Call for a new convention
We demand a more democratic Europe which can gain the people's confidence. We therefore propose the creation of a truly democratic convention and ratification process. It shall be based upon the following principles:
- The direct election of the convention members
- A democratic convention procedure
- Continual citizen participation
- The outcome of the convention shall be open in its results
- Referendums on the outcome of the convention
Such a convention would be difficult to achieve. Therefore we propose transitional treaty be created to help gain the confidence of the people. The Lisbon Treaty does contain some small measures to improve democracy in the EU, however these are nowhere near sufficient. Nevertheless, they shall be included in the transitional treaty. We believe that the following content should be included within the transitional treaty:
- The European Parliament gain legislative influence by more areas coming under the co-decision procedure, furthermore it shall also make decisions upon the EU-budget.
- The European Commission shall be reduced by 2014. The number of commissioners shall not be more than the sum of two thirds of the member states.
- The principle of subsidiarity shall be strengthened with new rights given to national parliaments. They shall gain more influence within the EU decision-making process.
- Laws shall be passed by the Council of Ministers via the double majority voting system proposed by the Lisbon Treaty. Therefore a majority equals 55 % of member states representing no less than 65 % of the EU population.
- The European Citizens' Initiative - the first transnational tool of direct democracy - has to be included in the transition treaty.
- All competencies which have not been transferred to the EU shall remain as national competencies.
The transition treaty is a precondition for bigger and more democratic reform of the EU. This shall be achieved through a democratic convention.
