The European Parliament,

-  having regard to its resolution of 16 March 2000 on the drafting of a European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights(1) ,

A.  whereas the Convention retains sole responsibility for drafting the Charter up until the moment when it is proclaimed,

1.  Proposes, in line with the position it expounded when the Convention began its work, that, at its meeting in Biarritz, the European Council call on the Intergovernmental Conference to consider the text of the Charter adopted by the Convention and ways of incorporating it into the Treaty with a view to a decision being taken at the European Council meeting in Nice;

2.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Commission, the Convention and the other Community institutions.

(1) Texts Adopted, Item 4.