30/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - In a press release on the European Convention, the European Association of Public Banks stated that the adoption of an EU "fundamental treaty" would be "one of the most important events in European history". The Association stresses that the objective must guarantee "economic well-being, and peace, as its starting point" and that the banks needed, "like all economic actors, modern, transparent and effective legislation, as well as legal protection". The Association considers that this would mean making the legislative process more simple and the European Parliament's co-decision process more far-reaching (Parliament and the Council must also try to reach agreement as often as possible at the first reading). The Association also wants consultation to begin early; that it is open and deepened, incorporating all the actors involved in the European legislative process.