Resolution adopted by the Federal Committee of JEF Europe, meeting in
Budapest, 22-24 March 2002

The Federal Committee of JEF Europe:

Warmly welcomes the involvement of candidate countries in the Convention on the Future of Europe, established in the Laeken Declaration, as evidence of the EU's commitment to a successful Enlargement; as an opportunity for newcomers to find their place in the ever-larger Union through their own initiative; and as a recognition that the future of Europe belongs to all the peoples of Europe;

Observes that excluding candidates from the Presidium of the Convention is not in line with the idea of reducing the democratic deficit in Europe; and,

Insists on the equal participation of EU candidate countries in all stages of the Convention, and on equal opportunities for EU candidates to take part in debates, drafting documents, putting forward proposals, and
decision-making.

JEF congratulates the candidate countries and the Union for the rapid
progress made in negotiations and for the commitment to close all
negotiating chapters by the end of the Danish Presidency in December 2002;

Regrets the delays in some candidate countries regarding the implementation of the acquis and other EU membership requirements, and stresses that membership of the European Union brings serious commitments to fulfil the highest standards of democratic accountability, rule of law, and respect for human rights;

Expresses disappointment at the continued lack of political will within the European Union seriously to tackle the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and the Structural and Cohesion Funds, to ensure equitable and just treatment of the candidate countries, and condemn the continued refusal of EU member states to move beyond the protection of narrow self interests;

Stresses that diplomatic horse-trading to protect special national interests cannot be allowed to continue to delay the reform process, as this seriously damages the legitimacy of the Union. Likewise, outstanding bilateral issues between a member state and a candidate state must not be used as an excuse to block the accession of new members; and,

Calls on EU member states and candidates to find the political will to overcome the last remaining obstacles, and to ensure that Enlargement is
both swift and successful by recognising the opportunities of a wider and
more united Europe.