Friday, 30.05.2003

Prior to today's Convention session, Tony Blair, speaking in Warsaw, has railed against a 'federal superstate', claiming Britain's calls for a Europe of the nations are being increasingly respected.

"When Blair complains about a federal superstate, he clearly does not understand what federalism means," stated Alison Weston, President of JEF-Europe (Young European Federalists)

"Federal systems are based on the principle of subsidiarity, meaning decisions are to be made at the lowest possible level, precisely the opposite of what Blair fears."

"None of us want a centralised Europe."

In his speech, Mr Blair continued by outlining the need for the Convention to reform decision-making procedures to enable the European Union to better function after enlargement.

"Wanting the institutions to work effectively after enlargement is clearly imperative" continued Alison Weston.

"However, the intergovenmental approach advocated by Blair and a number of leaders of larger member states is the wrong way forward. A pure 'Europe of the Nations' as Blair advocates would be a disaster."

"A federal system is the only way to effectively manage the diversity of Europe and ensure transparent decision-making instead of diplomatic stitch-ups behind closed doors."

"To really change things for the better a true European Federal Constitution should be drafted, with a strong Commission held to account by the European Parliament."

Contact:
Jon Worth, board member JEF-Europe.
mailto: jon.worth@jef-europe.net
http://www.jef-europe.net/

To read the press release in French,click: http://www.jef-europe.net/presscentre/archives/001516.html