ЛААКЕНСКАЯ ДЕКЛАРАЦИЯ БУДУЩЕЕ ЕВРОПЕЙСКОГО СОЮЗА (ДЕКЛАРАЦИЯ ЛААКЕНА). Декларация. Европейский Союз. 15.12.01

Simplification of the Union`s instruments

     Who  does  what is not the only important question; the nature of
the  Union`s  action  and  what  instruments it should use are equally
important.  Successive  amendments to the Treaty have on each occasion
resulted  in  a  proliferation  of  instruments,  and  directives have
gradually  evolved towards more and more detailed legislation. The key
question  is  therefore whether the Union`s various instruments should
not be better defined and whether their number should not be reduced.
     In  other  words,  should  a  distinction  be  introduced between
legislative  and  executive measures? Should the number of legislative
instruments   be   reduced:   directly   applicable  rules,  framework
legislation     and     non-enforceable     instruments     (opinions,
recommendations,  open  coordination)? Is it or is it not desirable to
have  more  frequent  recourse to framework legislation, which affords
the  Member  States  more  room  for  manoeuvre  in  achieving  policy
objectives?  For  which  areas of competence are open coordination and
mutual  recognition the most appropriate instruments? Is the principle
of proportionality to remain the point of departure?