This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Support for EU democracy proposals
04/10/2002
Devolved governments, local authorities and regions from across Europe have unanimously backed First Minister Jack McConnell's proposals to improve democracy, transparency and efficiency in the European Union.
The Committee of the Regions has supported the First Minister's view that all tiers of government must be rigorously consulted on legislation and policy if the EU is to better reflect the diversity of circumstances across member states.
The Committee has now agreed Mr McConnell's suggested measures for effecting this change and will put them, along with three other regional opinions, to the Future of Europe Convention. These opinions will be an important contribution to the Convention's work on determining how the EU of the future - with 27 Member states - will be run.
Mr McConnell said:
"Modern government must be open and relevant to voters. Government has to be visible and meaningful to individuals in order that they have a stake in their country's future. The support of all my colleagues for these proposals for better European government will strengthen our case for change.
A series of measures first put forward by Mr McConnell two years ago, will be put forward, including:
- Early as possible consultation with devolved government to bring the decision making process closer to home
- A clear statement of, and effective checks on, subsidiarity rules - making it imperative that only appropriate decisions are made at the European level - safeguarding Scottish devolution and national responsibilities.
- Shorter, more flexible European laws and policies to allow national and local government to implement them in an appropriate way.
Welcoming the outcome of the meeting, the First Minister added,
"The European Union is key to our security and our economic and social well-being. I have been encouraged today that regional and local leaders across Europe have endorsed these measures. I am confident that such an approach will bring the EU closer to its citizens, and engage them more effectively in decisions which affect their lives.
"The Committee of the Regions is developing a strong voice in the debate about the future of Europe, and I am pleased that I have been able to ensure Scotland's voice has been added to this important discussion."
Mr McConnell's report will be reflected in the view given by the Committee of the Regions to the Convention on the Future of Europe which is preparing proposals for treaty changes when new member states join the Union in 2004.
The First Minister has already set out proposals for the future of Europe. On June 6 he propsoed a Subsidiarity Council and on July 9 he outlined proposals for more transparency in the way the EU operates.