4 December 2003

The European Parliament,
- having regard to the draft Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe of 18 July 2003, prepared by the European Convention,
- having regard to its resolution of 24 September 2003 on the draft Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe and the European Parliament's opinion on the convening of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC)(1),
- having regard to its resolution of 20 November 2003 on the financial provisions in the draft Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe(2),
- having regard to the Italian Presidency proposals (CIG 52/1/03),
- having regard to Rule 37 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. recalling that the Convention was composed of representatives of parliaments, European institutions and governments, which together achieved with difficulty compromises on many fine points of balance in the constitutional structure, and that substantial changes by the governments acting alone would be unacceptable,

B. whereas the text of the draft Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe should remain the basis for the final and overall IGC agreement,

C. whereas certain sectoral Council formations are bringing forward their own suggestions, thereby undermining the basis for stable negotiations,

1. Calls on the Heads of State and Government to continue their efforts and overcome their differences in order to arrive at a balanced and positive result on 13 December 2003;
2. Expresses its concern at the calling into question by certain Member States of the Convention's proposals for institutional reform; recalls that any solution found to the reform of the three institutions must respect the balance between representation and efficiency;

Read the full resolution on-line:
http://www3.europarl.eu.int/omk/omnsapir.so/pv2?PRG=CALDOC&FILE=20031204&LANGUE=EN&TPV=PROV&LASTCHAP=26&SDOCTA=23&TXTLST=1&Type_Doc=FIRST&POS=1