Deputy Prime Minister Plamen PANAYOTOV underlined the importance of a European Foreign Minister. Furthermore, he emphasised that all countries which had participated in the Convention should sign the Constitution together, once agreed upon by the IGC, even before their accession.

In a welcome address, which was read to the participants, José Maria GIL-ROBLES, who was unable to attend in person, said that:

"We are on the eve of winning a Constitution for Europe. A basic step on the long road from the logics of cooperation - which is the logic of equilibrium of forces - to the logics of federalism - which is the logic of building together, the logic of service instead the logic of domination. The new European countries will play - I am sure - a decisive role in this new phase of European integration, as they are well placed to understand the change of logic I have underlined and to engage themselves to build and push the present Member States to build together the Europe of mutual service...the federal Europe."

THE CONCEPT OF FEDERALISM

A diverse number of topics were touched upon and discussed. Elaborating on the concept of federalism, Richard LAMING (UEF Bureau member who was baptised 'chief ideologist' by some) explained that federalism was both 'old-fashioned' (based on the belief in government, in progress and detail) and a 'new political thinking' (not being constrained by national borders, federalism as a direction rather than destination; thinking of politics as a moral issue). Bruno BOISSIERE (UEF Secretary-General) also emphasised that federalism first of all was based on the belief in representative democracy that, however, could be supplemented and combined with elements of direct democracy (such as a referendum). The participants also agreed that federalism was a way to organise cultural and political diversity.

THE EUROPEAN CONSTITUTION AND THE IGC

Lothar JASCHKE (Austrian Embassy representative) emphasised that the title - Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe - showed that the vocation of the Constitution was not to remain limited to the current EU member states, but to apply all over Europe.

As regards the Intergovernmental Conference, Marc-Oliver PAHL (UEF Bureau member) pointed out that 91 amendments had so far been handed in to the draft Constitution, which demonstrated the impossibility of renegotiating its content. Only Germany and Italy had refrained from handing in amendments in order to support its ratification without changes. Taking particularly account of the difficulties and claims brought forward by Poland Spain, Alexander von LINGEN (EP representative) stated that a miracle was needed, but added that miracles had happened before in the history of European integration.

A great deal of time was invested in the discussion about the composition of the Commission. Almost all participants agreed that 'bigger wasn't better' and that an efficient and competent Commission was most important. However, a Bulgarian participant said that, with the proposed rotation system, countries might have to wait for up to 10 years for one of their nationals to become Commissioner after the accession of Bulgaria and Romania. This put into question the composition of the Commission based on rotation. Lothar JASCHKE defended the idea that the Commission composition should be as diverse as possible, by saying that the overrepresentation of small countries was one of he founding principles of European integration. Marc-Oliver PAHL supported the idea that the question remained open until 2008, also because it would necessitate the convening of a second Convention, which would be in charge of preparing revisions of the Constitution before the European elections in 2009.

EUROPEAN FOREIGN POLICY

During the discussion on CFSP, the speakers Sonja DIEZ (European Commission Delegation to <st1:country-region Bulgaria), Elmar TIMPE (Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy), Alexander von LINGEN and Philipp AGATHONOS (UEF Vice-President) agreed on the importance of a coherent and unitary foreign policy. The Iraq crisis had almost completely jeopardized CFSP by revealing deep disunity. It was pointed out that Europe could not have a common foreign and security policy without having common defence. As regards the new position of Foreign Minister, everybody agreed that it made little sense to have a minister without a common policy.</span>

Philipp AGATHONOS put forward the idea of the emancipation of Europe from the United States and that Europe should promote its interest more independently in the world. However, most agreed that the definition of 'European interest' and strategies should take place on the federal level rather than in the Member States. Kristina WEICH HONDRILA (UEF Organisation Manager) stressed that the values (democracy, freedom, human rights etc.) and (federal) principles promoted internally by the European Union should also apply externally to the actions of the EU if its policy was to be legitimate. This would particularly mean promoting not so much exclusively European interests, but universal rights and strengthening worldwide institutions such as the United Nations.

INVOLVEMENT OF EUROPEAN CIVIL SOCIETY

Professor POPOV (Rule of Law Institute in Sofia) underlined that NGOs were essential to the functioning of democratic societies and the promotion of tolerance, human rights, the rule of law etc., particularly in countries having suffered of 50 years of communist rule. In countries like Bulgaria a new culture of mutual understanding and conflict resolution had to be created, although mentality changes are those taking the longest time after revolutions. One of the most urgent problems facing countries like Bulgaria was the general lack of information. Velko IVANOV stressed that integration of the accession countries was about far more than simply the closing of chapters. What had to be explained to the populations was what they would gain not just in terms of money, but most of all in terms of values.

Bruno BOISSIERE outlined those articles of the draft Constitution in which the role of civil society, the role of the European parties and social partners where progress in comparison with the previous Treaties had been made and which showed the intention of strengthening participatory democracy. He said that organisations like UEF should put pressure on the European Parliament, national government and the Commission to initiate amendments to the Constitution once it had been ratified.

Everybody agreed that civil society organisations like UEF and JEF had an important role to play in contributing to the establishment of a common political culture in Europe.

1 December 2004

The EU and the Reform of the UN

On 2 December, 2004 the high-level panel on the reform of the UN reported to Kofi Annan. One day before the official publication of this report, on 1st of December 2004, UEF organised the public debate "The EU and the Reform of the UN" which was attended by over 170 participants. Bruno Boissière, Secretary-General of UEF, chaired the debate.

Four speakers expressed their views on the issue: Armin LASCHET, MEP and Rapporteur on the relations between the EU and the UN; Fernando VALENZUELA MARZO, Deputy Director-General for External Relations in the European Commission; Prof. Dr. Hans KOECHLER, President of the International Progress Organisation and Irune AGUIRREZABAL-QUIJERA, European Coordinator of the NGO coalition for the International Criminal Court.

Armin LASCHET linked the debate concerning the UN with the Constitution: "The report issued by the EP comes in reaction to two things: the internal debate within the UN for reform and the new European Constitution". The Constitution improves the possibilities of the EU to act within the UN, as it gives it legal personality and increases its political visibility.

Fernando VALENZUELA MARZO warned that it might be difficult to make accept this role for the EU to many third parties involved and even the two EU member states that are already in the Security Council.

Prof Dr Hans KOECHLER insisted that democratisation was the basic imperative of the UN if it wanted to preserve its legitimacy. He stated that the UN Security Council incorporates the balance of power of an earlier era. He proposed to create an independent judiciary power for the UN and to redefine permanent membership of the Security Council as being related to world regions.

According to Irune AGUIRREZABAL-QUIJERA, the EU needs a strong and united voice but should also show that it has a minimum of means to promote its basic achievements of peace and democracy. She also mentioned the lack of changes to article 51 of the UN Charter, meaning that the use of force in form of the so-called anticipatory self-defense system to non-imminent threats will continue to exist.

The showed concluded that the European actors generally welcome the propositions advanced by the high-level panel. However, the composition of the UN Security Council and its decision-making procedures should be further amended and the EU should be represented with a single seat in the Security Council.

The introductions of the four speakers were followed by an open debate with the audience including contributions from Ana Gomez - MEP, Irnerio Seminatore - President of the European Institute for International Relations, as well as from many interested citizens who also supported a single seat for the EU in the Security Council and found that the conclusions of the panel were too much of a compromise.

UEF Newsletter December 2004 - January 2005