Participation in the institutional system by social representatives and citizens in the framework of the IGC 1996

In adopting the report by Mr Philippe HERZOG (GUE/NGL, F) on the participation of citizens and social representatives in the institutional system of the European Union, the European Parliament declared that European citizens should not be dissociated from the democratic debate. Parliament was convinced that if the European Union wanted its citizens to participate in European integration, it should pledge itself to this both as a social Union and as an economic Union. In this respect it called for the essential principles of the Charter of Fundamental Social Rights to be incorporated immediately in the Treaty and for a new Committee on Employment to be set up alongside the Monetary Committee which would allow consultation with the social partners. The Treaty should also provide for an annual debate to be held on economic policy guidelines, this debate to be preceded by a preliminary conference of the European Parliament. The report also called for: - the inclusion in the Treaty of a general principle proclaiming the right of all citizens and all representative organisations to express their opinion and to have this opinion heard; - each citizen to be given the right, under the Treaty, to receive replies to questions which have been raised; - the reinforcement of social dialogue; - an initiative in favour of a reduction in working hours; - an electoral system which brings elected representatives and citizens closer together by combining the principles of proportional representation and territorial subdivision; - the establishment of common rules for Members of the European Parliament. �