Introduction
On 15 December 2001 the European Council approved the "Laeken Declaration
on the Future of the European Union", which includes a decision to set up a
broad-based Convention to pave the way for an open, transparent reform of the EU.
EDF as the umbrella organisation of the European disability movement emphasises
its full support for the priorities of the Platform of European Social NGOs, which it has
presented to the Convention as part of the future of Europe debate.
In particular, EDF supports the essential need to strengthen the
non-discrimination clause in the EU Treaties in order that it should become subject to qualified majority
voting and co-decision and given direct effect.
EDF strongly supports the need to provide a legal base for civil dialogue into
the EU Treaties and to integrate the Charter of Fundamental Rights into the EU
Treaties.
Proposals:
1 Strengthening of the Non-Discrimination clause
In an enlarged European Union the importance of combating discrimination will
increase.
The role of the European Union in combating discrimination is crucial. For
the non-discrimination clause to be effective in an enlarged European Union EDF strongly
calls for the strengthening of the non-discrimination clause in order that is given direct
effect and become subject to qualified majority voting and co-decision.
2 A LEGAL BASE FOR CIVIL DIALOGUE
For the EU to truly reflect the wishes of civil society it is essential that
there be a legal base for civil dialogue in the Treaties so that NGOs may have a consultative role in
EU decision-making.
3 THE CHARTER OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
EDF calls for the Charter to be integrated into the EU Treaties in order that
it's terms may be legally binding in nature and thereby strengthen the rights of persons living
in the Community.
4 NON-DISCRIMINATION CLAUSE AND POSITIVE ACTION
EDF calls for the non-discrimination clause in the EU Treaties to allow for
positive action on behalf of members of discriminated groups and not preclude it.
The non-discrimination clause should not inhibit positive actions.
5 MAINSTREAMING OF THE NON-DISCRIMINATION CLAUSE
EDF calls for an additional clause to be inserted into the EU Treaties, to
require the non-discrimination clause to be taken into account when drafting mainstream
legislation. At present there is no such obligation on the part of the EU institutions in
relation to non-discrimination contrary to such an approach being taken in relation to gender
equality and consumer protection requirements in the EU Treaties.
6 INTEGRATION OF DECLARATION 22 INTO THE EU TREATIES
Declaration 22 of the Treaties states that the Community should take account of
the needs of persons with disabilities when adopting internal market
legislation. EDF calls for Declaration 22 to be integrated into the EU Treaties in order that the Community
will have a legal obligation, in addition to the existing moral obligation, to comply with
Declaration
22.
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EDF members are committed to actively campaigning in support of these afore
mentioned priorities of the European Disability Forum and in support of the overall
proposals presented by the European Platform of Social NGOs.
DOC-AGA-02-05-11
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