B4-1195/96

Resolution on the Dublin I European Council

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the conclusions of the Florence European Council,

- having regard to the informal European Council meeting in Dublin,

- having regard to its resolutions of 17 May 1995 on the functioning of the Treaty on European Union with a view to the 1996 Intergovernmental Conference - implementation and development of the Union ((OJ C 151, 19.6.1995, p. 56.)), and 13 March 1996 embodying (i) Parliament's opinion on the convening of the Intergovernmental Conference and (ii) an evaluation of the work of the Reflection Group and a definition of the political priorities of the European Parliament with a view to the Intergovernmental Conference ((OJ C 96, 1.4.1996, p. 77.)),

A. having regard to the expectations of European citizens in the present economic, social and political context,

B. whereas the European Union must be able to respond effectively to the expectations and aspirations of its citizens and of the countries which have applied for membership,

C. whereas adherence to the timetable adopted by the Florence European Council and confirmed at Dublin I must not be dissociated from the completion of an ambitious reform of the Treaty,

D. recalling the positions it has adopted concerning the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC), as expressed in the above-mentioned resolutions,

1. Considers that at the present stage the Conference seems paralysed by competing options, and in particular expresses its concern at the lack of progress over institutional issues;

2. Is concerned that any limited reform of the institutions may leave the new institutional balance to be determined solely by the process of economic and monetary union, which is certain to be completed;

3. Observes that the aim of the informal European Council was to impart political impetus to the IGC;

4. Hopes that the Irish Presidency will prepare a draft treaty for the Dublin II European Council which will demonstrate the Union's capacity to acquire instruments adequate to the important commitments it will have to fulfil by the end of the century, although adherence to the timetable must not be a pretext for insufficient negotiation;

5. Recalls that the substance of this treaty must accord with the demands of citizens of the European Union expressed by Parliament in its resolutions;

6. Stresses therefore that it will be possible to assess the real impact of the Dublin European Council only in the light of its effect on the progress of the work of the IGC and particularly an acceleration of that work which will make it possible to take decisions at Dublin II;

7. Reiterates that there can be no enlargement without a major institutional reform of the Union, and categorically rejects any attempt to defer decisions on the real issues at stake at the IGC to a subsequent reform;

8. Is convinced that provision must be made for closer cooperation mechanisms so as to enable some Member States to advance further towards union and avoid the danger of paralysis; considers that any increased cooperation under the various pillars must be achieved with due regard for the institutional framework, the acquis communautaire and the objectives of the Union and must be open to all Member States at any time;

9. Notes with concern the lack of real progress in the efforts to render the decision-making process more effective; reiterates that no advance in other fields could ensure an ambitious reform of the treaty without significant progress on improving the effectiveness of the decision-making procedure: greater transparency for citizens, improved participation by them, more qualified-majority voting in the Council on all legislative acts, and democratization of the legislative procedure (greater use of codecision for legislative acts);

10. Considers that the new treaty must contain institutional provisions concerning decision-making procedures which will make it possible to avoid the risk of paralysis or even a veto, to permit progress in European integration, with all guarantees of respect for the institutional framework, the acquis communautaire and the objectives of the Union;

11. Calls on the Intergovernmental Conference to incorporate in the treaty provisions which will make it possible to establish genuine internal security and freedom within Europe such that it is possible to combat international crime successfully, particularly by Communitizing policies on asylum, immigration, visas, anti-terrorism measures, organized crime, drugs, fraud, corruption and trafficking in women and children;

12. Welcomes the fact that concern about employment has become a major priority of the Intergovernmental Conference and recalls its support for the inclusion of a new title on employment in the Treaty after Title VI; reiterates its conviction that it is necessary to go beyond mere coordination between Member States and to give the Union the necessary means to implement common policies in this field;

13. Recalls that it is essential to make progress in the chapters on the CFSP, security and defence commensurate with the ambitions of the Union and the challenges facing it; in this context, draws attention to the inadequacy of the Union's action in the Middle East and previously in Rwanda/Burundi and Bosnia, and observes that in the eyes of European citizens this attitude is incomprehensible and often disappointing; accordingly, wishes the necessary measures to be taken with determination to improve coordination and presentation of the Union's CFSP, based on a more Community-minded attitude;

14. Takes note of the comments by the Presidency of the Council on developments in the Middle East and asks the Council and the Commission to make full statements to Parliament during the first November plenary session on the Middle East peace process;

15. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, Council and Governments and Parliaments of the Member States.