act4europe.campaign

 

The European project started fifty years ago, built on the assumption that peace and stability could be achieved through economic cooperation. The economic project has grown beyond recognition. But now, confronted with the prospect of a massive further enlargement, an increasing gap between Europe and its citizens and a fundamentally changed world order, the European Union is facing its hour of truth.

The Convention on the Future of Europe is preparing the ground for a new Treaty. It is our chance to press for a Europe based on the values of human rights and sustainable development. The politicians' debate is about the powers of governments, the Commission and the Parliament. An important debate, but one unlikely to arouse people's passions. And yet there are issues of vital importance we have to campaign on. The Convention is preparing a Treaty which will determine the kind of Europe we get. This is a unique chance that we cannot let pass.

Europe is at a crossroads and there are big questions to get right:

  • There is the question of v i s i o n: Europe as a market place or as a social endeavour?
  • There is the question of p o w e r: will it develop into a super-state or remain essentially an intergovernmental system?
  • There is the problem of m a n a g e a b i l i t y: how to run a Union of up to 30 members?
  • There is the problem of d e m o c r a c y: how to be accountable and engage European citizens?
  • There is the question of s o l i d a r i t y: how to make Europe a force for change in the world that can set a "moral framework" for globalisation.

 

So what should be the mission and the value base of the EU? The Convention on the Future of Europe is beginning to formulate proposals, having spent the first four months gathering the widest possible range of views. It has been listening, but has it heard?

It was to be expected that the so-called institutional questions will form the main battleground: those issues that determine the architecture of the future EU. Signs are that it is going to be difficult to formulate a clear vision and mission: those issues that determine the content. And what is even more difficult, and most uncertain: how will that content be connected to the architecture?

Sure, the Charter of Fundamental Rights will find its way into the new treaty or constitution. But how will the realization of those rights be shaped? Judicial review and policy intentions are not enough: effective instruments and active policies are needed to protect rights and social values in Europe, to advance stability and solidarity in the world, and to engage people, citizens.

From the wide range of civil society the overarching message has been that it wants to see the EU push for integral advance of economic, social and environmental interests as expressed in the concept of sustainable development. That it wants to see this apply within Europe as much as in the world at large. That it wants it be done in a transparent manner so that people can connect to it and the EU can be held accountable. And that it should involve civil society.

With the Convention focusing on the architecture (how), and civil society having expressed strong views on the content (what), the key question now must be how to connect the two. That is not merely a question of technique. More than anything, as always, it is a question of political will. Therefore, the only way for civil society to really influence the process at this critical juncture is to go beyond stating its expectations on policies and content, and to press directly for that content to be incorporated into the institutional architecture.

To exercise such influence, civil society must mobilize. To get heard we need to lobby in Brussels and in capitals. We have to create a movement, action, pressure.

This is our challenge, and one that is relevant for organizations and people in accession countries as much as in member states. Everybody has a vital interest in the whole process. It is our chance to ensure that the EU, through the Convention, gets a direct sense of what we want, but also and especially how we want it. It should feel the seriousness and the urgency we attach to an EU that not only listens but also delivers on its promises.

act4europe.campaign is our mobilisation

This is the first Bulletin you will receive. From now on you will receive news, campaigning information, suggestions for action.

act4europe.campaign

information resources

This CD Rom can only be a small selection of the information available on the Convention on the Future of Europe, mostly in English. But this is only the start, and we hope that it provides you with useful information in order to start fruitful discussion and initiatives on national level.

Here are some useful links which will help you to up-date and complete the information on the Convention:

By Karine HENROTTE-FORSBERG (nov 2002)

Accueil

Synergie-FAMES

Associations

Conférencières

Agenda

Plan du site
Copyright ® L'Annuaire au Féminin (TM)    contact