A Draft Resolution
1. In view of the searching attention which the Consultative Assembly has devoted to the discussion of the subject of the economic integration of Western Europe and to the formulation of the proposals embodied in its Recommendation 77, adopted on 9th July 1955, it is with particular satisfaction that the Assembly takes note of the detailed comments submitted by 0. E. E. C. on 29th March 1956 and subsequently transmitted by the Committee of Ministers to the Assembly for opinion.
2. The Assembly wishes to voice its general agreement with the statement of 0. E. E. C. to the effect that the new Directives for the work of the Organisation, as laid down by the Council of Ministers in its Resolution of 29th February 1956, on many points constitutes a reply to the proposals of the Assembly and brings out strikingly the parallel between the preoccupations of the Assembly and those of 0. E. E. C. At the same time, however, the Assembly deems it useful to express its opinion on certain of the comments made by 0. E. E. C. with regard to the specific suggestions contained in paragraph 2 of the Recom-mandation.
3. While the Assembly notes with satisfaction the steps taken by 0. E. E. C. to promote conditions that would favour convertibility, it wishes to emphasise once again the importance of co-ordinated advance planning to meet the problems which the realisation and maintenance of convertibility may create.
4. The Assembly has taken note of the efforts contributed by 0. E. E. C. towards the gradual elimination of artificial aids to exports but is convinced that further effective action may accelerate the abolition of these and similar trading practices, which constitute serious obstacles for a more complete freeing of trade.
5. As regards 0. E. E. C's comments on the suggestions concerning the possibilities of assisting member countries which are in difficulties, the Assembly wishes to underline the importance it attaches to strong and early action for promoting the economic development of certain member countries. In this connection, it draws the particular attention of 0. E. E. C. to the proposals contained in its Recommendation 91 (adopted 26th October 1955) on the economic development of Southern Europe and in Recommendation 95 (adopted 20th April 1956) on the creation of an Economic Development Fund for Southern Europe. In the same context the Assembly greets with satisfaction the progress made by the Ministerial Committee for Agriculture and Food, welcomes the first concrete proposals advanced for a relaxation of trade restrictions in certain sectors and offers strong encouragement to further constructive efforts in the same direction.
6. While noting with approval the general considerations set out by 0. E. E. C. as related to the problem of assuring an expanded economy and at the same time avoiding inflationary effects, the Assembly deems it its duty, in the light of recent developments, to reinforce its call—already voiced in its Reply to the Seventh Annual Report of 0. E. E. C.—for speedy and co-ordinated action by member countries and wishes to lend its full support to the initial steps in that direction taken by the Council of 0. E. E. C. at its session in July 1956.
7. In paragraph 3 of Recommendation 77, the Assembly calls upon each Member State to draw up, in consultation with 0. E. E. C, a programme of progressive measures designed to bring the economy of that State into closer harmony with the economic interests of Europe as a whole. By way of comment 0. E. E. C. reviews the measures taken by the Organisation in striving for a joint policy to achieve the general aims of the 1948 Convention. While fully endorsing these measures, the Assembly wishes to underline the statement of 0. E. E. C. that the task is still far from complete and to reaffirm its conviction that, over and above the broad undertakings internationally agreed upon, it is incumbent upon each of the Member Governments, in the context of its whole economic pobcy, to strive towards solutions conducive to the economic welfare of the whole of Europe.
8. 0. E. E. C. is the main specialised institution for European economic co-operation and has rendered signal services in promoting the economic unity of member countries. The Consultative Assembly, as the European parliamentary forum, can always be counted upon to support 0. E. E. C. in its endeavours to this end.
