A Joint Declaration from the European Council, Parliament and Commission has been published, outlining the objectives, structure, scope and timing of the Conference on the Future of Europe. The Conference is the forum for debating the future actions and direction of the European Union as a whole, with citizens of the EU, as well as Member States and EU institutions, contributing to the process.
The Conference will be placed under the authority of the three institutions, represented by the President of the European Parliament, the President of the Council and the President of the European Commission, acting as its joint presidency. The work of the presidency will be supported by an executive board, composed of three representatives and four observers from each institution. National Parliaments will be closely involved, as well as other bodies or groups, notably the Committee of Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee.
The joint declaration will be signed by the Presidents of the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission, acting as joint chairs. The Conference will then start its work, and a formal event is envisaged for 9 May, Europe Day, in Strasbourg. The Conference is expected to reach conclusions to provide guidance on the future of Europe by Spring 2022.
The full text of the Joint Declaration can be found here: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/03/05/the-conference-on-the-future-of-europe-gets-green-light-from-the-council/
