Brussels, 17/06/2003 (Agence Europe) - the European Union of Federalists (UEF), chaired by MEP Jo Leinen welcomed the draft constitution of the European convention as an important step towards a more democratic, transparent and efficient Union but warned that more was needed! The UEF particularly criticises the maintaining of unanimity, notably in connection with the adoption and revision of the constitution. During one of the plenaries in July, the Convention will be expected to propose extending qualified majority voting to all decisions, explained the press statement.
According to the UEF, certain reforms could and should be introduced by 2004, before the formal entry into force of the future constitution. Hence, European elections in June 2004, "must be transformed into elections for the Parliament AND the Commission, i.e. the European government. The UEF considers that the European foreign affairs minister should begin in November 2004, together with the new Commission. Member States that want to intensify their cooperation in specific areas, such as CFSP and ESDP, should immediately put in place "efficient cooperation structures". Following the entry into force of the constitution, the new instrument of the "citizen initiative" could be used to promote other reforms, explains the UEF, which also wants the new Convention to be arranged five years after the entry into force of the constitution in order to enhance the democratic legitimacy and effectiveness of the EU.