HC Deb 06 December 1999 vol 340 c403W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason the Charter of Fundamental Rights will identify those rights pertaining solely to EU citizens; and what voting procedure will pass the final document. [101004]

Mr. Vaz

The reference in the Cologne Conclusions on rights pertaining to EU citizens is designed to make the Charter an effective showcase of existing EU rights.

The decision-making process in the Charter drafting body is consensus-based. The Cologne Conclusions state that the European Council will propose to the European Parliament and the Commission that, together with the Council, they should solemnly proclaim a European Charter of Fundamental Rights on the basis of the draft document.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the proposals under discussion for the establishment of an EU agency for human rights and democracy; what is the relevant treaty base; if such will fall under the remit of the Common Foreign and Security Policy; and what timescale is envisaged. [101010]

Mr. Hain

In the Vienna Declaration of 10 December 1998, the EU undertook to consider various ways of strengthening its human rights structures. This year's Cologne Council suggested that the advisability of setting up an Agency for Human Rights and Democracy should be considered. We would give careful thought to any such proposal, including how an Agency would fit with existing Common Foreign and Security Policy mechanisms.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the types of rights planned for inclusion into an EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. [101009]

Mr. Vaz

The Charter drafting body has yet to start work. Its first meeting is on 17 December. But the Cologne Conclusions provide some indications of the ground that might be covered. We believe that the Charter should make it easier for EU citizens to know the civil and political rights which they already enjoy under the Treaties.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when his Department first received reports of moves by other EU Governments to propose an EU Charter of Fundamental Rights; and from what initial source. [101006]

Mr. Vaz

There was a specific reference to work on an EU Charter of Rights in the German Presidency Work Programme produced at the turn of the year.