An EU for its citizens, not an EU for power-political games

The Young European Federalists (JEF-Europe) have viewed the recent deterioration of the IGC negotiations with concern and urge the EU's foreign ministers meeting in Naples to not forget the valuable work conducted by the Convention.

"The Convention process offered a vision of Europe that was more democratic and more simple for citizens to understand," stressed Jon Worth, President of JEF-Europe.

"This vision has clearly been forgotten by the IGC, once again proving that this body is unable to work in true European spirit."

"The citizens of the European Union do not need another minimalist and muddled compromise similar to the Nice Treaty. They need a clear and efficient EU that meets their expectations, both in terms of outcomes and how policies are decided."

It is time for Member States to understand their historical role at this very crucial moment of European Integration. The leaders must put aside selfish national interests, forget the power-political games and actually realise what sort of EU its citizens need.

"Let's put an end to the horse-trading and haggling behind closed doors. Nice showed that this does not work," continued Jon Worth.

JEF-Europe is committed to the long-term vision of a Federal Europe, with the European Parliament being the prime legislative body, holding the executive (European Commission) to account. It is our strong belief that only such an arrangement can overcome the gap between EU and its citizens.

"At the end of the day, only a federal European Union will be able to satisfy the citizens' demands."