23/05/2003 (Agency Europe) - The federal committee of the Union of European Federalists (UEF) chaired by European deputy Jo Leinen, adopted a very critical resolution with regard to the proposals from the presidium of the European Convention, at the end of a meeting, last weekend, at the European Academy in Otzenhausen (Saar). In particular, the UEF considers it regrettable that these proposals leave "key" activities of the Union largely in the intergovernmental field and "condemns" the proposal for a permanent presidency of the European Council. On the other hand, it greets the proposal whereby the European Parliament elects the president of the Commission, but insists on an "explicit" link between this choice and the results of European elections. The UEF also claims for the UE ("as for any other level of public authority") taxing rights, in order to free it "from the blackmail of member States" which has so often marked negotiations on the financial prospects for the UE. Lastly, it insists on the abolition of the "veto of a member State or a small group of member States on future amendments to the Constitution".