Relations between the EEC, EFTA and the other member countries of the Council of Europe

Recommendation 278 (1961)

Author(s):

Parliamentary Assembly

Origin

Assembly debate, on 25th April 1961 (2nd and 3rd Sittings) (see Doc. 1273, Report of the Political Committee).

1. The Assembly,

2. Noting that the Heads of State or of Government of the European Economic Community (EEC) said, in their communique of 11th February 1961, that they would do their utmost to seek a solution to the problem arising from the existence of two economic groups in Europe and that the Council of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), in its communique of 16th February 1961, welcomed this statement and declared that it was ready to engage in negotiations with the Members of the EEC whenever they wish;

3. Noting the encouraging developments in British thinking on European co-operation, as reflected notably in Mr. Heath's proposals in the Council of Western European Union;

4. Considering that the present task of the Council of Europe is to further the unity of Europe by seizing every opportunity to bring its Members closer together,

5. Recommends that the Committee of Ministers should invite the Governments of the member countries of the European Economic Community and of the European Free Trade Association to state their willingness to start negotiations as soon as possible regarding an association agreement between the EEC and the EFTA and, where appropriate, the other member States of the Council of Europe, in accordance with the provisions of Article 238 of the Treaty of Rome and Article 41 of the Stockholm Convention, and their willingness to consider any other solution which would respect the fundamental principles and the undertakings of Members of EEC and EFTA within their respective groups as well as internationally