Honourable Members, When I came to Strasbourg 13 days ago, I promised I'd come to listen.
I've heard your concerns, your hopes and your expectations.
The Political Guidelines which I sent to you today reflect our discussions.
From what I have heard, I've drawn my conclusions and I've made my decisions.
First, I want European citizens to play a leading and active part in building the future of our Union.
I want them to have their say at a Conference on the future of Europe to start in 2020 and to run for 2 years.
Second, I want us to work together to improve the Spitzenkandidaten system.
We need to make it more visible to a wider electorate and we need to address the issue of transnational lists at the European elections as a complementary tool of European democracy.
And third – yes, I support a right of initiative for the European Parliament.
When this House, acting by majority of its Members, adopts Resolutions requesting the Commission to submit legislative proposals, I commit to responding with a legislative act in full respect of the proportionality, subsidiarity, and better law-making principles.