27 November 2003

The Young European Federalists (JEF-Europe) have viewed the recent
deterioration of the IGC negotiations with concern and urge the EU's
foreign ministers meeting in Naples to not forget the valuable work
conducted by the Convention.

"The Convention process offered a vision of Europe that was more
democratic and more simple for citizens to understand," stressed Jon
Worth, President of JEF-Europe.

"This vision has clearly been forgotten by the IGC, once again proving
that this body is unable to work in true European spirit."

"The citizens of the European Union do not need another minimalist and
muddled compromise similar to the Nice Treaty. They need a clear and
efficient EU that meets their expectations, both in terms of outcomes
and how policies are decided."

It is time for Member States to understand their historical role at
this very crucial moment of European Integration. The leaders must put
aside selfish national interests, forget the power-political games and
actually realise what sort of EU its citizens need.

"Let's put an end to the horse-trading and haggling behind closed
doors. Nice showed that this does not work," continued Jon Worth.

JEF-Europe is committed to the long-term vision of a Federal Europe,
with the European Parliament being the prime legislative body, holding
the executive (European Commission) to account. It is our strong belief
that only such an arrangement can overcome the gap between EU and its
citizens.

"At the end of the day, only a federal European Union will be able to
satisfy the citizens' demands."

Press Contact:
Marianne Bonnard, Secretary General.
mailto:sg@jef-europe.net
Tel: +32 2 5120053
http://www.jef-europe.net/