THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community and in particular Article 13 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission [Not yet published in the Official Journal.],

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament [Opinion delivered on 18.5.2000 (not yet published in the Official Journal).],

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee [Opinion delivered on 12.4.2000 (not yet published in the Official Journal).],

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions [Opinion delivered on 31.5.2000 (not yet published in the Official Journal).],

Whereas:

(1) The Treaty on European Union marks a new stage in the process of creating an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe.

(2) In accordance with Article 6 of the Treaty on European Union, the European Union is founded on the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, principles which are common to the Member States, and should respect fundamental rights as guaranteed by the European Convention for the protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and as they result from the constitutional traditions common to the Member States, as general principles of Community Law.