European Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
Resolutions
Adopted by the EFJ AGM held in Nuremberg, Germany, May 26-28, 2000
1. Resolution on Proposals to Change the IFJ Constitution
From the National Union of Journalists (Ireland) and IG Medien (Germany)
AGM welcomes the debate on the future of the EFJ/IFJ initiated at the meeting of representatives of affiliates in Brussels on 13/14 February.
AGM believes that the consensus reached at this meeting among affiliates is an important step forward in the efforts to renew the structure and work of the EFJ and set new foundations in line with the expectations of its member unions.
AGM notes in particular the decision that the EFJ should concentrate its priorities on social and trade union rights across Europe.
AGM equally notes the decision to overhaul the structure of the EFJ in line with the survey of affiliate, in particular the relationship between the EFJ and the IFJ, the frequency of general meetings and the allocations of resources.
AGM instructs the Steering Committee to consult with affiliates and bring to the next General Meeting in 2001 proposals to change the constitution regarding for instance:
1. the role and structure of the Expert groups
2. the role of IFJ Executive Committee members
For the assistance of the Steering Committee, a commission shall be appointed by the Steering Committee after nominations have been made by EFJ member unions.
This commission should search joint meetings and discussions with members of the IFJ Executive Committee.
AGM calls on the IFJ Executive Committee to make proposals regarding the allocation of resources from central fund to the European region similar to other regions. These proposals should include a process that will enable special projects to be run by the IFJ Project Division and should be presented to the GM in 2001 for discussion and approval.
The reform process has made good progress. However, the minutes of the “Future Conference” show that there are still open questions and that the discussions have not yet come to an end.
The Steering Committee should not have the workload in this matter alone. Furthermore, it seems to be more democratic to involve more interested persons from unions not represented in the Steering Committee to participate in the “brainstroming”. This leads to the proposal for a special commission.
This “brainstorming” leads to proposals which shall be discussed and decided on at the next IFJ-Congress. It would be wise to integrate members of the IFJ-Executive Committee in the discussion of proposals.