FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING
Brussels | 12-13 December 2014
Bedford Hotel & Congress Centre*** Brussels, Belgium
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UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
INDEX
AGENDA ...... 1
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE ...... 3
ACTIVITY REPORT ...... 8
ACTION TRACKER 2014 ...... 8
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE UEF’S ACTIVITIES FOR 2015 ...... 9
FINANCIAL REPORT ...... 10
2014 FINANCIAL REPORT ...... 10
2014 MEMBERSHIP FEE SITUATION ...... 11
2015 DRAFT BUDGET ...... 14
UEF HUNGARY MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION ...... 17
UEF SLOVAKIA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION ...... 27
POLITICAL COMMISSIONS ...... 36
PROPOSALS FOR RESOLUTION ...... 39
RESOLUTION PROPOSAL ON TTIP-EU FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH THE US ...... 39
RESOLUTION PROPOSAL ON UKRAINE ...... 41
RESOLUTION PROPOSAL ON GENUINE FREE MOVEMENT FOR ALL - ADVANCING CITIZENSHIP AND WELFARE RIGHTS ACROSS ALL EU MEMBER STATES ...... 43
RESOLUTION PROPOSAL – STABILIZING THE MONETARY UNION, STRENGTHENING THE EU SOCIAL COHESION . 47
RESOLUTION PROPOSAL TO COMBAT POVERTY AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION IN LINE WITH THE EU CHARTER OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS ...... 48
RESOLUTION PROPOSAL BY UEF CZECH REPUBLIC ...... 49
PROPOSAL FOR UPDATE OF THE FEDERALIST MANIFESTO ...... 50
STRATEGY AND INITIATIVES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF UEF NATIONAL SECTIONS ...... 55
JOINT POLITICAL COMMISSIONS MEETING ON FEDERALIST STRATEGY & FUTURE OF EUROPE Berlin, 6-8 February 2015 ...... 56
FEDERALIST DEBATE & TRAINING WEEKEND Madrid, 14-15 March 2015 ...... 58
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS ...... 59
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ...... 62
MAP & VENUE...... 62
TRAVEL EXPENSES ...... 63 UEF STAFF CONTACT ...... 64
UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
AGENDA
Friday, 12 December 14.00 – 19:30
12:30 BUREAU MEETING (for UEF EB members, Praesidium and PC Chairs)
13:00 Welcome & Registration
13:30 OPENING OF THE FEDERAL COMMITTEE . Approval of the agenda . Adoption of last meeting’s minutes . Appointment of Resolutions Committee . Other formalities
14:00 POLITICAL REPORT BY ELMAR BROK, UEF PRESIDENT THE STATE OF THE UNION AND UEF STRATEGY IN THE SHORT AND LONGER TERM
14:30 INTERVENTION BY EUROPEAN COMMISSION CHIEF SPOKESPERSON MARGARITIS SCHINAS Q&A
15:15 REPORT BY PAOLO VACCA, UEF SECRETARY GENERAL
15:45 UPDATE FROM JEF AND EMI ON THEIR STRATEGY AND ACTIVITIES . Pauline Gessant, President Young European Federalists . Diogo Pinto, Secretary General European Movement International
16:15 Coffee Break
16:30 GENERAL DEBATE - UEF STRATEGY AND INITIATIVES IN THE SHORT AND LONGER TERM . Including report from sections on their activities
18:30 NEW SECTIONS . Presentation of UEF Hungary and UEF Slovakia full membership . Vote
20:00 Joint Dinner (optional, for registered participants)
1 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
Saturday, 13 December 09:00 – 18:00
9:00 POLITICAL COMMISSIONS PC 1 ECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNION Chaired by Ortrun Gauper PC 2 EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Chaired by Monica Tiberi PC 3 FUTURE OF EUROPE AND UEF STRATEGY Chaired by Franco Spoltore PC 4 SOCIAL EUROPE AND CITIZENS' RIGHTS Chaired by Heinz-Wilhelm Schaumann
STRATEGY AND INITIATIVES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF UEF NATIONAL SECTIONS 11.30 . Introduction by the Secretary General and general debate
13:00 Lunch !! Deadline for amendments to the resolutions !! RESOLUTION COMMITTEE MEETING
14:00 FINANCIAL REPORT . Financial Report 2014 . Adoption of 2015 Budget
14.30 POLITICAL COMMISSIONS’ REPORTS AND PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTIONS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS
15:30 VOTE ON RESOLUTIONS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS
16:30 NEXT EVENTS . UEF-JEF Joint Political Commissions meeting on Federalist Strategy & Future of Europe, Berlin, 6-8 February 2015 . Federalist Training Seminar, Madrid, 14-15 March 2015 . Federal Committee meeting, Spring 2015 . XXV European Congress
17.00 AOB
17.30 CLOSING SPEECH
End of Federal Committee meeting
2 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE Brussels, 13-14 June 2014
OPENING OF THE FEDERAL COMMITTEE
The Federal Committee adopted the agenda and the minutes of the Federal Committee meeting of 15-17 November 2013 in Berlin.
The Federal Committee appointed the resolution Committee, composed of Ortrun Gauper, Matteo Aducci, Florent Banfi, Franco Spoltore, Bettina Kümmerle, François Mennerat and the new Secretary General.
POLITICAL & ACTIVITIY REPORT
UEF President Elmar Brok welcomed Federal Committee delegates and observers in Brussels, at the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the EU. The UEF President reminded the importance of respecting the vote of European citizens by appointing Jean-Claude Juncker to the Head of the European executive. He also stated that the will of the citizens and the policy of the Commission should come closer. He congratulated UEF for playing a quite important role in the European elections campaign, towards leading figures in Brussels and on social media, but also pointed out the limits of UEF action, mainly because of its organizational capacity and few resources. On the matter he called for the set-up of a new strategy for years to come, in order to improve it. Finally, UEF President Elmar Brok warmly congratulated the outgoing Secretary General Christian Wenning for his work.
Christian Wenning, along his last Federal Committee as UEF Secretary General, thanked the President of the UEF and his predecessor for holding the ground on federalist wishes. He then moved on to evaluate the introduction of the UEF 6 pillar management implemented since his taking over in 2010. He also insisted on the necessity for the UEF to remain financially healthy. He finally offered his best wishes to the next UEF Secretary General.
FINANCIAL REPORT
UEF Treasurer Olivier Hinnekens presented the 2013 Financial Report. He particularly stressed cash-flow issues resulting from delayed transfers by the European Commission on its last period operational grant.
The 2013 Financial Report was adopted (1 abstention).
Olivier Hinnekens then presented the 2014 provisional budget. He welcomed the new 3-year operational Commission grant reaching €200K, which will allow the UEF to continue its activities on years to come. He also reminded the importance for UEF to diversify its financial sources, stressing that a cofinancing for an amount of 75K € is needed.
The 2014 budget was adopted unanimously.
ELECTIONS
Paolo Vacca, candidate to UEF Secretary General, presented himself and his background. He emphasized the three main achievements of the outgoing Secretary General Christian Wenning: a more professional UEF secretariat, a more recognized organization at the European level and more healthy finances. He highlighted his views on the priorities of the UEF: consolidate what has been done over the last 4 years; strengthen UEF national sections in cooperation with JEF; enhance UEF lobby capabilities by drafting more content material that articulates better UEF’s positions; keep federalism at the center of the battle of ideas on the future of Europe; create a wider network of volunteers.
Kolja Bienert, candidate to new UEF Treasurer, presented himself and his background. He also stressed the importance to find alternative sources of financing.
3 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
The nomination of the new UEF Secretary General and new Treasurer were adopted by applause.
PRESENTATION OF FEDERALISTS’ ELECTION CAMPAIGN
Paolo Vacca presented the UEF-JEF team’s campaign report.
JEF, UEF Italy, UEF Germany, UEF Austria, UEF Bulgaria and Groupe Europe took the floor to elaborate on their contribution to the campaign.
DEBATE
UEF Vice-President Isabelle Durant introduced the debate “After the European elections, what next?”. After welcoming the fact that the UEF is now at a centerpiece of the federalist galaxy, she reminded that there was still a lot of work to be done. She focused on the need for the UEF to collaborate further with the Spinelli Group and to build a strategy to follow the 71 MEPs who signed the Federalist pledge and get them involved in the future.
POLITICAL COMMISSIONS’ REPORT & GENERAL DEBATE
PC 1: Economic and monetary Union
Members of PC 1 discussed about governance of the Eurozone.
In view of the appointment of the new European Commission, and the start of the new legislature in the European Parliament, members of PC 1 calls UEF to take into consideration:
1. the urgency of the completion of the UEM with the Four Unions (banking, fiscal, economical and political), as envisaged by the EC Blueprint and the EP Resolution (November 2012) and the Four Presidents’ report (Towards a genuine Economic and Monetary Union, December 2012);
2. The compelling need within short time for an additional fiscal capacity up to the Eurozone, which means, in perspective, giving European institutions competences for a true budgetary policy. This additional fiscal capacity is necessary in relation both to a conditional aid policy within the Eurozone (in the framework of the so-called partnership / European solidarity mechanism), designed to encourage structural reforms for competitiveness and growth in member states and in order to establish a European “insurance system” against the risk of country-specific, or asymmetric, economic shocks;
In this perspective, members of PC 1 called for emphasis on:
1. the aforementioned new Eurozone fund/budget to be created outside the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), both to avoid its limits and to guarantee that the resources deployed through the activation of a “fiscal capacity” be truly “additional” to those already allocated to the EU budget (rather than replacing them), and be granted the flexibility of an effective budgetary policy;
2. the EP must be guaranteed a role in administering this additional fiscal capacity, and this role must be expressly envisaged irrespective of procedure to be chosen in order to reach this decision (be it referring on Art. 352 TFEU, with the purpose to implement an enhanced cooperation; or following the lines of a European Development Fund; or establishing a new international treaty)
3. while the financing of the Eurozone fund/budget with own resources is a necessary condition for establishing an additional fiscal capacity,
4 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
a. Treaties do not provide an adequate legal basis for establishing “true European taxes”, nor they allow EU to raise loans, except in certain specific circumstances, and under precise rules, with the recourse to project bonds; b. and should the “fiscal capacity” consist of resources raised through borrowing or revenue from a true European tax, or a share of the yield of the financial transaction tax , then a European Treasury should be established.
On the basis of this logic and to ensure democratic legitimacy:
- the building of a genuine additional fiscal capacity for the Eurozone requires Treaty change; - any intermediate step, which needs small Treaties’ adjustments – like those of creating a European solidarity mechanism together with strengthening the power of the Commission to reject national budgets – should envisaged but eventually a genuine constituent process must begin, in order to establish a true political community in the Eurozone, while safeguarding the unity of the Union; - the first and main task of the newly elected European Parliament ought to be that of creating the political conditions for this constituent process to become possible.
PC 2: External affairs
The PC has debated on the resolution about the EU’s foreign and defence policy. The members of the PC have added the following elements to the initial resolution:
In the “whereas” part:
- “the foundation of the EU and its main goal is the preservation and promotion of peace - the EU’s foreign policy should be anchored on and driven by its fundamental values of peace, democracy, the rule of law and human rights”; - over the last years there was a substantial lack of political will among both national and European decision makers in this field which hindered EU ability to act on the many crisis particularly at the borders of Europe, the Mediterranean and the Middle-East; - several provisions of the current EU Treaty, e.g on the permanent structured cooperation, have yet to be implemented; - the importance for the Member States to “move more decisively toward a strengthening of the CFSP and CSDP”; - the importance to “use all tools in the fields of diplomacy, enlargement, security, defence, development, humanitarian assistance, trade, energy and home affairs” to lead an effective foreign policy.
In the “concrete steps towards a genuine European Foreign Policy” part:
- the importance for the European Parliament to get involved “at the same level as the European Council in shaping the strategic level decisions of the EU in the field of foreign affairs”; - Giving the EU a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council has been a federalist proposal for years but this time, members of the PC asked for this seat to replace the ones held by France and the UK.
In the “concrete steps toward a more integrated Europe Defence” part:
- “Notes that the pooling of military capabilities at the EU level would allow to both increase the efficiency of European Defence and bring about savings to the national budgets by exploiting the effects of economy of scale”; - Members of the PC also added a fourth section in the resolution named “Towards to a single European Foreign, Security and Defence Policy”
In the closing remarks:
5 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
- A resolution on energy was also proposed for this FC but was put aside as the resolution needed additional work to be presented, even though energy remains an important aspect of the EU external policy. The PC thus committed in the concluding remarks to “develop a policy on the matter of Energy Policy and an Energy Union” for the next FC.
The PC then had a discussion on Ukraine: a resolution, in favor of Ukraine joining the EU, was proposed by the chair of the PC but it was submitted too late to be adopted. The PC was divided between those in favor of a double-membership and those in favor of a European integration, those who stress the need to respect Ukrainian minorities who are not in favor of a European integration and those who are against specific groups that push violence in the country. Therefore, it was impossible for the PC to come up with a clear proposal and thus decided not to endorse the resolution on Ukraine. For now, the PC lacks of a clear vision in the neighborhood policy. The PC however agreed to the fact that the European policy in Ukraine has destabilized more than stabilized and thus the neighborhood policy as a whole should be rethought. The PC thus considers organizing a specific meeting before the next FC to move on on those topics.
PC 3: UEF strategy
30 participants in PC 3 discussed about the post-election strategy for the UEF and the follow up of its campaign “Towards Federal Europe”. After some introductory remarks by Franco Spoltore, Pauline Gessant (JEF President) and Christian Moos (EUD Secretary General) started discussion, during which twelve people took the floor. A general agreement was reached that the UEF will have to concentrate on the election of the European Commission President and continue the “respect my vote” action. In parallel the UEF will have to reach out to new MEPs who are aligned with the Spinelli Group, so as to help organize federalist minded MEPs in the new European Parliament. Helping the new Parliament and the new Commission to develop and implement a federalist agenda for the next 5 years will be a priority. Members of PC3 discussed about the need to develop a two-pronged strategy: calling for further economic and political integration of the Eurozone and for reopening the debate on the reform of the EU and Eurozone institutions, with attention to the consequences of an increasingly Euro-sceptic United Kingdom and stronger populist forces across Europe. All members agreed that the joint UEF-JEF task force needs to continue its work and propose new initiatives for the coming months.
PC 4: Social Europe and citizen’s rights
Members of PC 4 convened for the first time since its constitution at the XXIV UEF European Congress in Berlin. 14 of 19 registered members were present. The PC was presented with two resolution proposals:
1. on youth employment by Group Europe. 2. on nationalism by Francois Mennerat of UEF France.
Members of the PC came to the following conclusions:
1. Give the newly founded PC time and space for its proper set up. Therefore, a discussion on the resolution proposals was seen as premature. It was decided to rework the proposals before the next Federal Committee meeting. 2. Identify four issue groups to work on. It decided to start with tackling one project in each issue group and assigned rapporteurs: a. THE SOCIAL MODEL First project: youth (un)employment and empowerment
b. MIGRATION First project: gaps in the current common asylum policy (border issues, mutual recognition of asylum status)
c. HUMAN RIGHTS IN EUROPE First project: Future mechanisms for the protection of human rights in the European Union
d. FUTURE OF EUROPEAN DEMOCRACY
6 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
First project: Developing the European democracy - Preparing the next convention process.
3. Set up a virtual platform in order to work on the above mentioned projects. The target is to have the second draft resolution proposals as well as others ready for discussion and finally adoption at the next Federal Committee meeting.
The constitutional part was followed by Lucio Levi’s report on the ECI “NewDeal4Europe“. He invited members of the PC to a presentation/debate on 10 July 2014 in Torino.
VOTE ON RESOLUTIONS
PC 2 External affairs
The amended resolution on re-launching Europe's Foreign & Defence Policy was adopted (6 abstentions).
PC 3 UEF strategy
The resolution to support European Parliament empowerment for a deeper & stronger legitimacy was adopted (2 against).
The resolution on demands to the European Council & the newly elected European Parliament – “Don't betray the voters!” was unanimously adopted.
The resolution on nationalism was withdrawn.
AOB & ANNOUCEMENTS OF FUTURE EVENTS
Newly elected UEF Secretary General Paolo Vacca thanked every participant for their work during the Federal Committee meeting. He then moved on to announce planned future events & actions:
- Continue the “Respect my vote” action; - Reach out to federalist-minded MEPs so as to introduce UEF and its work; - Create a group of federalist-minded MEPs who want to fight for the EU.
The next UEF meeting will be held in November 2014: date and place are to be scheduled.
CLOSING SPEECH
UEF President of Honor Andrew Duff thanked Federal Committee delegates and observers.
He also congratulated Alexander Stubb for becoming the new Finnish Prime minister and called the organisation to extend their congratulations.
He then moved on to stress to participants that collaboration with the Spinelli Group is an important partnership to build upon. He concluded by reminding everyone that it only inside the context of a convention that EU’s concerns and issues can be confronted and eventually be genuinely addressed.
7 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
ACTIVITY REPORT
2014 ACTION TRACKER
2014
I. Administration II. Finances III. Members IV. Bodies V. Communication VI. Actions VII. Advocacy VIII. Networking
WEBSITE REWAMP ACTIVITIES KICK- OFF MEETING UEF EP ADVOCACY EC GRANT UEF FEDERAL SUMMER HR MANAGEMENT PUBLICATIONS Monitoring MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE RECEPTION September Recruitment of New "MEET YOUR STRATEGY Committees Quarter Financial MEETING With Danuta Hübner Interns MEPS" Template & design Monitoring & evaluation preparation MEP Selection and meeting with MEPs preparation SOCIAL MEDIA OUTREACH Quarterly planning
UEF-JEF JOINT EXTERNAL "MEET YOUR EP ADVOCACY "MEET YOUR AFFAIRS PC MEPS" Monitoring MEPS" MEETING Vienna Promotion Committees SPINELLI GROUP Pan-European "MEET YOUR Monitoring & LAUNCH Action UEF BUREAU WEBSITE MEPS" meeting with MEPs October MEETING REWAMP Pan-European UEF-WFM UEF Action UEF-JEF JOINT DEBATE MEMBERSHIP UEF FEDERAL SOCIAL MEDIA EXTERNAL Preparation STRATEGY COMMITTEE OUTREACH AFFAIRS PC MEETING Mailing action MEETING Vienna preparation "MEET YOUR "MEET YOUR MEPS" MEPS" Promotion FEDERALIST Finnish MEPs CONTENT JEF Federal UEF-JEF JOINT DATABASE MAPPING Committee EC GRANT UEF EXTERNAL UPDATE research MANAGEMENT MEMBERSHIP AFFAIRS PC EP ADVOCACY UEF-WFM 2015 Grant EC GRANT STRATEGY MEETING "MEET YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA Monitoring DEBATE Application MANAGEMENT Follow-up (report) MEPS" November OUTREACH Committees + report Preparation financial PAN-EUROPEAN Pan-European Monitoring & HR MANAGEMENT closing TRAINING UEF FEDERAL Action UEF BROCHURE meeting with MEPs EMI Federal Recruitment of new SEMINAR COMMITTEE Assembly intern Preparation MEETING SOCIAL MEDIA UEF FEDERAL preparation STRATEGY COMMITTEE UEF-JEF JOINT Meeting w/ expert MEETING PC3 MEETING adviser Preparation UEF MEMBERSHIP FEDERALIST STRATEGY CONTENT HR MANAGEMENT WEBSITE MAPPING Recruitment of new REWAMP Analysis & strategy intern EC GRANT PAN-EUROPEAN UEF FEDERAL SPINELLI GROUP MANAGEMENT WINTER December TRAINING COMMITTEE DATABASE EP ADVOCACY EP Strasbourg EC GRANT Preparation financial RECEPTION SEMINAR MEETING UPDATE meeting MANAGEMENT closing Monitoring Preparation Committees UEF 2014 Activity UEF BROCHURE Monitoring & Report Preparation UEF-JEF JOINT meeting with MEPs PC3 MEETING Preparation
8 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE UEF’S ACTIVITIES FOR 2015
2015
I. Administration II. Finances III. Members IV. Bodies V. Communication VI. Actions VII. Advocacy VIII. Networking EC GRANT MANAGEMENT Sections' Activity EC GRANT Report 2014 MANAGEMENT EP ADVOCACY MEDIA & THINK Activity Report 2014 EC GRANT PAN-EUROPEAN Monitoring TANK MANAGEMENT UEF BUREAU PUBLICATIONS Meet your MEPs - January TRAINING Committees Update database & HR MANAGEMENT 2014 Financial MEETING Launch Greek SEMINAR Monitoring & strategy New Action & Closing Preparation meeting with MEPs Network Intern training UEF-JEF JOINT PC3 MEETING Preparation
UEF-JEF JOINT UEF-JEF JOINT PC3 MEETING MEDIA & THINK PC3 MEETING EP ADVOCACY EC GRANT EC GRANT Berlin UEF FEDERAL TANK Berlin Monitoring February MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Update database & Committees Activity Report 2014 2014 External Audit PAN-EUROPEAN MEETING strategy Meet your MEPs - Monitoring & TRAINING Preparation Lithuania meeting with MEPs SEMINAR Preparation 2015 MEMBERSHIP MEDIA & THINK FEES PAN-EUROPEAN EP ADVOCACY UEF FEDERAL PAN-EUROPEAN TANK TRAINING Monitoring March COMMITTEE TRAINING Update database & EC GRANT SEMINAR Committees MEETING SEMINAR Madrid strategy MANAGEMENT Madrid Monitoring & Preparation Quarter Financial meeting with MEPs evaluation
PAN-EUROPEAN UEF FEDERAL EP ADVOCACY TRAINING Monitoring April COMMITTEE SEMINAR Committees MEETING Follow-up Monitoring & meeting with MEPs UEF FEDERAL EP ADVOCACY COMMITTEE Monitoring May MEETING Committees Monitoring & EUROPE'S DAY meeting with MEPs
EP ADVOCACY HR MANAGEMENT 2015 FINANCIAL FEDERALIST FEDERALIST Monitoring June Recruitment of New MID-YEAR ACADEMY ACADEMY Committees Interns EVALUATION Monitoring & meeting with MEPs
9 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
FINANCIAL REPORT
2014 FINANCIAL REPORT
Finances in a nutshell - KEY MESSAGES
The EC grant is vital to the UEF
1) In 2014, the grant renewal was confirmed late (mid 2014) a. UEF had to run numerous activities (i.e. EP2014 campaign) without money
2) The grant was higher than expected. a. Great news, however …
Increased grant = need for increased co-financing (aka own resources)
MAJOR challenge >> UEF membership FEE payments Challenge 1: on time / prompt payment Challenge 2: payment as such
The new UEF Secretariat as of June-2014 has pending issues, it has solved relevant issues and is planning ahead thoroughly.
However, we have serious problems with on time UEF membership fee payments and fee payments in general. Currently, we are risking a budget deficit due to problems concerning membership declarations and payments. We need ac >> Declaration of members AND according fee payments are vital >> Vital to meet the budget presented to the EC for the grant >> Vital for efficient budget planning and budget execution >> Budget planning is based declaration of members and according payments (own resources = co-financing).
We need you to declare an accurate number of members of local sections. We need you to pay membership fees on time.
>> It is our goal to accomplish the mission of the UEF. Without accurate payments, we cannot plan ahead, we risk budget deficits (> reimbursements to the EC = lost money) and unnecessary yet complex bureaucratic procedures.
Moreover, we need your input. We are looking for additional ideas on how to increase our own UEF resources
10 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
2014 MEMBERSHIP FEE SITUATION
Average Average nr of Constituent organisations Annual Membership fee paid membership members fees paid 2011 2012 2013 2014 UEF Austria € 4.560,72 € 4.560,72 € 0,00 € 0,00 € 2.280,36 920 UEF Belgium € 245,52 € 280,88 € 225,68 € 225,68 € 244,44 99 UEF Bulgaria € 89,28 € 110,00 € 119,04 € 124,00 € 110,58 45 UEF Cyprus € 252,96 € 186,00 € 186,00 € 186,00 € 202,74 82 UEF Czech Republic € 121,52 € 124,00 € 122,00 € 124,00 € 122,88 50 UEF Finland € 24,20 € 24,20 € 24,20 € 109,12 € 45,43 18 UEF France € 396,80 € 384,40 € 391,84 € 386,88 € 389,98 157 UEF Germany € 10.019,20 € 10.160,56 € 10.220,08 € 10.490,40 € 10.222,56 4122 UEF Greece € 120,00 € 120,00 € 120,00 € 120,00 € 120,00 48 UEF Hungary € 0,00 0 UEF Italy € 7.807,04 € 7.601,20 € 7.504,48 € 7.023,36 € 7.484,02 3018 UEF Lithuania € 34,72 € 42,16 € 19,22 8 UEF Luxembourg € 248,00 € 235,60 € 235,60 € 208,32 € 231,88 94 UEF Montenegro € 19,84 € 19,84 € 9,92 4 UEF Portugal € 0,00 € 24,80 € 24,80 € 24,80 € 18,60 8 UEF Romania € 128,96 € 128,96 € 124,00 € 124,00 € 126,48 51 UEF Serbia € 84,32 € 74,40 € 52,08 € 52,08 € 65,72 27 UEF Slovakia € 0,00 0 UEF Slovenia € 0,00 € 15,00 € 12,40 € 44,64 € 18,01 7 UEF Spain € 0,00 € 0,00 0 UEF Switzerland € 2.480,00 € 2.480,00 € 2.480,00 € 2.463,95 € 2.475,99 998 UEF UK € 322,00 € 322,00 € 322,40 € 322,40 € 322,20 130 UEF Group Europe € 248,00 € 248,00 € 173,60 € 151,28 € 205,22 83
TOTAL € 27.148,52 € 27.080,72 € 22.392,76 € 22.242,91 € 24.716,23 9.966
DECLARATION RECEIVED, FEE UNPAID NO DECLARATION OF MEMBERS RECEIVED PROVISIONAL NUMBER NOT FULL MEMBER
11 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
2014 BUDGET SITUATION (10.12.2014)
BUDGET OF THE OPERATION - 2014 Organisation: UNION OF EUROPEAN FEDERALISTS Starting date: Finishing date: 31.12.14 01.01.2014 ALL FIGURES IN EUROS - € Please state your EXPENDITURE & INCOME only by use of these FIELDS ! I. EXPENSES ELIGIBLE COSTS 1. Cost of staff assigned to the operation Estimated total Total Total a) Category A (director, project manager, administrator, etc.) budget - € 6/11/2014 31/12/2014
Number of Total N° of Amount in € Estimated Total - Function Total - 06/11/2014 persons days per day Budget 31/12/2014 Director 1 220 293,00 64.460,00 44.112,51
Total 0 0 Total (a) 64.460,00 48.345,00 64.460,00 75% 100%
b) Category B (assistance functions, etc.)
Number of Total N° of Amount in € Estimated Total - Function Total - 06/11/2014 persons days per day Budget 31/12/2014 Communication Officer 1 220 68,73 15.120,60 8.730,00 15.120,60
Total 1 220 Total (b) 15.120,60 8.730,00 15.120,60 58% 100%
c) Category C (secretaries, etc.)
Number of Total N° of Amount in € Estimated Total - Function Total - 06/11/2014 persons days per day Budget 31/12/2014 Intern/stagiaire 3 185 45,41 25.202,55 18.596,60 31.777,39
Total 3 185 Total (c) 25.202,55 18.596,60 31.777,39 74% 126%
d) Category D (fees : auditors, consultants, experts, translators, etc.), please indicate how these fees are determined (annex A).
Number of Estimated Total - Function Total - 06/11/2014 persons Budget 31/12/2014
Accountancy 1 3.700,00 2.420,00 4.920,00 Financial Controller 1 3.000,00 2.190,10 2.190,10 Internal Audit 1 950,00 0,00 0,00 Experts (Video, …) 1 3.700,00 4.586,66 4.986,66 Total 4 Total (d) 11.350,00 9.196,76 12.096,76 81% 107%
Total section 1 (a+b+c+d) 116.133,15 84.868,36 123.454,75 73% 106%
2. General expenditure Estimated Total Total Estimated total Total Total Budget 6/11/2014 31/12/2014 budget - € 6/11/2014 31/12/2014 Office supplies 2.100,00 2.995,85 3.295,85 Maintenance 2.000,00 1.471,34 1.471,34 Communications 4.705,00 3.597,03 4.317,03 Postal charges 300,00 185,18 185,18 Insurance & taxes 2.545,39 350,57 3.850,57 Electricity, gas, water, etc. 2.400,00 0,00 0,00 Printing & Publishing 700,00 609,70 1.609,70 Subscriptions 152,31 0,00 0,00 Memberships in International Organisations 2.670,00 2.827,19 2.827,19
Total section 2 17.572,70 12.036,86 17.556,86 68% 100% 3. Conferences, seminars, workshops, etc. Estimated Total Total Estimated total Total Total Budget 6/11/2014 31/12/2014 budget - € 6/11/2014 31/12/2014 Hiring of premises & equipment 6.700,00 6.430,05 10.680,05 Participants' travel costs 44.000,00 20.752,56 24.252,56 Participants' subsistence costs 30.500,00 11.776,06 13.776,06 Speakers' fees 3.000,00 254,60 254,60 Interpretation 0,00 0,00 0,00 Catering 22.255,44 10.991,10 14.991,10 Documentation 8.000,00 10.991,10 13.213,05 Campaign events 10.000,00 2.213,05 10.577,23
Total section 3 124.455,44 63.408,52 87.744,65 51% 71%
12 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
4. Staff travel expenses and subsistence costs - Details should be given in Annex B (destination, mode of transport, rate) Estimated total Total Total a) Travel budget - € 6/11/2014 31/12/2014
Number of Total N° of Average cost Estimated Total - Mode of transport Total - 06/11/2014 persons journeys per Budget 31/12/2014 Plane 2 9 295,00 5.310,00 1.116,43 1.116,43 Train 2 4 180,00 1.440,00 1.361,07 1.361,07 0,00 Total (a) 6.750,00 2.477,50 2.477,50 37% 37%
b) Subsistence (accomodation and meals)
Total N° of Average cost Estimated Total - Number of persons Total - 06/11/2014 days per day - € Budget 31/12/2014 2 7 152,00 2.128,00 1.793,44 1.993,44 0,00 0,00 Total (b) 2.128,00 1.793,44 1.993,44 84% 94%
Please use rates as indicated in the table "daily subsistence allowance" Total section 4 (to be dowloaded on the Agency's website at the following address: (a+b) 8.878,00 4.270,94 4.470,94 48% 50% http://eacea.cec.eu.int/citizenship/funding_en.htm)
5. Rent, leasing and depreciation - No total purchase costs ! Details of the calculation method should be given in Annex C. Estimated total Total Total budget - € 6/11/2014 31/12/2014 Renting Leasing Depreciation Total - Total - 06/11/2014 Amount in € Amount in € Amount in € 31/12/2014 a) Equipment 0,00 0,00 4.500,00 0,00 3.000,00 b) Land 0,00 0,00 0,00 c) Immovable property 14.175,00 0,00 10.503,39 15.803,62
Total section 5 (a+b+c) 18.675,00 10.503,39 18.803,62 56% 101%
TOTAL OF ELIGIBLE COSTS 285.714,29 175.088,07 252.030,82 61% 88%
II. INCOME ELIGIBLE INCOME
Estimated Income Total Total € 6/11/2014 31/12/2014
1. Executive Agency EACEA 200.000,00 160.000,00 176.421,57 70% 88% (i.e. the grant for which this application is being submitted) Total - 11/11//2014 Total - 31/12/2014 Membership fees 19.800,96 21.815,39 Donations 4.590,00 9.590,00 Donations Accomodation and 2. Contribution by the applicant (self-financing) travel costs FC, Congress 25.361,70 33.461,70 77.214,29 49.946,26 74.695,69 27% 30% Registration fees 7.296,41 9.696,41 Contributions by other organisations 0,00 9.828,60 Direct revenue 193,60 0,00 3. Contribution by other organisations (please specify) 57.242,67 84.392,10
Total - Amount in € Total - 06/11/2014 31/12/2014
0,00 0,00 0,00
Total section 3 0,00
4. Direct revenue expected from the operation (please specify)
Total - Amount in € Total - 06/11/2014 31/12/2014 Participants' contributions to activities 8.500,00 7.296,41 9.696,41
Total section 4 8.500,00 7.296,41 9.696,41 3% 4%
TOTAL OF ELIGIBLE INCOME 285.714,29 209.946,26 260.813,67 73% 91%
13 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
2015 DRAFT BUDGET
BUDGET OF THE OPERATION - 2015 Organisation: Union of European Federalists (UEF)
Starting date: 01/01/2015 Finishing date: 31/12/2015
ALL FIGURES IN EUROS - € Please state your EXPENDITURE & INCOME only by use of these FIELDS ! I. EXPENSES ELIGIBLE COSTS 1. Cost of staff assigned to the operation Estimated total a) Category A (director, project manager, administrator, etc.) budget - €
Number of Total N° of Amount in € Function Total - € persons days per day Director 1 220 293,00 64.460,00
Total 1 220 Total (a) 64.460,00 b) Category B (assistance functions, etc.)
Number of Total N° of Amount in € Function Total - € persons days per day
Communication Officer 1 220 68,73 15.120,60
Total 1 220 Total (b) 15.120,60 c) Category C (secretaries, etc.)
Number of Total N° of Amount in € Function Total - € persons days per day Interns 3 185 45,41 25.202,55
Total 3 185 Total (c) 25.202,55 d) Category D (fees : auditors, consultants, experts, Total translators, etc.), please indicate how these fees are determined (annex A). (a+b+c) 104.783,15
Number of Function Amount in € persons
Accountancy 1 3.700,00 Financial Controller 1 3.000,00 Internal Audit 1 950,00 Experts (Videos, Adm. Ass.) 1 3.700,00 Total 4 Total (d) 11.350,00
Total section 1 (a+b+c+d) 116.133,15
2. General expenditure Estimated total Amount in € budget - € Office supplies 2.100,00 Maintenance 2.000,00 Communications 4.705,00 Postal charges 300,00 Insurance & taxes 2.545,39 Electricity, gas, water, etc. 2.400,00 Printing & Publishing 700,00 Subscriptions 152,31 Memberships in International Organisations 2.670,00
Total section 2 17.572,70
14 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
3. Conferences, seminars, workshops, etc. Estimated total Amount in € budget - € Hiring of premises & equipment 6.700,00 Participants' travel costs 44.000,00 Participants' subsistence costs 30.500,00 Speakers' fees 3.000,00 Interpretation 0,00 Catering 22.255,44 Documentation 8.000,00 Campaign events 10.000,00
Total section 3 124.455,44
4. Staff travel expenses and subsistence costs - Details should be given in Annex B (destination, mode of transport, rate) Estimated total a) Travel budget - €
Number of Total N° of Average cost Mode of transport Total - € persons journeys per Plane 2 9 295,00 5.310,00 Train 2 4 180,00 1.440,00 0,0000 Total (a) 6.750,00
b) Subsistence (accomodation and meals) Total N° of Average cost Number of persons Total - € days per day - € 2 7 152,00 2.128,0000 0,0000 0,0000 Total (b) 2.128,00 Total section 4 (a+b) 8.878,00
5. Rent, leasing and depreciation - No total purchase costs ! Details of the calculation method should be given in Annex C. Estimated total budget - € Renting Leasing Depreciation Amount in € Amount in € Amount in € a) Equipment 0,0000 0,0000 4.500,00 b) Land 0,0000 0,0000 0,0000 c) Immovable property 14.175,00 0,0000 0,0000 Total section 5 (a+b+c) 18.675,00
TOTAL OF ELIGIBLE COSTS 285.714,29
15 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
II. INCOME ELIGIBLE INCOME
Estimated Income €
1. Executive Agency EACEA 200.000,00 (i.e. the grant for which this application is being submitted)
2. Contribution by the applicant (self-financing) 0,00
3. Contribution by other organisations (please specify)
Amount in € 0,0000 0,0000 0,0000
Total section 3 0,00
4. Direct revenue expected from the operation (please specify) Amount in € Constituent organisations membership fees 27.163,29 Members' contributions & donations 44.551,00 Contributions to event & activities 14.000,00
Total section 4 85.714,29
285.714,29 TOTAL OF ELIGIBLE INCOME
16 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
UEF HUNGARY MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
UEF HUNGARY MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
UEF HUNGARY APPLICATION FORM
NAME OF ORGANISATION: Európai Föderalisták Uniója Magyarország Egyesület.
ACRONYM (if any): UEF Magyarország
Address of the secretariat: 1124 Budapest Lejtő út 12/1.
Telephone n°: 00 36 70 679 75 85
Fax number: n/a
E-mail address (if any): [email protected] / [email protected]
Internet Home Page (if any): http://www.federalists.hu
Working language(s): □ German X English □ French
Please enclose copies of the following:
1. The questionnaire for applicant U.E.F. constituent organizations. 2. Statutes / Bylaws of your organisation. 3. A report of the organisation’s activities in the last year or the year to come. 4. A statement explaining why the organisation wishes to join the U.E.F. 5. Organisation chart / Structure of your organisation.
17 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
Having read the conditions (enclosed) carefully, we endorse the U.E.F. Statutes and hereby submit this application to the U.E.F.
Date: 07.05.2013
Names and signatures:
18 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
LIST OF MEMBERS
President Sándor HEGEDŰS
Secretary General András JÁNOSSY, Dr. (until 30.11.2014., resigned)
Board members: Marianna Nagy, Dr. / [email protected] Krisztina SZABÓ / [email protected]
István MONORI / [email protected]
András JÁNOSSY, Dr. (until 30.11.2014., resigned) Sándor HEGEDŰS /[email protected]
Endre BARCS (Honorary member without voting right) / [email protected]
Andor Wirth (without voting right) / [email protected]
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.federalists.hu
Number of members 57
Local Sections Youth Section of UEFH (UEFH-JEF), Leader of the Youth Section: Andor WIRTH ([email protected])
19 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
ACTIVITY REPORT
Although UEF Hungary is a young movement as we really are active from January 2013, and although we still do not have a well-known personality who can give a face to our movement, we have done a lot to teach federalism to young people and even to politicians!
At the beginning we approached secondary schools with not a big success, as the present educational system in Hungary is preaching nationalism as the only useful solution for a nation to survive, but recently we could work out a strategic cooperation with HaHa ( with the council of university students’ network ) and as some of them became a member of UEFH. As these members of ours are students on the university we teach them federalism and they can give lectures to their fellow students. HaHa doesn’t deal with politics, but if we can find a well-known person, who doesn’t belong to any parties, HaHa could invite him or her to give lectures on the universities. As Peter Balazs has refused to be our president, we have approached Laszló Andor, our present EU commissioner, but even if he says yes, it takes more than a year for him to be an active member of UEF Hungary. We have other names, so we will solve that problem very soon.
The presidency of UEFH has organized education on the given topic for members of UEFH, too. The members of UEFH learn about the common Europe and about the activity of institutions of the EU in groups once a week. As very limited material is available on federalism in Hungarian, UEFH has translated all reachable and useful material into Hungarian for educational purposes. We distribute these materials in schools and among our members. All these materials can be also found on our website.
Members of the presidency of UEFH have participated on many meetings organized by think-tanks, NGOs, opposition parties, democratic associations and also on news conferences where they used the opportunity to raise questions or to give pro-European explanation in the name of UEFH. When we have found that a decision made by the Hungarian Parliament was against the rules of the EU, we raised our voice; we have written petitions which were published by the Hungarian News Agency and other media.
We will follow that practice. UEF Hungary is also behind the petition made by the organization of homeless people in Hungary (Város Mindenkié) which petition was forwarded to the European Parliament. (Members of UEFH teach English to homeless members of this organization and also helps them to use internet.)
With the help of our Facebook site and website UEFH draws attention to important decision made by leaders of the EU, we also raise our voice when we can see that the Hungarian government leaves European way using national solutions which are against the rules of the EU and in some cases we organized or joined to demonstrations against the anti-European steps of the Hungarian government.
UEFH has worked out strategic cooperation with some opposition parties, first of all with Együtt 2014 (Together 2014) the party of our ex-PM, Gordon Bajnai ( where Péter Balazs is the vice-president), with Democratic Coalition, the party of our other ex-PM, Ferenc Gyurcsány, and other parties as the newly reformed Hungarian Socialdemocratic Party, SZEM, and others. UEFH has worked out cooperation with NGOs and movements from different kind, representing gipsy minorities, homeless, or handicapped.
UEFH’s next step is to work out a full cooperation with other members of the UEF family, and our first step will be within days to get in touch with Austrian UEF members.
UEFH represented itself on many events, such as the Europe Day on 9 May, on the Holocaust Memorial Day, with other parties and NGOs we wreathed the tomb of a Hungarian martyr of the Hungarian fascism, who was a fighter for the common Europe. UEFH has got good media reports on this event.
The next step of UEFH will be to build out the UEF network within Hungary. Although UEF Hungary is a state wide association, we shall have member organizations from the regions in Hungary which according to our Statutes will enjoy independence in their activity, while their presidents can participate with voting power on the yearly UEFH congresses. (See Structure of UEFH).
20 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
We made an enormous development on the technical side, we left free the free server and free layout, we have bought a new and more useful layout, we have bought domain name, and now we are on a server for which we have to pay, but it is more accurate and safe. We have a very modern homepage: http://www.federalists.hu
We have our closed email system, one for the presidency, only for the members of the presidency: [email protected], and one for the members: [email protected].
Our “Európai Föderalisták Uniója” facebook site is very popular; we have 3500-4000 visitors per week. The main problem of ours is that beside membership fees we do not have any financial income. We have 68 members but only 37 of them paid the membership fee up to now. Our home office is provided by one member of the presidency, all technical developments (homepage, domain name,) and flags, leaflets, etc. was paid by members of ours.
1. Organizational goals for 2014
popularizing the principles and vision of the European Union increasing the awareness of UEFH commemoration of significant historical events (i.e.: 70th anniversary of the Holocaust &March of the Living) establishing a new, national section of JEF preparation to the European Elections
2. Biggest achievements in 2014
increasing the number and activity of the members cooperation with four NGOs (Raoul Wallenberg Association – András SIPOS, Hungarian Association of Resistance Fighters and Antifascists – Alliance for Democracy – Vilmos HANTI, The City is for everybody – Bálint MISETICS, National Association of Roma Organisations – Aladár HORVÁTH participation in the significant demonstrations establishing the Youth Section of UEFH (with support of the JEF Europe, after that, we could not get in touch with JEF Hungary successful Facebook site with more than 1700 likes
3. Biggest challenges in 2014
operation between destructive environment (openly illiberal and anti-democratic governance) operation with low level of budget (no chance for allowance from national source)
21
4. Events and activities organised by UEF Hungary in 2014
Pictures about the activities of UEFH are available at: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B8bMFsTKSacAMzBQZzBSZUlTelE&usp=sharing
Members/Partn Number of participants Date Venue Field/Subject Title Speakers ers Results achieved (direct and indirect) participating
70. anniversary for the 50 08.05.2014. Commemoration History libelarisation of Hungary (UEFH members: 12)
organizer: Hungarian Awarding of the European 40 15.05.2014. Conference EU Europe Society Union in Hungary (Europa (UEFH members: 4) Társaság)
22 500 20.05.2014. Protest Society Protest against poverty
(UEFH members: 20)
Lajos SELESTEY
(political MEETING COMMITTEE FEDERAL UEF
scientist) 12 Brussels, European Union in the light of 25 22.05.2014. Conference EU Zoltán the Ukrainian crisis LAKNER (UEFH members: 5) (expert of foreign
- affairs) 2014 13 December
Open Workshop: Representation of the gipsy 30 05.06.2014. Workshop Minorities society in Hungarian (UEFH members: 6) textbooks. Comparing years 2004 and 2014
Members/Partn Number of participants Date Venue Field/Subject Title Speakers ers Results achieved (direct and indirect) participating
Protest against the Memorial 50 26.06.2014. Protest Politics, Society of the Nazi Occupation (UEFH members: 8)
Commemoration of the 60 09.07.2014. Commemoration Politics, Society victims of the Holocaust, killed 70 years ago (UEFH members: 8)
Day of rebellion 2000 12.07.2014. Protest Politics, Society Demonstration against the (UEFH members: 18) anti-democratic governance
Protest against falsification of history: demonstration 500 29.07.2014. Protest Politics, Society against the Memorial of the (UEFH members: 18) Nazi Occupation
Conference about the 40 14.08.2014. Conference Geopolitics Ukrainian crisis (organised by Kossuth Klub) (UEFH members: 5)
23 Protest against falsification of 31.08.2014 history: demonstration 400 Protest Politics, Society against the Memorial of the (UEFH members: 22) Nazi Occupation
„Pozsonyi Piknik”, 2000 06.09.2014. Commemoration Politics, Society remembering the martyred poet Miklós Radnóti (UEFH members: 22)
Day of rebellion 2500 06.09.2014. Protest Politics, Society Demonstration against the (UEFH members: 24) anti-democratic governance
Attendance at the European Delegation, 11.09.2014. Parliament for the delegated (UEFH members: 4) Attendance four from UEFH
12-13. Conference UEF Conference (UEFH members: 4) 09.2014.
Hungarian European Resistance, Association of 30 23.09.2014. Exhibition Politics, Society conversation with some MEP Resistance from Hungary Fighters and (UEFH members: 4) Antifascists
Members/Partn Number of participants Date Venue Field/Subject Title Speakers ers Results achieved (direct and indirect) participating
Conversation, Lecture of the writer, historian 50 06.10.2014. Society Debate Rudolf UNGVÁRY (UEFH members: 8)
Commemoration of the 20 06.10.2014. Commemoration Society Martyrs of the Revolution in 1848, wreathing (UEFH members: 4)
150 09.10.2014. Charity Poverty Distributing clothes for poor (UEFH members: 4)
Conference about the 10- Conference Geopolitics Ukrainian crisis (organised by (UEFH members: 2) 11.10.2014. UEF-JEF)
12.10.2014. Elections of the local authorities (municipal) 24 Elections UEFH advocated many candidates of democratic parties
Analysis of the Municipal Republikon 50 15.10.2014. Conversation Elections Elections Institute (UEFH members: 4)
Commemoration of the 1956 Human 2000 23.10.2014. Commemoration Society Revolution Platform (UEFH members: 28)
Demonstration against 20000 26.10.2014. Protest Politics, Society planned internet tax (UEFH members: 28)
Demonstration against 100000 28.10.2014. Protest Politics, Society planned internet tax (UEFH members: 28)
Book presentation and discussion about The Invisible 50 30.10.2014. Presentment Politics Reality, written by Rudolf (UEFH members: 3) UNGVARY
Demonstration against 2000 31.10.2014. Protest Politics, Society planned internet tax (UEFH members: 18)
5. Events and activities where UEF Hungary was involved in 2014 (national, local levels)
Members/Partne Number of participants Date Venue Field/Subject Title Speakers Results achieved rs participating (direct and indirect)
General Assembly with General 19.06.2014 Association Garden Party for UEFH 18 Assembly members
General Assembly Decision about General 27 27.08.2014. Association establishing Youth Assembly Section, mandating Andor (UEFH members: 22) WIRTH to constitute its body
Tour for the members and freetime, outdoor their family members to 17 20.09.2014 Tour activity the Monument of (UEFH members: 11) Liberation (Vöröskő)
25 First meeting of the Youth 21.10.2014 Meeting Youth Section 8 Section of UEFH
Board meeting, common General meeting of UEFH Board 03.11.2014 Association 15 Assembly members and delegates from Youth Section
UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
6. Communication
TOOLS | Website, Newsletter, Press releases, etc.
Website: www.federalists.hu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropaiFederalistakUnioja
Twitter: under elaboration
Other (Blogs, YouTube - channel…)
Organizational goals for 2015
establishing territorial units of UEFH, increasing public awareness of UEFH trying to increase the incomes through applications renewing the online presence of the UEFH, preparations for a new EU-related news portal tours and meetings with those who are interested in European federalism. (Building community) joining to all the protests, commemorations, those are against any occurrence of anti democratic, anti European or facist issues summer camp on Fonyód (education and training) organising a travel for poor roma children to Budapest (visiting House of Terror, Holocaust Museum) fight against roma segregation, in cooperation with many towns tour to European Parliament (Brussels, Strasbourg) for 40 people by the invitation of Tibor SZANYI (MEP-Socialists) common ship-tour (Donau) to Vienna-Bratislava-Budapest in cooperation with the Austrian and Slovak National Sections (on behalf of Duna Project) celebrating the anniversary of the Hungarian EU-membership on 1st of May celebrating the Victory Day (9th of May) participating: Europe Day – EU Open Doors participating on Pan-europe picnic
26 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
UEF SLOVAKIA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
UEF SLOVAKIA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
UEF SLOVAKIA APPLICATION FORM
NAME OF ORGANISATION: ÚNIA EURÓPSKYCH FEDERALISTOV
Acronym (if any): UEF SLOVAKIA
Address of the secretariat: Romanova 42, 851 02 Bratislava
Telephone n°: +421 908 655 639
Fax number: +421 2 5464 0126
E-mail address (if any): [email protected]
Internet Home Page (if any): www.federalisti.sk
Working language(s): □ German X English □ French
Please enclose copies of the following:
1. The questionnaire for applicant U.E.F. constituent organizations. 2. Statutes / Bylaws of your organisation. 3. A report of the organisation’s activities in the last year or the year to come. 4. A statement explaining why the organisation wishes to join the U.E.F. 5. Organisation chart / Structure of your organisation.
Having read the conditions (enclosed) carefully, we endorse the U.E.F. Statutes and hereby submit this application to the U.E.F.
Date: 11.4.2013
27 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
28 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
LIST OF MEMBERS
List of members of the central executive body
TOMÁŠ WEISSENSTEINER, PRESIDENT Address: Holíčska 6, 851 05 Bratislava, Slovakia Telephone n°: +421 903 322 103 E-mail address: [email protected]
MILAN POLEŠENSKÝ, SECRETARY GENERAL AND STATUTORY REPRESENTATIVE Address: Romanova 46, 851 02 Bratislava, Slovakia Telephone n°: +421 903 459 169 E-mail address: [email protected]
NORBERT KUCHARÍK, MEMBER OF EXECUTIVE BODY Address: Dolná štvrť 508/32, 907 01 Myjava, Slovakia Telephone n°: +421 908 655 639 E-mail address: [email protected]
List of members of UEF Slovakia as for the 20 June 2013
Name Position Tomáš Weissensteiner President, Member of the Board Antonio Parziale Honorary Member, Member of the Board Lenka Jančová Member of the Board Norbert Kucharík Member of the Board Milan Polešenský Secretary General, Member of the Board Katarína Koledzaiová Member, Auditing Commission Slavomíra Štíbelová Member Veronika Sučanská Member Matej Pulc Member Martin Kališík Member Miroslava Ilečková Member Radoslav Smolárik Member Zuznana Stískalová Member Alexander Riabov Member Tomáš Šimo Member Michal Sedlák Member Ladislav Vlasák Member Martin Muška Member Milan Murín Member
29 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12 – 13 December 2014
ACTIVITY REPORT
1. Organizational goals for 2014
to increase amount of members up to 20 people to start negotiations with individuals on communal level regarding foundation of local sections make board members more active and prioritize their tasks and responsibilities with a subject matter specialisation
2. Biggest achievements in 2014
Accrual of members from 13 to 19 in the course of 9 months Establishment of cooperation with official EU representative bodies and national authorities in Slovakia, political parties as well as non-governmental organisations (JEF, Pan-European Union, European Dialogue) Setting up contact persons in particular Slovak regions (Bratislava, Nitra, Trenčín)
3. Biggest challenges for 2014
Sustainability of members activism Solving eligible location for seat of organisation Visibility of organisation towards public in capital and also in the entire country
30
4. Events and activities organised by UEF Slovakia in 2014
Members/Partners Number of participants (direct Date Venue Field/Subject Title Speakers Results achieved participating and indirect)
Helena National Slovak President Mezenská, Pan-European Media promotion, contacts to 21.01.2014 Bratislava policies and – European 100 Viliam Fischer, Union, JEF relevant politicians, new members crucial issues Personality I. Peter Osuský
Radoslav National Slovak President Procházka, Milan Pan-European Media promotion, contacts to 17.02.2014 Bratislava policies and – European 110 Kňažko, Ján Union, JEF relevant politicians, new members crucial issues Personality II. Čarnogurský
EU affairs, international Eduard Chmelár, Euro-Asian vs Media promotion, contacts to 17.07.2014 Bratislava political and Ivo Samson, JEF 70 European Union relevant politicians, new members economic Marián Vitkovič relations
31 Political part: Andrej Králik, Miloš Šoškič, Embassy of the Ján Cingel, Miloš Republic of EU integration, Serbia in the MEETING COMMITTEE FEDERAL UEF Serbia on the Hrušík international Slovak Republic, Media promotion, contacts to 12 Brussels, 26.11.2014 Bratislava way to the 80 trade and Economic part: Representation of relevant politicians, new members European Union politics Peter Jesenský, the European Marko Nikolič, Commission in Miroslav Slovakia, JEF Zečevič, Vladimír
- Činčura 2014 13 December
5. Events and activities where UEF Slovakia was involved in 2014 (national and local leves)
Members/Partners Number of participants Date Venue Field/Subject Title Speakers Results achieved participating (direct and indirect)
Mobilisation of citizens, notably European UEF and JEF JEF, Bratislava young people, to attend the EP 08.05.2014 Bratislava Parliament MovEuropeForward Slovakia around 200 people Townhall elections, promotion of UEF elections members Slovakia activities
Pan-European Union, Vlasta Kunová, EU integration, New European Information Office Maroš 06.12.2014 Bratislava European Commission and of the EP, tbc tbc Šefčovič, Ivan issues boarders of the EU Representation of Štefanec, etc. the European Commission
Vlasta Kunová, Antonio Institute of
32 EU and Raising Parziale, European European Cooperation with UEF Czech Populism: A Francesco 25.04.2014 Bratislava issues, EP Democrats, 60 Republic, promotion of UEF Challenge for Rutelli, elections European Slovakia activities Democracy Francois Democratic Party Bayrou, Marc Bader, etc.
UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
6. Communication
TOOLS | Website, Newsletter, Press releases, etc.
Website: www.federalisti.sk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/federalisti
Twitter: In progress
Other (Blogs, in progress (however, please see also: YouTube channel…) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj9uLOm0Th0 )
PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL | flyers, leaflets, books…
25.11.2014 Private source UEF Slovakia banner
25.11.2014 Private source UEF Slovakia leaflets and business cards for board members
MEDIA APPEARANCES | Online, printed media, broadcast, etc.
Headline: Slovak President – European Personality
Euractiv.sk 21.01.2014 Link: http://www.euractiv.sk/volby-v-eu/udalost/slovensky- prezident-europska-osobnost-005254
Headline: ,,Controversial Plan – we want to create European federation based on EU”, it was said by UEF Slovakia
European News 03.03.2014 Link: http://www.europskenoviny.sk/2014/03/03/kontroverzny- plan-z-eu-chceme-urobit-federaciu-tvrdi-unia-europskych- federalistov/
Industrial News 07.11.2014 Headline: Industry lobby vs ecologists
33 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
Link: http://komentare.hnonline.sk/komentare- 167/priemyselni-lobisti-verzus-aktivisti-remiza-635101
Headline: Slovak UEF is willing to raise awareness of the EP elections Press Agency of the Slovak 28.12.2013 Republic Link: http://www.hlavnespravy.sk/slovenska-unia- europskych-federalistov-chce-podnietit-zaujem-o-volby-do- ep-2014/192920/
Headline: UEF Slovakia representatives shall discuss with MEP candidates Information Portal teraz.sk 14.05.2014 Link: http://www.teraz.sk/slovensko/zastupcovia-uef-v-sr- budu-diskutovat/84323-clanok.html
34 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
ACTIVITY PLAN 2015
1. Organisation goals for 2015
Creation of UEF Slovakia local sections in Bratislava and at least in one another town beyond Bratislava Region Reconstruction of UEF Slovakia national board and involvement of new enthusiastic people upon Congress outcomes to be held by beginning of 2015 year Members growth (up to 30 people by end of 2015 year) and sustainability of organisation with respect of internal financing and fundraising
2. Events and activities planned for 2015
Date Events and activities to be organized by UEF Planned Results/Outcome Slovakia
25.01.2015 Event: New wave of separatism in Europe – how Media promotion, contacts to relevant to tackle with this challenge? politicians and public stakeholders, new members Venue: Polish Institute in Bratislava
Speaker: tbd
Participants: 80 -100
20.02.2015 Event: Ukraine, Moldova, Russia, Belarus – new Media promotion, contacts to relevant members in the European family? politicians and public stakeholders, new members Venue: European Information Centre in Bratislava
Speaker: tbd
Participants: 100 - 150
01.12.2014 – Event: MEETyourMEP Media promotion, contacts to relevant 31.12.2014 MEPs Venue: Bratislava
Speaker: Monika Flašíková-Beňová, Ivan Štefanec, Anna Záborská, Jana Žitňanská
Participants: N/A
35 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
POLITICAL COMMISSIONS
PC1: ECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNION Chairwoman: Ortun Gauper Rapporteur: Luisa Trumellini Mailing list: [email protected]
The ongoing debt crisis in the Euro area proves yet again that a Monetary Union without an economic and political union is in danger. The Euro needs to be accompanied by a European government with sufficient own resources and powers to act on the European economy. While member states must improve their national public finances, only the European level can gather the resources for a European plan to relauch the European economy. Coordination of national policies and plans is proving once more insufficient, thus a big step forward towards the United States of Europe is urgent for the survival of the Euro and the future of the European economy in an ever more competitive world.
RESOLUTION PROPOSAL ON TTIP-EU FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH THE US, p. 39
PC2: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Chairwomen: Monica Tiberi Rapporteur: Florent Banfi Mailing list: [email protected]
Once again, the European Union is lacking to respond and leaves the objective of its territorial integrity to be tackled by NATO.
In our debate, we should address whether the territorial integrity has to be left to NATO or whether the EU should be seriously be involved in it. Considering that this objective is of high importance for countries under direct threat from Russia which are not those contributing the most to the EU it could be considered as a bridge between the two visions of the European Defence.
The PC will be 1) monitoring the implementation the provisions of the Lisbon Treaty in the area of Foreign Policy, Security and Defense, in particular the completion of the setting up the External Action Service (EAS) as an efficient, coherent, transparent democratically accountable European diplomatic service as well as, 2) comment developments of the European Foreign, Security and Defense Policy both in terms of its institutional set-up and the means it’s been given for conducting an active European foreign policy, in particular in the areas of conflict prevention, peace-building, civilian and military crisis management and disarmament and formulate proposals for Federalist action in this field and 3) discuss relevant foreign policy issues.
RESOLUTION PROPOSAL ON UKRAINE, p. 41
36 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
PC3: FUTURE OF EUROPE AND FEDERALIST STRATEGY Chairman: Franco Spoltore Rapporteur: Otto Schmuck Mailing list: [email protected]
The challenges that the Europeans must inevitably address in the next months are of three different types: Historical, because a future of progress will become inconceivable if the EU is allowed to remain for much longer in the pre-federal stage in so many crucial fields, given the risk that, in the meantime, the growing divergences between and within the member countries could become unsustainable politically, socially and economically; Political, because it is necessary to go beyond inefficient and highly unstable intergovernmental and national solutions; Democratic, because today’s global challenges demand that democracy be given a supranational dimension, ensuring the involvement of members of the national parliaments and of MEPs, as representatives of the European people, in Europe’s political revival. We, as European federalists, must equip ourselves with the theoretical, organizational and technical tools needed to obtain a deeper understanding of the nature of these challenges and try and help to clarify, at different levels, the ends and the means of our initiatives to support the building up of a federal union, in the full awareness that: The future does not depend on the EU Treaties alone (a solution to the sovereign debt crisis was sought and has been implemented outside this framework); The working of the economic and monetary union cannot be based on a single institutional framework at European level (the bodies of the ECB and the ESM already act without the involvement of all the member states, as does the Eurogroup); The consolidation over the past twenty years of different levels of state participation in the EMU (i.e. with/without opt-outs and special status), added to the process of enlargement, has made it indispensable to pursue a deepening of the institutions through strong differentiation within the EU. The guidelines decided by our last UEF-Congress and the collaboration with JEF are the ideal channels through which to translate this awareness into concrete initiatives and actions for 2015. How to do all that and to improve the collaboration among federalist organizations is one of the goals of our PC3 meetings on the FUTURE OF EUROPE & FEDERALIST STRATEGY. At our PC3 meeting on Saturday 13 December we will have two keynote speeches to introduce the debate, and stimulate reflections and proposals: one by Pauline Gessant (JEF President) and the other one by Giulia Rossolillo (Professor of EU Law and Editor of the political review The Federalist). In view of this meeting, let me contribute to the debate with some considerations on FEDERALIST ACTION IN THE PHASE OF DIFFERENTIATED INTEGRATION which deals with: a) The historical phase we are living through in Europe; b) The different models of flexibility; c) Some reflections on a political level; d) What tools are needed in order to advance on the path to union?; e) Towards federal union. For those interested in some other political notes I presented to the MFE National Board last May 31st, just after the European elections and in anticipation of the Italian semester on: PREPARING FOR ACTION IN THE NEW EUROPEAN LEGISLATURE. It deals with: a) The forces in favour of Europe are still in the majority, but they have no time left to lose Italy’s task: to direct European change towards the federal solution; b) The task of the European Parliament: to give this legislature constituent value. The goal of this Political Commission is to develop Federalist actions according to the federalist strategy – ways and means for a European Federal Union – especially after the creation of the Spinelli Group.
37 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
PC4: SOCIAL EUROPE AND CITIZENS’ RIGHTs Chairman: Heinz-Wilhelm Schaumann Vice-Chairwoman: Daphni Gogou Special Guest expert: Sylvia-Yvonne Kaufman Mailing list: [email protected]
More than ever social issues but also issues of civil rights are at the centre of discussions at the European level. Caused by the current challenges to European politics and society there are the following important questions:
1 How should a European social model look like? 2 How do we solve the problems associated with migration within and to Europe? 3 How do we ensure the high standard of human rights and strengthen civil rights in Europe? 4 How we shape the future of European democracy?
We would like to discuss possible solutions to these questions! For this purpose there is a special platform with more detailed information about our political commission. You are invited to participate in our discussions. The discussion platform of PC-4 "Social Europe and Citizen Rights" can be found via the following link: http://s521719608.online.de/
RESOLUTION PROPOSAL ON GENUINE FREE MOVEMENT FOR ALL - ADVANCING CITIZENSHIP AND WELFARE RIGHTS ACROSS ALL EU MEMBER STATES, p. 43
RESOLUTION PROPOSAL – STABILIZING THE MONETARY UNION, STRENGTHENING THE EU SOCIAL COHESION, p. 47
RESOLUTION PROPOSAL TO COMBAT POVERTY AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION IN LINE WITH THE EU CHARTER OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS, p. 48
38 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
PROPOSALS FOR RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION PROPOSAL ON TTIP-EU FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH THE US
Submitted by UEF Austria
1 On the basis of the negotiations of a free trade agreement between EU and the USA (TTIP), EFB and 2 JEF Austria are demanding to the UEF to produce a clear statement on a strengthened transatlantic 3 relationship as well as the necessity to create a legal framework for transatlantic trade on a 4 European scale. Due to weak economic growth rates and alarming geopolitical conflicts, reinforced 5 transatlantic co-operations are an essential political and economic signal for the entire Western 6 world. 7 8 The transatlantic partnership for trade and investment should serve as the fundament for the 9 thriving economic and political development in the transatlantic region. To achieve that, however, 10 changes in the embodiment of the TTIP treaty and a proactive communication strategy around it are 11 absolutely necessary. 12 13 The EU and the USA are global economic engines as far as investments and trade are concerned. 14 Together, they account for almost half of the global gross national product and one third of the 15 world trade. American and European markets are already very closely related and integrated. 16 Bilateral trade sums up to almost two billion EURO daily in goods and services; furthermore 17 transatlantic investments in 2011 already mounted up to 2.394 trillion EURO. Economic forecasts of 18 the European Commission estimated that the added value of an integrated transatlantic economic 19 area would be more than 119,2 billion EURO per year for the EU and 94,9 billion EURO per year for 20 the USA. European exports could rise by 30% and the European export economy could increase by 21 6%. Moreover, this co-operation could make the European Union more independent from conflicts 22 in Russia/Ukraine and help to overcome the growth crisis in Europe also due to economic sanctions 23 against Russia. 24 25 With regard to the joint statement of the EU-USA summit on 29th November 2011, the final report of 26 the high level group for growth and employment of 11th February 2013, the joint statement of US- 27 President Barack Obama, the President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and the 28 President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy, the conclusions of the European Council (7th 29 and 8th February 2013) and the majority voting in favour of a negotiation mandate by the European 30 Parliament and in face of the necessity of a close transatlantic relationship in times of weak 31 economic growth and serious geopolitical conflicts, EFB and JEF Austria jointly table the following 32 resolution. 33 34 UEF and JEF are in favor for a transatlantic economic free trade agreement which considers the 35 following issues: 36 1. Both sides must take advantage that both treaty partners improve their standards in production, 37 safety, industrial law and ecology through the “transatlantic trade and investment partnership”. 38 A race to the bottom has to be prevented. A right for regulation for both Member States has 39 constitutionally to be guaranteed. 40 2. The European Union has to guarantee that that the negotiations are efficient, focused on a 41 positive value added output and lead to deepening European integration.
39 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
42 3. The treaty have the effort in the negotiations to achieve positive effects on employment and 43 growth in the EU as well as in The USA. 44 4. The benefit of harmonization of European and American standards (f.i. financial markets) as well 45 as the reduction of tariffs (f.i. agriculture) and none-tariff trade barriers have to result in an 46 added value for both treaty partners, accompanied by monitoring, probably in a certain period 47 of time (after TTIP takes effect). Further re-negotiations of the treaty must be possible. 48 5. The adoption and implementation of further European social standards, as well as in 49 environment and consumer protection must be guaranteed in the EU. Right of regulation! 50 6. Preserving the principle of caution, i.e. a product can only be sold on markets after it is proven 51 its 100% safety for health (which means it is not noxious); this must be guaranteed. 52 7. The European social model and the EU wide spread eco-social market economy are to be 53 consolidated as the macro economic framework and they shall guarantee sustainability and 54 value creation of the treaty partners at all levels from production to consumption. 55 8. In this context it is necessary to support and subsidize small and ecological farms in an 56 integrated transatlantic economic area, so that there is no monopolization of food production, 57 and consumers can enjoy the greatest possible freedom to choose goods, preferably local, 58 regional and seasonal products. Necessary regulation in product liability and labelling in the 59 European Union – which inform consumers on ingredients, means of production and 60 geographical origins as well as guaranteeing periodical, standardized controls in manufacturing 61 plants as wells as at points of sale – have to be ensured by the treaty. 62 9. The issue of personal data protection shall be excluded by the current negotiations. 63 10. International investor protection and its arbitration may be organized by a WTO trade panel and 64 not by a private arbitration panel. Investment discrimination but also preventing a race to the 65 bottom in standards of production, commerce and in the social systems could be compelled 66 there. In addition, the Transatlantic Economic Council could serve to help in trade and 67 investment conflicts. Disputes in the implementation of the free trade agreement could aIso be 68 dealt in such an institution– either embedded in the WTO trade panel or in the Transatlantic 69 Economic Council. This arbitration panel must be democratically accountable to the European 70 Parliament as well as the US Congress. 71 11. The possibility to participate multilaterally at the TTIP-agreement must be possible by 72 participants fulfilling the terms of the treaty. 73 12. The TTIP should create easier access to labor markets on both sides. 74 13. Exchange-programs in the areas of youth, higher education as well as education and further 75 training can deepen transatlantic cultural and economic understanding and should therefore be 76 strengthened. 77 14. Complete transparency of all negotiating issues is absolutely necessary. The European 78 Parliament has to be strongly involved in all negotiating issues and negotiating processes. 79 15. Public subsidies and public services must be excluded by the negotiations. At the same time EU- 80 competition law has to prevent any monopolization through state-owned or multinational 81 cooperations;
40 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
RESOLUTION PROPOSAL ON UKRAINE
Submitted by Monica Tiberi, Chairwoman of PC2 External Affairs.
1 The Federal Committee of the Union of European Federalists 2 in reference: 3 - to the resolution on Relaunching Europe's Foreign Policy and Defence Policy adopted at its 4 meeting in Brussels on 13-14 June 2014; 5 - to the outcome of the UEF-JEF Foreign Affairs Seminar in Vienna which took place on 18-19 6 October 2014; 7 - to the Statement on ongoing tensions in Ukraine adopted by the Young European Federalists 8 at their meeting in Bologna on 1-2 November 2014; 9 having regard to: 10 - the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement; 11 - the Conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting of November 17; 12 - the report by Human Rights Watch “Crimea: Human Rights in Decline”; 13 The Union of European Federalists 14 TAKING INTO ACCOUNT the strong public support in Ukraine for its European future; 15 CONFIRMING that the Union of European Federalists supports the European aspirations of Ukraine 16 and is ready to work together with civil society organisations in Ukraine; 17 RECALLING the urgent humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and the problem of internally displaced 18 persons; 19 1. Calls upon the European Union (EU) to provide the necessary financial assistance on the order 20 of a Marshall Plan for Ukraine, necessary to rebuild stability and peace; 21 2. Calls upon the EU to give political support to Ukraine’s reforms and stabilisation process, 22 especially on the fight against corruption, on decentralization and on reform of the justice and 23 security sectors; 24 3. Calls upon the EU to strongly support Ukrainian civil society and promote exchanges and 25 mobility between Ukraine and the EU member states; 26 4. Welcomes the results of the Ukrainian elections on 26 October as a fundamental step in 27 Ukraine’s aspirations to consolidate its democratic development; 28 5. Condemns the violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity by the Russian Federation and calls for 29 the withdrawal of Russian forces and illegal equipment from Ukrainian territory and for 30 respect of the ceasefire; 31 6. Further condemns Russia’s support for the so-called elections held by separatists in Donetsk 32 and Luhansk and the creation of a frozen conflict on Ukrainian territory, actions which de facto 33 impede the realisation of Ukraine’s European path; 34 7. Deplores the deterioration of human rights protection in Crimea and in the regions of Donetsk 35 and Luhansk; 36 8. Warns of the increasing insecurity of some EU member states, especially the Baltic States, 37 which feel threatened by Russia, and believes that NATO cannot be the only security provider 38 in Europe; therefore
41 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
39 9. Calls for strengthened European solidarity and the enhancement of the Common Security and 40 Defence Policy to enable the EU to act as a security provider and to restore trust in the EU and 41 among member states. The main goal should be make European citizens feel secure; 42 10. Emphasises that the failure of the Eastern Partnership was caused by a lack of political 43 leadership in the project and calls upon the High Representative of the Union for Foreign 44 Affairs & Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission to start a debate on how 45 to reframe this fundamental EU tool; 46 11. Believes that in the long term there is a need for the EU to re-engage with Russia in order to 47 end this period of instability. The EU must rethink the security architecture of the European 48 continent, which was based on cooperative relationship with Russia, and finally agree on a 49 common strategy towards Russia. International law and institutions must become the basis of 50 security and stability on the European continent again.
42 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
RESOLUTION PROPOSAL ON GENUINE FREE MOVEMENT FOR ALL - ADVANCING CITIZENSHIP AND WELFARE RIGHTS ACROSS ALL EU MEMBER STATES
Submitted by JEF Europe
1 Recognising free movement of persons in the EU as one of the four important pillars of the Single 2 European Market that constitutes one of the core achievements of European integration so 3 far; 4 Pointing out that mobility of people across different countries promotes intercultural understanding 5 and contributes to creating a common European identity. 6 Emphasising that genuine free movement for all alleviates the burdens of the still on-going financial 7 crisis in Europe, especially as regards an enhanced allocation of skills across member states 8 to dampen unprecedented high unemployment levels, particularly among the young 9 generation; 10 Highlighting that EU free movement provisions nowadays entail rights not only to European citizens 11 who are employed but also to those not in employment on the basis of European Citizenship; 12 Recalling that such rights do not only cover the right to reside in other member states but also the 13 right to access welfare benefits such as social assistance under certain conditions; 14 Fully alarmed by generally unfounded governmental complaints about welfare tourism in respective 15 member states, especially referring to the March 2013 letter to the European Commission by 16 Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK; 17 Noting with concern that some of the media in several cases do not only uncritically portray these 18 complaints but also disseminate incorrect information about free movement fundamentals 19 and rights in the EU; 20 Worried about rising anti-immigrant and anti-EU attitudes among citizens as a consequence of such 21 unfounded and misleading scaremongering, particularly visible during the 2014 EP elections; 22 Deeply concerned by the lack of enforcement of current EU legislation in several member states on 23 cross-border access to labour markets and welfare benefits, resulting in discrimination 24 between domestic, migrant, posted and frontier workers as well as those unemployed; 25 Contemplating remaining administrative hurdles for EU citizens wishing to reside, work or pursue 26 training programmes in another EU member state; 27 Further observing sceptically that certain member states are currently drafting new legislation to 28 restrict free movement rights of certain EU citizens, particularly those unemployed, by, for 29 instance, introducing re-entry bans or restricting child allowance measures; 30 Concerned about free movement rights in the EU still largely being exercised solely by a privileged 31 group of few well-educated citizens, due to limited material resources, language skills or high 32 costs of transportation, and also due to fragmented and unclear European legislation on 33 mutual recognition of professional qualifications;
43 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
34 Recognising that the heterogeneous macro-economic situation across as well as within member 35 states puts additional strain on finding effective solutions to the above challenges, 36 particularly in a European Union where enlargement processes are still on-going; 37 Recalling several policy documents by JEF Europe that have already highlighted the importance of 38 free movement rights in the EU such as the Political Platform, and Resolutions on 39 ‘Empowering Young People’ as well as on ‘Unity among European Citizens.’ 40 41 Therefore, JEF Europe 42 Calls upon immediate measures that preserve and advance our core achievement of European 43 integration – genuine free movement for all European citizens; 44 1. Full and correct implementation of EU legislation on free movement 45 Urges member states to discard the current drafting of new legislation that will restrict free 46 movement of EU citizens as well as their concomitant cross-border residence and welfare 47 rights; 48 Prompts member states further to timely and correctly implement EU legislation on free movement 49 and cross-border welfare rights for workers, particularly Directive 2014/54/EU, as well as for 50 all EU citizens in general, especially Directive 2004/38/EC; 51 Further reminds relevant decision-makers in member states that this correct implementation does 52 not end with the transposition into domestic legislation but importantly also requires the 53 respective adaptation of administrative processes; 54 Invites policy-makers in the EU and on the national level to consider further opportunities to cut red 55 tape, particularly in relation to identity and residence documents, and to enhance cross- 56 border administrative co-operation so to facilitate the exercise of free movement rights even 57 further; 58 2. More comprehensive and correct information on free movement rights to EU citizens 59 Believes in the importance of EU citizens being correctly informed about their free movement rights 60 in the Union, including residence and welfare rights, in order to attain the full potential of 61 European integration feasible to-date; 62 Reminds that this information should particularly address young people so that they can easily find 63 out about possibilities to develop their skills, find a job, and thus contribute to growth in the 64 EU; 65 Invokes not only European institutions and member states to comprehensively inform their citizens 66 on free movement rights through portals such as ‘Your Europe,’ ‘Europe Direct,’ or ‘EURES’ 67 but also the media to correctly portray relevant EU provisions and their benefits for citizens; 68 3. Reconsidering qualifying periods for residence and welfare rights 69 Prompts a mid-term revision of the Citizenship Directive 2004/38/EC as regards qualifying periods for 70 permanent residence status and accessing welfare benefits in order to further facilitate free 71 movement in the EU;
44 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
72 Advises prolonging the period of unconditional residence rights for EU citizens in other member 73 states from three to six months in a long-term perspective; 74 Suggests shortening the qualifying period for attaining permanent residence status for EU citizens 75 living in other member states from five to three years in the long-term, entailing an equally 76 shortened period of access to welfare benefits for those not in employment; 77 4. Enhancing mutual recognition of professional qualifications 78 Recommends facilitating the mobility of citizens throughout Europe, especially of the younger 79 generation, by recognising foreign university diplomas or training certificates and other 80 professional qualifications more quickly via more efficient administrative procedures 81 Proposes transferring the current threefold and unclear approach to recognising professional 82 qualifications in the EU, which includes mutual recognition of formal and non-formal 83 qualifications as well as partial harmonisation, into a simpler comprehensive one; 84 5. Broadening foreign language tuition 85 Calls for the Member States to provide integration and foreign language courses for in-coming 86 migrants should migrants wish to have it, collectively financed by, member states and, for 87 instance, the European Social Fund; 88 Endorses broader foreign language tuition in schools and encourages a member-state wide 89 comparison of the quality of foreign language teaching in order to specifically pressure and 90 support member states with low performance to improve their teaching; 91 6. Reducing macro-economic imbalances across Europe as a long-term solution 92 Recalls that the adjustment of macro-economic imbalances, not only across member states but, 93 importantly and often ignored, also within countries, has to be a priority for further EU 94 policy-making to ease challenges for member states associated with free movement of EU 95 citizens; 96 7. Establishing a European Mobility Fund 97 Supports the demand for a European Mobility Fund, which should assist member states reporting 98 disproportionate pressure on their social security systems resulting from immigration of EU 99 citizens into their country, potentially through temporary co-funding; 100 Recommends that this fund could initially be financed by transfers from funds, similar to the 101 European Globalisation Fund while a proper budget line is being set up; 102 8. Facilitating genuine freedom of movement for all 103 Endorses measures that facilitate family reunification across member states such as further 104 supporting the search for a new school for migrants’ children or aiding the application for 105 welfare benefits; 106 Encourages policy-makers to also ease free movement rights to citizens from candidate countries 107 into the EU in order to facilitate future integration processes; 108 Reminds that free movement of persons in the EU as one of the core achievements of European 109 integration and that it can only be truly sustained and advanced by consolidated actions – 110 uniting people from all spheres of public life such as politics, media, and civil society;
45 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
111 9. Promoting a new vision on free movement in Europe – the role of JEF 112 Calls upon our own members to become active in externally promoting our vision on free movement 113 in Europe, for example by issuing policy briefs on the issue to address decision-makers 114 directly, or by publishing articles in relevant journals or on web fora to inform the wider 115 public; 116 Further invites our sections to internally raise awareness and knowledge on free movement, 117 citizenship and welfare rights in the EU by, for instance, conducting JEF-wide actions on 118 specific occasions such as the European Day of Languages and domestic or international 119 seminars as well as by further promoting cross-border co-operations between neighbouring 120 JEF sections.
46 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
RESOLUTION PROPOSAL – STABILIZING THE MONETARY UNION, STRENGTHENING THE EU SOCIAL COHESION
Submitted by UEF Germany
1 At the beginning of the new term of the European Parliament and of the new Commission 2 headed by President Jean-Claude Juncker the Union of European Federalists calls upon the newly 3 elected MEPs, the European Council and the new Commission to maintain the course of stability, 4 while at the same time the social cohesion of the EU has to be strengthened through the following 5 specific measures: 6 7 1. Means of the European Social Fund (ESF) and of the European Regional Development Fund 8 (ERDF) must be increasingly used for the promotion of competitiveness and employment and for 9 crisis management in general. The preservation and creation of new jobs must be focused on. 10 11 2. The means for the European Youth Guarantee amounting to about 6 billion euros have to be 12 provided promptly and the measures for this purpose must be implemented in the Member States 13 and their regions as quickly as possible. 14 15 3. The macroeconomic dialogue with the participation of the social partners needs to be significantly 16 strengthened at the European level. To mitigate possible negative social effects, the EU must 17 provide additional funding for Member States which launch structural reforms to promote 18 competitiveness and employment. The implementation of structural reforms and their impact in the 19 social sector must be monitored by the Commission and the social partners. 20 21 4. The conditions under which the EU provides stability support to euro zone countries in financial 22 difficulties must be more balanced. Their social policy implications need to be analysed and 23 considered in a more serious way. 24 25 5. To promote competitiveness and employment, the EU shall develop instruments with attractive 26 terms that mobilize private capital for future-oriented investments- for example in the areas of 27 energy efficiency and the development of European energy networks, in an ecologically oriented 28 transport infrastructure and in the development of digital communications. Thus employment can 29 be sustained and a large number of new jobs can be created. 30 31 6. Furthermore, in combination with progress in the field of stability the EU needs to develop as 32 quickly as possible an instrument for the protection of the European Monetary Union against 33 future asymmetric shocks on the basis of automatic stabilizers, as the incumbent Council 34 President van Rompuy, together with the former Commission President Barroso, the President of 35 the ECB Mario Draghi and the former head of the euro group Jean Claude Juncker had already 36 proposed. Such a European instrument could also take the form of a European minimum 37 unemployment system. 38 39 7. The UEF expects from such instruments of concrete solidarity between citizens a strengthening of 40 European identity. UEF calls on the EU institutions and the EU Member States to consider the 41 positive and negative effects and aspects of such a support system in detail and to propose specific 42 embodiments.
47 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
RESOLUTION PROPOSAL TO COMBAT POVERTY AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION IN LINE WITH
THE EU CHARTER OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
Submitted by Dafni Gogou, Vice-Chairwoman of PC 4
1 Bearing in mind that since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the principles and rights introduced 2 by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights are legally binding for all EU institutions and bodies as well as 3 the Member States; 4 The EU Charter includes among others a list of social rights which guarantee in particular in its Articles 5 21 non-Discrimination, 23, equality between women and men, 24 the rights of children, 25 the rights of 6 the elderly, 26 the rights of persons with disabilities, 34 the rights to social security and social assistance 7 and 35 the right to health care ; 8 The significant deterioration of social conditions in the EU over the past 5 years due to the economic 9 and financial crisis and in particular, the important cuts introduced during this period in the MS, which 10 they are reflected in drastic austerity programs; 11 The ongoing implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy and in particular its part linked to reducing 12 poverty and promoting social inclusion; 13 The Federal Committee of the Union of European Federalists, meeting in Brussels on 13 14 December 2014, referring to the Charter of Fundamental Rights, adopted the following appeal to 15 the European institutions and the Member States 16 to promote at EU level a comprehensive humanitarian approach to migration policy in line with the 17 principles and rights set in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and in particular, the right to asylum 18 and the respect of the non-– return principle ; 19 to ensure that persons fleeing armed conflict or persecution and who are in need of international 20 protection should have effective access to asylum procedures in EU Member States and should get 21 legal means to apply for asylum applications - already outside the EU territory; 22 to support concrete actions aimed at ensuring migrant children’s rights, in particular for undocumented 23 and unaccompanied minors ; 24 to encourage the development of alternative measures to migrants' detention – as well as clear 25 prohibition rules for the detention of children – in cases like immigration ; 26 to - foresee emergency resettlement for the most vulnerable groups of persons looking for international 27 protection ; 28 to reinforce the migration dimension under the EU Human Rights Dialogues with third countries for the 29 post 2014 period ; 30 to strengthen internal and external coordination –including more coherence among EU bodies and 31 institutions on Migration Policies, with a view to setting up a permanent and structured forum for a 32 permanent dialogue on this issue for the next years .
48 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
RESOLUTION PROPOSAL BY UEF CZECH REPUBLIC
Submitted by UEF Czech Republic. 1 1. 2 The war in Ukraine shows that we need the genuine EU defence policy, so we strongly support the 3 initiative to create a group of the permanent structured cooperation within the EU. We appeal 4 governments of Germany and France to realize this initiative. 5 6 7 2. 8 We recognized that Fiscal Compact was left aside in the last decision of the Barroso EC. We call 9 member states of the EU to prepare new rules for the regulation of their indebtedness binding and 10 enforceable. 11 12 13 3. 14 We call the president of the European Council to continue in the agenda linked with the report of 15 the European Parliament adopted in the last election period: "Towards the genuine monetary and 16 economic union."
49 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
PROPOSAL FOR UPDATE OF THE FEDERALIST MANIFESTO
UEF MANIFESTO
Update to reflect post EP elections situation (prepared by F. Ferrero and P. Vacca)
As adopted by the XXIV Congress of the Union of European Federalists, Berlin, 16-17 November 2013 Towards Federal Union
1 Europe is passing through a period of turbulence and uncertainty. The European union itself is in 2 deep trouble The long financial crisis, which has led to economic stagnation, unemployment and 3 political fragmentation, has exposed not only the flaws in the design of the Economic and Monetary 4 Union and the weakness of EU institutions, but also a lack of commitment to European integration by 5 EU states. As a result, the European Union has lost the trust of many citizens.The crisis in the regions 6 bordering the European Union, from Ukraine to the Middle-East, is putting increasing pressure on 7 progressing European integration in the foreign, security and defence field.
8 If the European Union is to survive for years to come, it must pursue the paths of social peace, 9 prosperity and political unity through the business of democratic government. A federal Europe with 10 strong democratic institutions is the only way to meet this challenge. Europe will not be united if it is 11 not democratic. And it will not be democratic if it is not a federation.
12 The process of building a genuine European federal union can start today with the eurozone and those 13 states genuinely committed to joining the euro. It is the responsibility of our decision makers to take 14 all the necessary steps to solve the problems, put our affairs in order and rebuild confidence.
15 We therefore urge the political parties, and candidates in the Members of the European 16 Parliament ary elections of elected in 2014 and the new European Commission to make 17 the accomplishment of a federal union a central theme of their campaign activity . An 18 election with a genuine European dimension will be attractive for citizens and lead to a higher turnout. 19 We therefore welcome the fact that the European political parties are to nominate candidates for the 20 commission presidency and other posts.
21 And we urge the European Parliament to develop its proposals on the structure of federal union 22 alongside representatives of national parliaments in an inter-parliamentary Assizes.
23 Dealing with the crisis
24 Federalists believe that only deeper fiscal integration will lead Europe out of the crisis and fulfil 25 Europe's economic and democratic potential. This new polity has to be formed around the states
50 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
26 whose currency is or will soon be the euro.
27 In the first instance, the Eurozone needs a real banking union, including a European resolution 28 mechanism and a federal deposit insurance scheme. Decisive action is still needed to disentangle 29 sovereign from banking debt. Regulation must be tough, clear and fair. At national level, fiscal 30 discipline must be accompanied by economic reforms. At both European and national levels a better 31 balance must be struck between fiscal consolidation and investment in growth and jobs: fiscal union is 32 not viable without social justice. Tackling youth unemployment must be the priority.
33 It has become clear that purely national recovery plans have been largely ineffective. Only by creating 34 the tools and resources for common European economic, industrial and energy policies can we boost 35 trade and competitiveness, stimulate research and education, build trans-European networks and 36 complete the single market in services.
37 UEF welcomes the legislation already in place which will ensure budgetary responsibility at the 38 national and European level. Now we urge the eurozone to make rapid progress to address the burden 39 of debt which is destroying opportunity for too many European citizens. We need adequate forms of 40 European taxation and new forms of European debt instruments for a proactive European social and 41 economic policy. We need to replace ad hoc policy conditionality with democratically legitimated 42 policies and measures, including automatic stabilisers, which enhance solidarity and growth for a 43 European social market economy if the conditions and rules of fiscal stability and structural changes 44 are met.
45 These steps require the transformation of the eurozone into a true political union. And those states 46 which have yet to join the euro, and are intent on doing so, must be connected as closely as possible 47 to this process of deeper integration.
48 Treaty change
49 The Treaty of Lisbon is being stretched to breaking point under the pressure of crisis management. Its 50 revision is unavoidable if the Union is to overcome its present difficulties.
51 We therefore call for a constitutional Convention to begin as soon as possible after the May 2014 52 elections, and no later than spring 2015. . The Convention will be composed of MEPs, national MPs, 53 the Commission and the state governments. But it must reach out to the media, political parties, civil 54 society and public opinion in direct and effective ways. Its mandate must include the task of explaining 55 and justifying the decisions it takes.
56 The agenda of the Convention must be open, but shaped by a coherent political strategy based on the 57 re-foundation and renewal of the European Union around a federal vanguard. Its task will be to draft a 58 new fundamental law which provides a durable settlement of the system of governance of the Union, 59 along with a clearer sense of things to come.
60 The new treaty must further enhance the capacity of the Union to act at home and abroad. It must be 61 a strong constitutional framework in which its governors and law makers are empowered to make 51 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
62 coherent and efficient choices about the direction of policy. Member states must respect the values 63 and principles of their Union, and the EU needs to be alert and to react effectively when changes to 64 national constitutions depart from them.
65 A genuine common immigration and asylum policy is needed to make a reality of the EU area of 66 freedom, security and justice. Responsibilities for the control of the external frontiers of the Union 67 must be decently shared, and the human rights of migrants fully respected. Consular rights of EU 68 citizenship should be strengthened, and EU consular posts promoted. EU citizens living in other EU 69 states should be allowed to vote in all elections at their place of residence. The scope of the European 70 Citizens' Initiative should be widened and its application made more accessible.
71 The European Union will not be the global actor it aspires to be unless its states make s a more 72 serious political commitment to developing common foreign, security and defence policies. At the 73 moment, Europe is not only failing to defend its own values and interests but also to fulfil its potential 74 to be a source of good in world affairs. EU citizens have a strong commitment for peace.
75 In order to achieve these objectives the treaty revision must not fail to adjust competences and 76 increase the powers of the European institutions where necessary.
77 Federal government
78 The main new feature of the fundamental law will be the installation of a federal government, with a 79 powerful Treasury Secretary, for the fiscal and economic union. The eurozone must have its own fiscal 80 capacity, capable of contributing to macro-economic stabilisation. The EU budget should be financed 81 by genuinely autonomous own resources - such as taxes on carbon emissions or financial 82 transactions - which, by moving away from the current system of direct national contributions, will 83 allow the federal core to escape from the paralysis of juste retour.
84 The new treaty must permit the progressive mutualisation at least of a portion of sovereign debt 85 within the eurozone, subject to strict conditionality. It should lift the prohibition on deficit financing 86 while ensuring that the federal debt is subject to limits comparable to those imposed on the states. In 87 addition, the current unanimity rules for the decisions on own resources and the multi-annual financial 88 framework must be modified.
89 A better democracy
90 UEF believes that the EU will only survive and prosper by enhancing European democracy: we act to 91 strengthen the European public space, with citizens fully engaged at every stage of the constitutional 92 process.
93 We should transfer to the European Commission most of the residual executive powers now held by 94 the Council, at least in the economic and fiscal field, turning the Commission into a recognisable and 95 accountable government. The size of the Commission should be reduced, with its members nominated 96 by the President-elect and elected by the European Parliament. The new structure of the 97 Commission proposed by Mr Juncker, with the appointment of seven Vice Presidents, and the creation 52 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
98 of project teams, are a good step in this direction.
99 The two legislative chambers of the European Parliament and the Council should be put on an equal 100 footing. The composition of the Parliament should be determined by logical, transparent and 101 understandable rules on the basis of the population of the states, respecting the principle of 102 degressive proportionality. In order to build up real European political parties and to heighten the EU 103 dimension of politics, a certain number of MEPs should be elected in a pan-European constituency 104 from transnational lists. Parliament must gain the right of consent to treaty changes and to the 105 accession of new states.
106 Restrictions on the scope of the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice should be lifted, and access to the 107 Court eased for individuals. 108 109 A deeper legitimacy
110 Flexible and democratic procedures are needed for future treaty amendments, which should enter 111 into force either once ratified by a qualified majority of the states and of Members of the European 112 Parliament, or if carried in a pan-EU referendum by a majority of the states and citizens. Such changes 113 will bring the EU into line with all other federal or international organisations.
114 EU states cannot be forced against their will to take the federal steps we here propose. At the same 115 time, such states cannot be allowed an open-ended possibility to pick and choose what they want 116 from the EU and discard the rest. Yet more à la carte opt-outs and derogations risk fracturing the 117 cohesion of the acquis communautaire. Free-riding means disintegration.
118 We therefore propose to create a new category of membership available to states which choose not to 119 join the federal union. Institutional participation would necessarily be limited. Continued allegiance to 120 the Union's values should be required, but political engagement in the Union's objectives and policies 121 would be reduced. This new form of associate membership would also be an improvement on the 122 present European Economic Area, and would be open to all other European countries.
123 Should it prove impossible for all current member states to agree to revise the European Union along 124 these lines, we urge the creation of a constituent assembly, gathering members of the national 125 parliaments and the European Parliament to establish a constitution along these lines. Every 126 parliament would be invited to participate in a fresh start for Europe but the assembly should be able 127 to start its work even if not all have resolved to join such a project.
128 ******************
129 To the achievement of these objectives, UEF welcomes a broad public debate on 'A Fundamental Law 130 of the European Union' as elaborated by the Spinelli Group of MEPs.
131 We commit ourselves to advancing the cause of European federal union in the interests of a more 132 peaceful and prosperous world.
53 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
133 The Union of European Federalists commends this manifesto to the political parties, and candidates 134 campaigning for election to the Members of the European Parliament and the new European 135 Commission in May 2014.
54
STRATEGY AND INITIATIVES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF UEF NATIONAL SECTIONS
1. UEF Activities Kick-off Meeting weaknesses sections’strengths Mapping & September 2014 Brussels
Input from sections’ representatives
Launch of Initiative | Input from FC members 3. UEF Pan-European Training Seminar March 2014
55 Madrid
Tools development together with sections
4. UEF Capacity-Building Seminar identify needs to meetings with Bilateral sections June 2014
UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING COMMITTEE FEDERAL UEF
TBC 12 Brussels,
Activists’ training
5. Ad hoc Capacity–Building Seminars -
13 December 2014 13 December Throughout 2015 Interested sections
Visits in sections addressing their individual needs
UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
UEF-JEF
JOINT POLITICAL COMMISSIONS MEETING ON FEDERALIST STRATEGY & FUTURE OF EUROPE Berlin, 6-8 February 2015
in cooperation with
DEEPENING THE EUROZONE, STRENGTHENING THE UNION: WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?
Berlin 6 – 8 February 2015
PARTICIPATION The meeting is intended mainly for members of the UEF Political Commission 'Future of Europe & Federalist Strategy' and the JEF Political Commission 'Institutions & Governance'. However, it is also open to other FC members interested in the subject.
Please note: . The following applicants will be automatically accepted, so we recommend to book flights at the same time of the online registration to minimise travel costs (no need to wait for the deadline or for later confirmation by the UEF Secretariat) - Members of the UEF Political Commission on the Future of Europe & Federalist Strategy - Members of UEF Bureau - Members of JEF bureau
. Members of JEF Political Commission on Institutions & Governance will be subject to confirmation by JEF that they are indeed active members of that commission (as the commission has no fixed members)
. Registrations by other members are subject to acceptance.
CONDITIONS . No participation fee is due . UEF will provide (at UEF’s cost) accommodation for 2 nights (Friday 6 and Saturday 7 February). Accommodation is in double (twin) room. For single rooms, a surcharge of 60 euros is due (to be paid to UEF locally) . UEF will provide (at UEF’s costs) the meals on Friday (dinner), Saturday (lunch and dinner) and coffee breaks Saturday and Sunday. . No travel reimbursement is available. However, participants coming from the most far away locations with no low-costs flights available, whose travel costs exceed 200 Euros, should so indicate in the application form and they will be eligible for a partial travel reimbursement for the part of their travel costs in excess of 200 euro and up to a maximum of 200 euro.
Participants are required to provide a copy of the travel tickets and their boarding pass.
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION 31 December 2014.
56 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
DRAFT PROGRAMME
Europäische Akademie Berlin, Bismarckallee 46/48 (D-14193 Berlin-Grunewald)
FRIDAY, 6 FEBRUARY 18.00 Session I DEEPENING THE EUROZONE AND REFORMING THE UNION: CHANCES AT THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW TERM OF EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND EUROPEAN COMMISSION
20.00 UEF – JEF Get together
SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY 8.30 Arrival and registration of participants
9.00 Opening Presentation of the seminar & introduction of participants
09.30 Session II TOWARDS A EURO UNION – CONFRONTING THE PROPOSALS OF THE FEDERALISTS, THE GLIENICKER GRUPPE AND THE EIFFEL GROUP
11.00 Coffee Break
11.30 Session III ECONOMIC ISSUES IN DEEPENING THE EUROZONE TOWARDS A FISCAL AND ECONOMIC UNION: 1. A Eurozone budget and fiscal capacity? 2. Euro-area wide welfare mechanisms (e.g. unemployment insurance system) as automatic stabilizers?
13.00 Lunch Break
14.00 Session IV CHANCES AND RISKS OF MORE DIFFERENTIATED INTEGRATION IN EUROPE – INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES
16.00 Coffee Break
16.30 Session V REFORMING THE UNION WITHIN THE TREATIES: EUROPEAN ELECTORAL LAW, A NEW DESIGN FOR THE COUNCIL, LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVE FOR NATIONAL PARLIAMENTS
18.30 End of sessions
SUNDAY 8 FEBRUARY 9.00 Session VI PARALLEL WORKING GROUPS WITH THE TASKS TO SUMMARISE KEY RESULTS OF EACH SESSION IN PROPOSED POLICY POINTS FOR THE UEF AND JEF PCS
10.30 Coffee Break
10.45 Presentations of the Working Groups’ results to the plenary
11.45 Session VII WHAT NEXT STEPS IN THE UEF AND JEF CAMPAIGN? HOW TO SPREAD THE AIMS OF THE EUROPEAN POLICY
13.00 Closing
57 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
in cooperation with
FEDERALIST DEBATE & TRAINING WEEKEND Madrid, 14-15 March 2015
The Federalist Debate & Training Week-End is a yearly event for experienced and new activists and members of UEF and JEF who are interested in discussing federalism and current European political issues from a federalist perspective and to engage into a practical training on campaigning for a federal Europe.
The weekend focuses on three elements:
Politics: a session on current political issues Federalism: a session on a structural federalist topic relevant in the current political debate Campaigning: 3 practical-oriented workshops
Key topics of the 2015 edition will be
Federalism & Regionalism: similarities and differences and relevance in today’s Europe How to re-launch European economy: a “new deal” for Europe, from the Euro to a fiscal and economic union Prospects for a “federal Europe”, a year after the European elections
The practical workshops will focus on how to engage against nationalists and Euro-sceptics at local level with case studies from different countries
A high profile event could be organized in the evening of Friday 13 March (tbc)
CALLING NOTICE WITH PROGRAMME AND PARTICIPATION CONDITIONS
WILL BE CIRCULATED IN THE EARLY DAYS OF JANUARY
58
#FedWE15
UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
Country of Political Surname Name Membership Residence Commission ADDUCI Matteo Belgium PC 2 FC Member ANSELMI Giorgio Italy PC 3 FC Member BANFI Florent France PC 2 FC Member BARCS Endre Belgium PC 2 Observer BEHESHTI Abolfazl France PC 2 Observer BIENERT Kolja Spain UEF Treasurer BILLION Jean Francis France FC Member BINGEL Ralf Germany PC 4 FC Member BŘEČKA Josef Czech Republic PC 3 Observer BRINGINA Laura Belgium UEF Secretariat BRINKMANN Walter Germany PC 3 Observer BROK Elmar Germany UEF President BUCURAS Ioan Belgium PC 3 Observer BURCKHARDT Till Switzerland PC 1 Observer BUTORAC Saša Belgium PC 3 Observer CALMES Alain Luxembourg PC 2 FC Member CIAVARINI AZZI Michele Belgium PC 3 Observer CIPOLLETTA Chiara Stella Luxembourg PC 1 FC Member DIMITROV Emil Belgium PC 1 Observer DUCRY Jacques Switzerland PC 3 Observer UEF Honorary DUFF Andrew United Kingdom President EVA CHRISTINA Andersson Belgium PC 2 Observer FAURA Pablo Spain PC 3 FC Member FERRERO Francesco Italy PC 3 Observer FILIPOVIC Ljubomir Montenegro PC 2 FC Member FLORIAN Ziegenbalg Germany PC 3 Observer FRISCHENSCHLAGER Friedhelm Austia PC 3 FC Member FRIX Paul Belgium PC 3 FC Member GARCIA BERCERO Ignacio Guest GARCIA David M. Belgium UEF Secretariat GARLINSKA Alexandra Belgium PC 3 FC Member GAUPER Ortrun Austria PC 1 FC Member 59 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
Country of Political Surname Name Membership Residence Commission GESSANT Pauline France PC 3 FC Member GIESEL Rainer Bruno Germany PC 3 FC Member GOGOU Daphné Belgium PC 4 FC Member GRACE David United Kingdom PC 3 FC Member GYUROV Yasen Brussels PC 3 Observer HEGEDUS Sandor Hungary PC 3 Observer HÜTTEMANN Bernd Germany PC 3 FC Member ILIĆ Zdravko Serbia PC 3 Observer IVANOV Velko Bulgaria PC 3 FC Member JANČOVÁ Lenka Slovakia PC 2 Observer KAPLAN Ivo Czech Republic PC 2 Observer KDOLSKI Andrea Austria PC 3 Observer KOHL Andrea Austria PC 3 FC Member KOVATCHEV Andrey Bulgaria PC 2 FC Member KRAMER Niklas Germany PC 4 FC Member KREFT Enrico Germany PC 2 FC Member LIA LUCIA Epure Romania PC 3 Observer LIRONI Elisa Belgium UEF Secretariat LIVARDJANI Mana Belgium UEF Secretariat MALCOVATI Massimo Italy PC 3 FC Member MAVRIDIS Dimitrios Belgium UEF Secretariat MENNERAT François France PC 3 FC Member MIKKO ANTTON Rönnholm Finland PC 1 Observer MONTANI Guido Italy PC 3 Observer MOOS Christian Germany PC 2 FC Member MORO Domenico Italia PC 1 FC Member NADIRADZE Dr. Kakha Georgia PC 1 Observer NIRKKONEN Tuomas Belgium PC 2 FC Member NTELEDIMOU Petroula Greece PC 1 FC Member OOMSELS Peter Belgium PC 4 Observer OSTYN Dominique Belgium PC3 FC Member PALERMO Carlo Maria Italy PC 3 FC Member PALERMO Salvatore Antonio Italy PC 1 FC Member PATERSON Mark Uk PC 3 FC Member PIEPER Friedhelm Germany FC Member PINTO Diogo Belgium Guest PISTONE Sergio Italy PC 3 FC Member RADL Sabine Austria PC 3 FC Member 60 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
Country of Political Surname Name Membership Residence Commission RASTRELLI Giovanni Luxembourg PC 2 FC Member ROSSOLILLO Giulia Italy PC 3 Guest RUIZ DEVESA Domènec Beligum PC 1 Observer SCHAUMANN Heinz-Wilhelm Germany PC 4 FC Member SCHINAS Margaritis Guest SCHMUCK Otto Germany PC 3 FC Member SCHUSTER Niels Belgium PC 2 FC Member SCHWARZ Karel Czech Republic PC 4 FC Member SODERMAN Henrik Belgium PC 2 FC Member SOTO SAINZ Oliver Spain PC 3 Observer SPOLTORE Franco Italy PC 3 Observer TIBERI Monica Belgium PC 2 FC Member TRUMELLINI Luisa Italy PC 1 FC Member UEF Secretary VACCA Paolo Belgium General VANCAMPENHOUT Roger Belgium PC 4 Observer VERESCHOOTEN Robert Belgium PC 3 Observer VIEILLEDENT Catherine Belgique PC 3 FC Member VOLPI Remi France PC3 Observer VON CETTO Anton Germany FC Member WETTACH Wolfgang G Germany PC 2 FC Member ZSOMBOR Roza Hungary PC 2 Observer
61 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
MAP & VENUE
FC MEETING VENUE
Bedford Hotel and Congress Centre **** Rue du Midi 135-137 B-1000 Brussels
DINNER VENNUE
Pasta Divina
Rue de la Montagne 16, 1000 Bruxelles
Nearest Tramway Station: Nearest Metro & Bus Station:
Bourse Anneessens Beurs
62 UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEETING Brussels, 12-13 December 2014
TRAVEL EXPENSES
EXCLUSIVELY FOR UEF FEDERAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Taking the financial situation of the organisation, we would like to limit the payment of effective travel reimbursement to members who feel they could not participate in the Federal Committee otherwise. No travel reimbursement will be paid for travel costs under 100€. Expenses above 100€ will be paid back at a rate of 75% with a maximum of 300€. If travelling by car (min. 2 people), the reimbursement is of 0,13 Euro/km.
Please note that reimbursement will only be given on the basis of original tickets / receipts. If travelling by plane, please include your ticket as well as your boarding pass; if travelling by car, please include your petrol tickets.
Please note that reimbursements will unfortunately take time and can only be given on the basis of the original tickets and invoices.
Deadline for the submission of reimbursement requests: 31.12.2014
63
UEF STAFF CONTACT
In case of emergency, you can reach us by phone on +32 2 508 30 30.
Paolo VACCA Mana LIVARDJANI Secretary General Director
Laura BRINGINA Dimitrios MAVRIDIS Communication Officer Network Officer
Elisa LIRONI David M. GARCIA Policy & Advocacy Officer Policy & Advocacy Officer
UEF European Secretariat Square de Meeûs 25 | B - 1000 Brussels [email protected]
www.federalists.eu