Brussels, 30 April 2022

Key points:

• The Conference on the Future of Europe has developed a series of ambitious recommendations that reflect the demand of Europeans for a more united and democratic EU.
• We welcome the European Parliament’s intention to launch the treaty change procedure during its next plenary session.
• Between 5-8 May, we will be in Strasbourg, demanding a thorough and decisive follow up on the Conference.

The Conference on the Future of Europe has adopted a series of ambitious recommendations which clearly show that Europeans want a far more united and democratic Europe. “We welcome the European Parliament’s willingness to adopt a resolution opening the work on amending the EU treaties. We call for this process to bring about the Political Union we want and deserve”, comments Antonio Argenziano, President of JEF Europe.

The proposals include a call for reopening the discussion on a European Constitution, strengthening the role of the European Parliament and moving to qualified majority in all decisions that currently require unanimity. 

A strong emphasis is placed on defending the fundamental EU values more decisively than it has been done until now. In line with these values, the Conference recommends developing a genuine migration policy underpinned by the respect for human rights. Another set of proposals is dedicated to strengthening the EU powers in health and social affairs, and a reference is made to developing new own resources to strengthen the Union’s ability to implement its policies. Finally, the Conference sees it necessary to create a defensive EU army and provide a credible accession perspective to the countries aspiring to join the Union.

The scope of the proposals reflect the environmental, security, economic, social and normative challenges the EU has been facing in the recent decades. Every crisis we face seems to be worse than the previous one and intergovernmental governance is simply not capable of dealing with such threats. By implementing the Conference recommendations, Europe must unite into a democratic federation based on a genuine constitution. The European Parliament, as the most direct representative of European citizens, should have a leading role in the necessary treaty revision procedure.

We are committed to promoting the Conference proposals and demanding their implementation at the European, regional and national level. Between 5-8 May, JEF Europe and its partners are co-organising the Strasbourg Summit to call for convening a Convention by the European Council as the first step of the process of changing the EU status quo.

About JEF Europe

The Young European Federalists (JEF Europe) is a political youth NGO advocating for the creation of a democratic European federation as a guarantee for peace, the rule of law and human rights. JEF Europe promotes true European citizenship, works for the widening and deepening of the European Union and strives for a more just and integrated society on the European continent. Established in 1972, the organisation has more than 10,000 activists organised in over 250 national, regional and local sections in 31 countries. The ideals and aims of JEF Europe are defined in the Manifesto of Ventotene, the Political Platform and resolutions adopted by its statutory bodies.

Previous positions on EU reform

• 2022.04.19 JEF Europe & JEF France joint press release: It’s #TimeToChangeEurope: Join the Strasbourg Summit!
• 2021.11.30 JEF Europe & JEF Germany joint press statement: The new German government has a clear message: Time for a European Federation!
• 2021.09.15 JEF Europe press statement: Many steps but in what direction? Europe needs a fresh vision for an Ever Closer Union
• 2021.06.21 JEF Europe press statement: The Future of Europe belongs to its Citizens!
• JEF Europe CoFoE proposals

Contact information
Antonio Argenziano, President
Young European Federalists
Rue d’Arlon 53, 1040 Brussels
antonio.argenziano@jef.eu