THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT...

Affirms the need for a solemn declaration by the Council, the Commission and Parliament on transparency and democracy, dealing in particular with the following aspects which should be implemented immediately:

public deliberations by the Council acting in its legislative capacity

a political undertaking by the Council not to adopt legislative texts previously rejected by Parliament,

adoption by the three political institutions of an annual legislative programme which will be published,

simplification of the comitology system in order to monitor more effectively the decisions of both national and European officials,

a sustained effort by the Commission to codify Community law establishment of a uniform electoral procedure and a more representative European Parliament,

speedy implementation of those provisions of the Maastricht Treaty covering citizens' rights and their full involvement in European integration,

improvement of Parliament's control over the Commission.

Calls on the governments of the Member States to convene a new intergovernmental conference before the next scheduled date in 1996, with a mandate to make good the democratic deficit, increase the transparency of the decision-making process and increase substantially Parliament's powers of control.

Believes it essential that an interinstitutional conference should be convened with a mandate to draw up an interinstitutional agreement on the principle of subsidiarity.

Calls on the European Council to reaffirm the necessary European solidarity by adopting the Delors II package as soon as possible; adopting a Community initiative to stimulate the economy; confirming the completion of EMU; rejecting any attempt to create a two-speed Europe.

Considers that the national parliaments play an essential role in particular by improving their information through the implementation of the undertaking given by governments to forward without delay all legislative proposals, taking note of the Community's annual legislative programme and participating in the formation of political will on European matters at national level.

THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL...

Agreed the Birmingham Declaration on how to bring the Community closer to its citizens. Foreign Ministers will suggest ways of opening up the work of the Community's institution by:

some open Council discussion - for example on future work programmes

the European Parliament's important role in the democratic life of the Community

nil

implementing and enforcing effectively Community legislation, without interfering unnecessarily in the daily life of our citizens

making Community legislation simpler and clearer

nil

making clear that citizenship of the Union brings our citizens additional rights and protection without in any way taking the place of their national citizenship

nil

nil

Seek an agreement about subsidiarity with the European Parliament

Believe that reducing inflation,controlling budgets deficits and improving efficiency of the Member States economies establish the basis for social and economic cohesion and for the creation of new jobs.The recent financial turbulence calls for reflection in the light of developments in the European and World Monetary System

Reaffirm that national parliaments should be more closely involved in the Community's activities. We shall discuss this with our parliaments. We welcome the Commission's readiness to respond positively to requests from national parliaments for explanations of its proposals.