HIS MAJESTY THE KING OF THE BELGIANS, THE PRESIDENT OF THE CZECH
REPUBLIC, HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN OF DENMARK, THE PRESIDENT OF THE
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF
ESTONIA, THE PRESIDENT OF THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC, HIS MAJESTY THE KING
OF SPAIN, THE PRESIDENT OF THE FRENCH REPUBLIC, THE PRESIDENT OF
IRELAND, THE PRESIDENT OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC, THE PRESIDENT OF THE
REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS, THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA, THE
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE GRAND
DUKE OF LUXEMBOURG, THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY,
THE PRESIDENT OF MALTA, HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN OF THE NETHERLANDS,
THE FEDERAL PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF AUSTRIA, THE PRESIDENT OF
THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND, THE PRESIDENT OF THE PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC,
THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA, THE PRESIDENT OF THE
SLOVAK REPUBLIC, THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FINLAND, THE
GOVERNMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF SWEDEN, HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN OF
THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND,
Drawing inspiration from the cultural, religious and humanist inheritance of Europe,
from
which have developed the universal values of the inviolable and inalienable rights of the
human person, democracy, equality, freedom and the rule of law,
Believing that Europe, reunited after bitter experiences, intends to continue along
the
path of civilisation, progress and prosperity, for the good of all its inhabitants, including
the weakest and most deprived; that it wishes to remain a continent open to culture,
learning and social progress; and that it wishes to deepen the democratic and
transparent nature of its public life, and to strive for peace, justice and solidarity
throughout the world,
Convinced that, while remaining proud of their own national identities and history,
the
peoples of Europe are determined to transcend their ancient divisions and, united ever
more closely, to forge a common destiny,
Convinced that, thus "united in its diversity", Europe offers them the best
chance of
pursuing, with due regard for the rights of each individual and in awareness of their
responsibilities towards future generations and the Earth, the great venture which makes
of it a special area of human hope,
Determined to continue the work accomplished within the framework of the Treaties
establishing the European Communities and the Treaty on European Union, by ensuring
the continuity of the Community acquis,
Grateful to the members of the European Convention for having prepared the draft of
this
Constitution on behalf of the citizens and States of Europe,
Have designated as their plenipotentiaries: (list...)
Who, having exchanged their full powers, found in good and due form, have agreed as
follows:
