The Union shall endeavour to strengthen them jointly. European citizenship resides on a European model of society which includes respect for the individual and for fundamental rights and a commitment to solidarity amongst its members. Within the framework of the competences of the Union, sovereign power belongs to the citizens of the European Union. The Union shall have the task of ensuring peace and democracy, balanced and sustainable development, economic and social cohesion, full employment and occupation and cultural development based on pluralism, dignity and respect for others. The Union shall work to promote sustainable human development that is at once economic, social and ecological, giving each individual the opportunity to participate in an employment-creating economic and social life.
Every individual is entitled to a healthy environment.
The Union shall guarantee respect for the integrity of the human person in the environment and in the face of technological development, in particular with respect to biotechnology and the information society. The rights of future generations are recognized and protected in the Union. Rejecting unrestrained competition and all forms of exclusion, this project is based on solidarity and equity in relations between Europeans and between Europe and other regions of the world. The Union shall base its external activities, in particular its common foreign and security policy, on peace and the promotion of sustainable development, economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights, economic and social equity, equality between men and women and the fight against poverty and social exclusion. The Union shall ensure that the World Trade Organization guarantees the tying-in of social standards and trade on the basis of corresponding ILO conventions on forced labour, child labour and all forms of discrimination at the workplace, freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.