“As a first step in order to have a more democratic EU, the citizens should be given the chance to choose the next President of the European Commission!” declared Mercedes Bresso, President of the Union of European Federalists at their brainstorm meeting in Turin in 26/27th January.

“This can be achieved by the European political parties each presenting their candidate for this post in time for the 2009 European elections, and letting the voters decide!” added Mrs Bresso.

According to the Lisbon Reform Treaty, the European Council has the duty to take the parliamentary results into account when they propose the favoured candidate to the European Parliament for the final vote. All EU governments signed up to this method in the draft Lisbon Treaty and there is no legal reason why they should not act accordingly even if that Treaty is not yet in force.

Nothing in the present treaties prevents the Council from taking this course of action. ”Such a step, would send a clear message to all citizens that the EU is firmly towards a more democratic future” asserted UEF President Mercedes Bresso.
ENDS


Notes to editors

Founded in 1946, the Union of European Federalists (UEF) is an independent and non-governmental European organisation, campaigning for a federal Europe. It unites constituent organisations and federalists from 20 European countries and all age groups. Since April 2005, it is presided over by Mrs. Mercedes BRESSO, President of the Italian Region of Piedmont, Member of the EU Committee of the Regions.
 
For more information about the UEF please contact: Joan Marc SIMON, UEF Secretary-General, Tel: +32 2 508 30 32