B3-0064, 0127 and 0133/94

Resolution on voting rights for citizens of the Union in the European elections

The European Parliament,

-having regard to Article B of the Treaty on European Union on European citizenship,

-having regard to Article 8b of the EC Treaty on the right of citizens of the Union residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals to vote and stand as a candidate in municipal elections in their Member State of residence and on their right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament,

A.whereas one of the objectives of the Union is to promote European citizenship,

B.whereas the right to vote for citizens of the Union, as provided for by the Treaty on European Union, is a vital element of such citizenship,

C.whereas by 1 February 1994 the Member States of the European Union are required to transpose into national law Council Directive 93/109/EC of 6 December 1993, pursuant to Article 8b of the EC Treaty, implementing the right to vote and stand as a candidate in the 1994 European elections for Union citizens residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals,

D.whereas transposition of the directive will involve laying down the practical arrangements for inclusion on the electoral roll of Union citizens residing in a Member State other than that of which they are nationals,

E.whereas the directive requires interested citizens to express the wish to exercise the right to vote in their country of residence,

F.concerned at the confusion that may arise from:

(a)the lack of a clear understanding between the countries of origin and the countries of residence with regard to dual entry on electoral rolls,

(b)lack of knowledge of the new electoral systems,

G.having regard to the importance and need of an appropriate information campaign in all the Member States on this matter,

1.Calls on the Member States to make the necessary arrangements forthwith to transpose the directive on the right to vote for citizens of the Union into their national legislation, to enable all citizens of the Union to participate in the forthcoming elections to the European Parliament, wherever they reside;

2.Points out the need for the Commission and the Member States to organize an awareness and information campaign on the European elections and on the involvement of citizens in the decision-making process at European level;

3.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the parliaments of the Member States.