Brussels, 26/09/2000 (Agence Europe) - The Convention responsible for drawing up the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights, should split up without difficulty on Monday having formally approved the draft text that will be handed to the European Council of Biarritz. Tuesday's debate in plenary allowed them to measures the broad consensus that now exists on the amended version of the draft Charter published by the Presidium on 20 September (see EUROPE/Document No.2210 of 23 September). Following the meeting of each of the components, the Presidium proposed a few additional alterations that led to a text that can now be considered definitive.
Other than useful editorial improvements, these 20 amendments aim in particular to: - in the preamble, replace the expression "cultural, humanist and religious heritage" by "spiritual and moral heritage"; this formula was found to respond to the concerns of secularity expressed by the French representatives, but EUROPE has reason to believe that no less than 12 Member States preferred this more neutral formula within the group of government representatives: the formula seems acceptable to the EPP, but Mr. Friedrich (CSU) placed emphasis on the German translation being "geistlichreligios", which would have as effect strengthening the religious connotation; - add, to Article 16, that the freedom of enterprise is recognised "in accordance with Community law and national legislation and practices"; this responds to the concern of the Socialists of frame this freedom in the same way as the others; - introduce a new Article 24(2): "the Union recognises and respects the right of the elderly to lead a dignified and independent life and participate in social and cultural life", Socialist amendment widely approved by all the components; - amend Articles 26 and 27 on workers rights to information and consultation and the right to collective bargaining and action, to take account of certain British concerns: the notion of "appropriate level" replaces that of "all levels"; the content of the right of information and consultation is no longer spelt out; the exercise of the right to collective action and the right to strike is not longer situation at several levels; - clarify certain horizontal provisions (Art. 51 and 52 on the scope of rights guaranteed and the level of protection)