Berlin Declaration (2007)

The Berlin Declaration (officially the Declaration on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the signature of the Treaty of Rome) is a non-binding European Union text signed on 25 March 2007 in Berlin (Germany) celebrating 50 years since the signing of the Treaties of Rome which founded the European Economic Community, the predecessor to the modern European Union.

European Constitution

It was hoped the text would provide the impetus for reaching a consensus on the fate of the European Constitution, stalled in ratification by French and Dutch voters. Although it does not mention the treaty by name, it does aim for a "renewed common basis" in time for the European Parliament elections in 2009. Late in the year, the basis of the Treaty of Lisbon was agreed, which replaced the Constitution.

ignatories

Presented in the name of "We, the citizens of the European Union," it was signed by the Presidents of the three major political institutions;
* Hans-Gert Pöttering as President of the European Parliament.
* Angela Merkel as President of the Council of the European Union (and the European Council).
* José Manuel Barroso as President of the European Commission.It was originally intended that the leaders of all the member states of the European Union would sign it, though getting a document agreeable to all members proved a challenge, thus it was left to the three institutional heads - though this was met with some criticism.

Issues

Christianity

The declaration has been criticised by Pope Benedict XVI for not mentioning Christianity. Poland originally threatened to veto it because of this omission but stood down in order for an agreement to be reached. Several secular organizations objected to the proposed inclusion of religion and produced their own declaration called "A Vision for Europe". [ [https://www.iheu.org/v4e/ "A Vision for Europe" web site] ]

Translation

In the original German (the language the document was drafted in), the phrase "We, the citizens of the European Union, have united for the better" was written as "Wir Bürgerinnen und Bürger der Europäischen Union sind zu unserem Glück vereint." which is in fact closer to "We, the citizens of the European Union, have united in our fortune/happiness". This has been seen as a deliberate political mistranslation. [ [http://euobserver.com/9/23786 Berlin declaration's 'fortune' is lost in translation] EU Observer 27/03/2007] :" [http://www.consilium.europa.eu/cms3_applications/applications/newsroom/LoadDocument.asp?directory=de/misc/&filename=93284.pdf See German Translation] "

English text

cquote
For centuries Europe has been an idea, holding out hope of peace and understanding. That hope has been fulfilled. European unification has made peace and prosperity possible. It has brought about a sense of community and overcome differences. Each Member State has helped to unite Europe and to strengthen democracy and the rule of law. Thanks to the yearning for freedom of the peoples of Central and Eastern Europe the unnatural division of Europe is now consigned to the past. European integration shows that we have learnt the painful lessons of a history marked by bloody conflict. Today we live together as was never possible before.
We, the citizens of the European Union, have united for the better.

I.

In the European Union, we are turning our common ideals into reality: for us, the individual is paramount. His dignity is inviolable. His rights are inalienable. Women and men enjoy equal rights.
We are striving for peace and freedom, for democracy and the rule of law, for mutual respect and shared responsibility, for prosperity and security, for tolerance and participation, for justice and solidarity.
We have a unique way of living and working together in the European Union. This is expressed through the democratic interaction of the Member States and the European institutions. The European Union is founded on equal rights and mutually supportive cooperation. This enables us to strike a fair balance between Member States' interests.
We preserve in the European Union the identities and diverse traditions of its Member States. We are enriched by open borders and a lively variety of languages, cultures and regions. There are many goals which we cannot achieve on our own, but only in concert. Tasks are shared between the European Union, the Member States and their regions and local authorities.

II.

We are facing major challenges which do not stop at national borders. The European Union is our response to these challenges. Only together can we continue to preserve our ideal of European society in future for the good of all European Union citizens. This European model combines economic success and social responsibility. The common market and the euro make us strong. We can thus shape the increasing interdependence of the global economy and ever-growing competition on international markets according to our values. Europe's wealth lies in the knowledge and ability of its people; that is the key to growth, employment and social cohesion.
We will fight terrorism, organised crime and illegal immigration together. We stand up for liberties and civil rights also in the struggle against those who oppose them. Racism and xenophobia must never again be given any rein.
We are committed to the peaceful resolution of conflicts in the world and to ensuring that people do not become victims of war, terrorism and violence. The European Union wants to promote freedom and development in the world. We want to drive back poverty, hunger and disease. We want to continue to take a leading role in that fight.
We intend jointly to lead the way in energy policy and climate protection and make our contribution to averting the global threat of climate change.

III.

The European Union will continue to thrive both on openness and on the will of its Member States to consolidate the Union's internal development. The European Union will continue to promote democracy, stability and prosperity beyond its borders.
With European unification a dream of earlier generations has become a reality. Our history reminds us that we must protect this for the good of future generations. For that reason we must always renew the political shape of Europe in keeping with the times. That is why today, 50 years after the signing of the Treaties of Rome, we are united in our aim of placing the European Union on a renewed common basis before the European Parliament elections in 2009.
For we know, Europe is our common future.| | | Source [http://www.consilium.europa.eu/ueDocs/cms_Data/docs/pressData/en/misc/93282.pdf Council of the European Union]

References

ee also

* Treaties of the European Union
* Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe
* European Council

External links

* [http://www.europa.eu/ Official EU Website]
** [http://www.consilium.europa.eu/cms3_applications/Applications/newsRoom/related.asp?BID=75&GRP=11617&LANG=1&cmsId=339 Berlin Declaration in all official languages]
** [http://www.europa.eu/50/index_en.htm 50 Years Website (EU website)]
** [http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/07/146&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en Commission statement on the Declaration]
** [http://blogs.ec.europa.eu/blog_wallstrom/page/wallstrom?entry=berlin_declaration_constitution_plan_d Commissioner Wallstrom's blog]
** [http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/008-4055-071-03-11-901-20070309IPR04013-12-03-2007-2007-false/default_en.htm Parliament's debate]
* [http://www.eu2007.de/en/ Germany Presidency Website]