If this declaration collects the signatures of half of European Parliament’s representatives, it will become a Parliament official position. This initiative comes timely with the debates on the Plan D and the European Transparency Initiative. It is also related to the better regulation agenda whereby the European Commission decided to withdraw 68 pending legislative proposals, including one on the statute for a European Association.
Particularly, it calls on the European Commission to examine measures to be taken to facilitate transnational action on the part of citizens’ organisations, recognising the crucial role played by citizens’ associations.
MEPs need to sign the written declaration before the 3rd of July so as to adopt the declaration formally.
Written declaration on the Europe Statute and the promotion of active European citizenship
The European Parliament,
having regard to the Commission communications entitled ’Outcome of the screening of legislative proposals pending before the Legislator’ and ’the Commission’s contribution to the period of reflection and beyond - Plan-D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate’ (COM(2005)0462 and COM(2005)0494),
having regard to the Council decision of 21 December 2005 to ratify the abandoning of the procedure 1991/0386/COD following the withdrawal of the proposal for a regulation on the statute for a European Association,
having regard to Rule 116 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas the development of transnational debate is essential in order to create a Europe-wide grassroots democracy,
B. whereas now that the Union has entered a period of reflection as to its future, this transnational grassroots debate is more necessary than ever,
C. whereas the Union has recognised the role played by citizens’ associations in this process,
1. Believes that the withdrawal of the proposal is unjustified and contradicts the goals set out by the Commission in its Plan-D;
2. Stresses that numerous pan-European citizens’ initiatives are still undermined by the sheer diversity of the regulatory arrangements which apply to associations in Europe;
3. Calls on the Commission to examine what measures could be taken to facilitate transnational action on the part of citizens’ organisations, including the option of a statute for a European association, and to put forward specific proposals;
4. Calls on the Council to show some political courage and promote European citizenship more actively;
5. Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories, to the Commission and Council.
Related EPHA articles:
Conference on civil dialogue at EU level: make civil dialogue work better
