Conference on the Future of Europe:
Common approach amongst Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Sweden
The governments of Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia,
Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Sweden have identified matters of common
interest in order to have a close collaboration during the Conference on the Future of Europe.
We welcome collaboration with as many like-minded countries as possible with a focus on the
priorities outlined below.
We are determined to use the Conference to promote an
effective and rules-based EU
that
delivers real, tangible solutions to the challenges that the EU is facing. This entails a focus on
real policies and specific results
–
on the basis of the priorities already agreed to in the
Strategic Agenda
of the European Council. The Union framework offers potential to allow
priorities to be addressed in an effective manner
1
.
The Conference’s structure should be lean,
streamlined and avoid any unnecessary bureaucracy. It should not create legal obligations, nor
should it duplicate or unduly interfere with the established legislative processes.
Moreover, an overarching priority will be to take the Conference as an opportunity to engage
citizens in a substantial dialogue on what they expect from the EU. This dialogue should be
based on an inclusive approach that ensures diversity and gender equality.
We remain convinced that the EU’s legitimacy and popular support is intrinsically linked to
meeting the expectations of our citizens
–
in terms of both tangible results and democratic,
transparent processes. To that end, the results of public consultations should reflect the inputs
put forward. Follow-up is important in order to demonstrate to citizens that their input is taken
seriously.
We will in particular cooperate on the following issues in the Conference, giving due
consideration to the challenges the EU has faced during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Protecting and promoting the Rule of Law and the EU’s
other fundamental values, both
within the EU and globally
Making the EU a global frontrunner on climate through an ambitious green transition
and implementation of climate targets in an efficient way that contributes to
the EU’s
competitiveness
A just and green economic recovery, including reforms that increase the EU’s
competitiveness, resilience and stability
Ensuring an effective, competitive, socially inclusive and sustainable internal market
and facilitating the digital transition of the EU
Managing migration challenges in a comprehensive, fair and humane manner
Building up comprehensive security, including by fighting terrorism and violent
extremism, both online and offline
The EU as a strong and credible global actor, including working towards more efficient
decision-making processes
1
It is recalled that the Conference does not fall within the scope of Article 48 TEU, cf. the Council mandate from 1
st
February 2021.