ABSTRACT
The LAEKEN DECLARATION on the Future of the European Union was adopted by the European Council at its summit in Laeken, Belgium, on 15 December 2001. The Declaration followed a similar Declaration on the Future of the Union adopted a year earlier at the same time as the Treaty of Nice and was significant for the issues it raised for consideration by the European Convention, which was launched in late February 2002. The Laeken Declaration begins by identifying the two key challenges facing Europe: the need to bring the European Union (EU) closer to its citizens; and defining the role for the EU in a fast-changing globalized world. It then proceeds to raise more than 50 questions and issues for the Convention to address. These include a better division and definition of the EU’s competences; simplification of treaties and legislative measures; the need for more democracy, transparency and efficiency; and steps towards a constitution for the EU.
