The Coalition for the Reform Treaty (CRT) launches today, with the message that the Treaty is in Britain’s interests as well as the European Union’s because it will lead to more efficient, effective and democratic decision-making.

The CRT encompasses a number of individuals and organisations with a positive view on the proposed EU Reform Treaty. It will seek to stress the positive policy impact of the EU Treaty.

Members of the CRT include pro-European groups like Business for New Europe and the European Movement, parliamentary groups like the All-Party Group on Europe and think-tanks like Demos and the Foreign Policy Centre.

Roland Rudd (Chairman, Business for New Europe) said:

“We have heard a lot of negative things about the Treaty. Many are scare-stories or based on inaccuracies. We took the initiative to form this Coalition to make a more positive case for the Treaty, which we believe should be ratified in Parliament. We all believe that Britain is good for Europe and that the EU is good for Britain.”

Sir Stephen Wall (Vice-Chair, Business for New Europe):

“We live in an increasingly unstable world and the EU is a force for peace and democracy. This Treaty will help the EU, including Britain, fulfil our vital interests.”

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

- The Coalition for the Reform Treaty (CRT) aims to:
- To coordinate pro-European activity on the Reform Treaty, and act as a focal point.
- To coordinate pro-active media activity on the Treaty and rebut arguments of the sceptics.
- To lobby effectively for the Treaty in Parliament.

The CRT’s Principles are:

- The UK and its citizens derive significant benefit from membership of the EU.
- The EU’s successful enlargements, which have increased membership from 15 in 2004 to 27 members today, necessitate reform of its institutions.
- The Reform Treaty is in Britain’s interests as well as the European Union’s because it will lead to more efficient, effective and democratic decision-making.
- Agreement and ratification of the Treaty by all 27 EU Member States will help the Union to focus on the issues that really matter: competitiveness, social and consumer policy, and the EU’s role in tackling global challenges such as trade liberalisation and climate change.

The CRT’s Member Organisations are:

- All-party Group on Europe
- Business for New Europe
- Demos
- European League of Economic Cooperation
- European Movement
- Federal Union
- Foreign Policy Centre
- Global Policy Institute
- Jean Monnet Circle
- Jean Monnet Association
- Labour Movement for Europe
- Liberal Democrat European Group
- Policy Network
- Progress
- Weidenfeld Institute for Strategic Dialogue

For further information, either use this website or contact the BNE Secretariat:

Tel : 020 7256 6575
Email info@bnegroup.org and leah@bnegroup.org (monitored outside of office hours)

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