Brussels, 15 October 2003

PRESS RELEASE

The European Convention has produced a constitutional treaty for the next stage in the development of Europe. The Heads of states and governments should recommend the IGC not try to change it now. The open and democratic debates in the Convention should not be over-ruled by negotiations among the national diplomats and governments, says the UEF.

Furthermore, the UEF asks the European Council to tackle the issue of any national veto against the draft constitutional Treaty to be approved by the IGC. This treaty must formally enter into force when it has been ratified by a super majority of states participating at the constitutional process.

As to remedying the deficits of the Convention’s draft, the UEF appeals to the States representatives to agree upon a revision clause based on the principle of majority to allow the European Union to further strengthen its democratic legitimacy and effectiveness.

Contact : Bruno Boissière, Tel.: +32-2.508 30 32

Notes to editors

The UEF is an independent and non-governmental, European organisation, dedicated to the promotion of a federal Europe. It is presided over by Jo LEINEN, MEP.
The UEF has issued a Federalist Letter to the Intergovernmental Conference – “Do not re-open the debate about the text of the draft constitution” – which is available to read online at http://www.federalunion.org.uk/europe/fedletter/fl_12.shtml