Stellungnahme: 01-29

The djb welcomes the preparatory work for the Laeken Declaration.
According to the opinion of the djb it is sensible to establish a convention which will commence work in the spring of 2002 to prepare for the next Intergovernmental Conference in 2004. The experience with the Convention drafting the European Charter of Fundamental Rights shows that a body composed of representatives of the Heads of State or Government of Member States, of the Commission, of national Parliaments and of the European Parliament can initiate a debate in the whole of Europe.
The djb is of the conviction that a serious, fruitful debate about the future of Europe, pushed ahead by ambitious goals, is entirely indispensable. It further holds the view that besides the topics provided for in the Declaration of Nice (e.g. increasing the precision of the delimitation of powers between the European Union and the Member States, reflecting the principle of subsidiarity, the status of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, a simplification of the treaties and the role of the national parliaments) there should be a discussion of additional topics in the Convention and at the Intergovernmental Conference. On the basis of positive experiences with establishing the codecision procedure, which offers a much grater democratic legitimacy, as general practice it is necessary to look into possibilities to extend its use. At the same time it should be considered whether Council decisions on the basis of qualified majority could become standard procedure. This is particularly true for the areas of justice and home affairs, where further integration is indispensable. The djb hopes that a closer and more effective co-operation in the field of common foreign and security policy can also be achieved.
The djb further hopes that the result of the debate about the future of Europe will not endanger the Community acquis, but respect it and advance it according to the challenges at issue. Even now, the djb proposes to simplify the procedure of enhanced co-operation [Verfahren der verstärkten Zusammenarbeit], in order to pave the way for more integration.
The djb welcomes the considerations concerning the consultation of the civil society by way of a civil forum. Considering the aspects of participation and legitimacy, it is important to actually involve the civil society into the proceedings of the convention-to-be. Already, the djb announces its interest in the proceedings. It will accompany the convention through well founded statements.
In this context it is desirable that the proceedings of the Convention on the future of Europe will be followed closely by the citizens as it was possible with the proceedings of the Convention for the drafting of a Charter of Fundamental Rights. The real time provision of all documents used in the proceedings on the internet has proved helpful and should be repeated in accordance with the need of transparency.
The djb demands a balanced participation of women and men in the convention. It expects that the European Parliament as well as the national parliaments will without any problems be able to fulfil this request in the nomination of members to the convention. Concerning the nomination of representatives of the Member States and the Commission, it would be helpful to nominate substitutes in order to be able to compose a genderbalanced convention which will discuss the future of Europe.

November 8 - 2001