Federalist MEPs from several political groups are uniting to launch tomorrow (Wednesday) a new reform initiative.

A Federalist Intergroup will be formed to spearhead Parliament's work in political and constitutional affairs.

The initiative is backed by the Union of European Federalists whose President is Andrew Duff, the British Liberal Democrat MEP. It is supported, amongst others, by Alain Lamassoure (FR/PPE), the incoming chairman of the budgets committee of the Parliament, and by Jo Leinen (DE/PASD), the incoming chair of the environment committee.

In a statement today, Duff said:

"The formation of a broad pro-European majority in the House is more than ever essential. But this majority has to be guided and coordinated to contribute to the further development of post-national parliamentary democracy. That is the role of the Intergroup.

"Our priority remains the early ratification and rapid implementation of the Lisbon treaty.

"We also want a bold proposal to reform the electoral procedure of the Parliament in good time for the next elections in 2014 with the aim of boosting turnout and legitimacy. This will involve the creation of a transnational constituency to elect a small proportion of deputies.

"A third big item confronting the new Parliament is the reform of the financial system of the European Union so that savings can be made at national level and cost efficiencies and real added value are introduced at the European level. The EU needs a decent budget that can contribute to economic recovery.

"The rise of the nationalist right demands the reaction of those many MEPs in the majority who truly care to build a more united democratic Europe."

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Editors' Note: The UEF, founded in 1947 is a supranational political movement dedicated to uniting Europe along federal lines.

Andrew Duff MEP (UK/Liberal) was elected President of the UEF last year. He also chairs the Parliament's Federalist Intergroup.

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