Brussels, 27/09/2001 (Agence Europe) - In the context of the internal debate within the ELDR group, that has to adopt a Liberal Declaration on the eve of the Laeken Summit, British Liberal-Democrat Andrew Duff has gathered different proposals, in a paper on the future of Europe, aimed at rendering the European Union more democratic, more transparent and more efficient. Duff, who firmly supports the setting up of a Convention responsible for preparing the 2004 Intergovernmental Conference, proposes in particular that: (1) the Council needs reforming to become a legislative body, acting as second chamber; (2) the European Parliament and national parliaments strengthen their co-operation with regular meetings to discuss different issues; (3) qualified voting in Council become the rule and that co-decision be applied throughout; (4) a Constitution be drawn up establishing the parameters of Union competences and that the Charter of Fundamental Rights be at the heart of this Constitution; (5) the Commission be reformed, with a maximum of 15 members and a composition that reflects that of the European Parliament; (6) constitutional regions have an increased role, with the possibility of seeking judicial review at the European Court of Justice. "Laeken will be an historic turning point for the European Union. For many, including the British government, the choice is to engage in the constitutional development of Europe or to accept marginalisation", says Mr. Duff.
Mr. Duff's paper may be consulted on the Internet at the following address: http://www.andrewduffmep.org/Liberallaeken.rtf.