25 July 2001

White Paper on European Governance - Opening up the policy-making process

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The White Paper proposes opening up the policy-making process to get more people and organizations involved in shaping and delivering EU policy. It promotes greater openness, accountability and responsibility for all those involved.
The White Paper recommends a series of initial actions. Some of these should help the Commission to concentrate its action on clear priorities within the tasks conferred on it by the Treaty: Right of initiative, execution of policy, guardian of the Treaty and international representation. These will be taken forward immediately. The paper also launches a consultative process, which will run until the end of March 2002 on the need for action by the other Institutions and Member States.
The White Paper suggests a set of initial actions, including some which refocus the Commission on its core tasks. These will be taken forward immediately and should also inspire change in the other Institutions.

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