Democratic, Federal And Social Europe

EDM number 193 in 1991-92, proposed by Harry Barnes on 19/11/1991.

That this House recognises that the economic goals of the EC should include not only price stability, but also as equal priorities the overcoming of unemployment, regional inequalities and the replacement of the system of agricultural price support by income support for farmers and that, whilst the Social Charter is vague and commits governments to little, it provides a starting point for a much-needed and strong social dimension to the single market; believes that, in any arrangements made in Maastricht or later, a priority is to extend democratic control by the European Parliament over the Commission; believes that the best model for the EC is a fully-fledged federal structure, incorporating local devolution; believes that such a federation must be based on a clear demarcation of competences at all levels and that its key features - a single currency, central bank, supreme court, common environmental, foreign and defence policies - should be subordinate to the European Parliament; and recognises that a democratic federalism provides an opportunity to build a countervailing power to that of international capital which could better tackle these pressing issues than the nation-state can do alone and that it will also be of considerable benefit to extend the boundaries of a democratic, federal and social Europe on a pan-European basis.

This motion has been signed by a total of 7 MPs.