A United Europe has its Constitution!

In the light of the results of the Intergovernmental Conference held yesterday in Brussels, the Young European Federalists (JEF-Europe) welcome the agreement on the first European Constitution.

"This is a historic moment for Europe! From Berlin to Riga, from London to Budapest, yesterday's agreement binds together the nations and people of Europe in a common community of values and principles. We have reached another milestone towards the vision of a federal and democratic Europe proposed by the fathers of the Union," stressed Jon Worth, President of the Young European Federalists (JEF-Europe).

"The painful road to the agreement was full of concessions and compromises. This is why we should not regard this document as perfect or final. What is certain is that it lifts Europe to a new level of transparency and unity."

"However, the way the agreement has been reached leaves us with a bitter taste in our mouths. Secretive horse-trading and power politics are not the way to go forward in a democratic system. Two days of arguments have demonstrated the superiority of the Convention method in revising the rulebook of the European Union."

"We should celebrate the Constitution and tomorrow join our forces to ensure successful ratification in all 25 countries!"

"Let the campaign begin!"

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.