Brussels, 26/08/2002 (Agence Europe) - In the contributions made by several organisations of the civil society at the European Convention, emphasis is especially placed on official recognition of dialogue between the institutions and the representatives of interest groups. This is above all the case of the European Foundation Centre (EFC) and of Solidar, which call on the Convention to introduce a provision into the future constitutional treaty in order to establish structured dialogue with a true consultation mechanism, but also in order to modify the composition and the procedures for nominating members of the Economic and Social Committee. EFC, which defends the interests of the foundations, is also in favour of reviewing the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights in order to guarantee the right for every citizen to set up a foundation, as well as the right of civil society organisations, including foundations, associations, cooperatives and mutual societies to be consulted at EU level.
Recognition of social services of general interest
Solidar, which groups the associations operating in the social sector, and the EFC also call for a specific status to be recognised for services of general interest. This status should above all provide for exemption to the competition rules, say the two organisations. In its contribution, Solidar expresses support for dividing the treaty into two parts: Part One should be of a constitutional nature, fully accessible and comprehensible, and Part Two should define the powers of the different institutions. It could then be amended without recourse to an Intergovernmental Conference. Solidar calls on the Convention to make the Charter of Fundamental Rights binding and to provide for review procedure. It considers that the aim of eradicating poverty, both inside and outside the Union, should be included in Article 2 of the future Treaty. While taking a stance in favour of extending the European Parliament's codecision powers, Solidar calls for all articles referring to social exclusion and discrimination to be amended so that they are subject to qualified majority vote in Council.
Developing the role of the Union in the public health sector
Like other actors of the health sector, the European IPPF (International Planned Parenthood Federation) network calls for the EU to be more active in the public health sector. The IPPF calls for revision of Article 152 of the Treaty with a view to providing for: 1) harmonisation of the EU legislation on public health; and 2) extension of the open method of coordination to the field of healthcare. It recommends amending Article 35 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights in order to bring in the right of access to sexual and reproductive healthcare as well as access to maternity healthcare.
Children, the role of the family and the rights of homosexuals
"Children are European citizens too", reads the heading of the paper by Euronet, which calls for a place to be given to children in the future treaty. The NGO, which conducts the campaign in favour of children's rights in the EU, deplores the fact that, in the current Treaty, "animals have achieved legal recognition but not children". It stresses the importance of creating a new legal base, recalling that many directives must have an impact on children. It mainly cites texts relating to distance selling, the advertising of toys, TV advertising, and chemical products (also present in toys, such as PVC). Euronet believes it should be an obligation for the EU to take the best interests of children into account in all actions under the provision of the Treaties. It also calls for actions in favour of youth to be extended to children.
Family associations and "Autisme-Europe" call on the EU to recognise in the future treaty the important role of families in European society. "Autisme-Europe" considers the Convention should identify the measures needed at European level to promote better cooperation between Member States in the field of family life in order to better protect the best interests of the child and of dependent persons in all policies adopted at European level (reconciliation of family and professional life, free movement of workers, etc.).
The European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) call for the provisions of the Charter of Fundamental Rights to be strengthened, especially with a view to giving homosexuals the right to found a family and to marry. ILGA trusts that the promotion of human rights and of democracy will be at the centre of common foreign and security policy. It takes a stance in favour of: - stepping up the fight against discrimination; - the EU 's accession to the European Convention of Human Rights; - and extension of codecision procedure.