We, the Greek members of the Youth Convention, after several meetings, round tables and consultations with youth political organisations, student associations and youth NGOs have concluded to the below proposals, which have been approved during a conference held at Zappeion Megaron, Athens, 19 March 2003, under the auspice of the Greek Presidency.

Our aim is to contribute to the elaboration of a Constitutional Treaty that would enable the development of the enlarged European Union into a democratic Political Union based on the ‘‘Community model’’ and the principles of equality, solidarity and subsidiarity, capable of shaping policy and decision-making. A European Union with a legitimate and effective governmental system. More specifically:

One important element that is certainly missing from the Constitutional Treaty is a clear idea and a comprehensive model on how the European Union will be governed and take decisions when it reaches 25-27 or more member states. How, that is, to ensure effectiveness in policy shaping and decision-making in the enlarged Union. The institutional changes proposed are important, although some of them are clearly controversial, but they are far from addressing the problem of effectiveness and governability of the enlarged Union. The enlarged European Union needs a strong, effective and legitimate government in order to overcome the manifold challenges and manage diversity.

Our view is that the community model and the current balance between the supranational and intergovernmental institutions must be maintained.

The social dimension of the EU must be enhanced clearly at a more supranational level. There must be “full employment” for all the citizens of the Union and more especially for the youth, which are the real future of the EU. We are not satisfied with the notion of “high level of employment”.

The ‘‘single institutional framework’’ is necessary. The pillar structure must be abolished. And this, because we, the Youth citizens of the EU, are not stopped by the borders between our states. The challenges we confront are common.

That is why we want a strong supranational government, which will take care of our needs and our objectives. The only institution that can our dreams and goals a reality can be only a strong Commission, with its President elected from the European citizens. The Constitutional Treaty must establish clearly ‘‘the exclusive right of initiative’’.

We strongly support the notion that the European Union should have a legal entity so that it can conclude international agreements on issues of foreign policy. We also agree with the creation of the position of Foreign Minister of the European Union by merging the positions of Senior Representative and Commissioner of Foreign Affairs.

Lastly, the proposal of the extention of qualified majority is necessary in order for the EU to be able to take coherent decisions on external action and to promote enhanced cooperation within the framework of foreign policy.

The European Union must possess the soonest possible an autonomous, credible and dynamic defence policy. If the EU lacks such as policy it will never have the international strategic importance that we deem as necessary. Soft politics cannot, alone, be effective unless the European Union acquires military capacity. Lastly, the Schengen method could be used as a model in the implementation of European Defence Policy.

Only united we can face the new international problems that have risen, such as terrorism, illegal immigration and trafficking of humans, drug trafficking, environmental problems, etc.

Our role and our obligations as the real FUTURE of our Union are very important. That is why we want our voice to be heard in all these crucial issues. We must have a vital role in the future negotiations for the revision of the Constitutional Treaty, for it is our future. The Youth Convention should be established and take place during every revision process, and should not be regarded simply as a media event.