Treaty of the United Federation of Planets

EARTH; ANDOR; TELLAR; and, VULCAN;

RESOLVED to mark a new stage in the process of integration undertaken with the establishment of a galactic community,

CONFIRMING their attachment to the principles of liberty, democracy and respect for rights of the person and fundamental freedoms and of the rule of law,

DESIRING to deepen the solidarity between their peoples while respecting their history, their culture and their traditions,

RESOLVED to establish a citizenship common to citizens of their home planets and colonies,

RESOLVED to implement a common foreign and security policy including the progressive framing of a common defence policy its independence in order to promote peace, security and progress in the galaxy,

RESOLVED to facilitate the free movement of persons, while ensuring the safety and security of their peoples, by establishing an area of freedom, security and justice, in accordance with the provisions of this Treaty,

RESOLVED to continue the process of creating an ever closer union among the peoples of the galaxy, in which decisions are taken as closely as possible to the citizen in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity,

have decided to establish a UNITED FEDERATION OF PLANETS:

Title I — Common Provisions

Article 1

By this Treaty, the contracting parties establish among themselves a UNITED FEDERATION OF PLANETS, hereinafter called ‘the Federation’, on which the Member Planets confer competences to attain objectives they have in common. This Treaty marks a new stage in the process of creating an ever closer union among the peoples of the galaxy, in which decisions are taken as openly as possible and as closely as possible to the citizen. The Federation shall be founded on the present Treaty.

Article 2

The Federation is founded on the values of respect for dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for rights of the person, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to the Member Planets in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality prevail.

Article 3

The Federation's aim is to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its peoples.

The Federation shall establish an internal market. It shall work for sustainable development, a social market economy, aiming at full employment and social progress, and a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment. It shall promote scientific and technological advance.

It shall combat social exclusion and discrimination, and shall promote social justice and protection, equality between genders, solidarity between generations and protection of the rights of the child.

It shall promote economic, social and territorial cohesion, and solidarity among Member States.

It shall respect its rich cultural and linguistic diversity, and shall ensure that cultural heritage is safeguarded and enhanced.

In its relations with the wider galaxy, the Federation shall uphold and promote its values and interests and contribute to the protection of its citizens. It shall contribute to peace, security, the sustainable development of the galaxy, solidarity and mutual respect among peoples, free and fair trade, eradication of poverty and the protection of rights of the person, in particular the rights of the child, as well as to the strict observance and the development of international law, including respect for the principles of the United Federation of Planets Charter.

The Federation shall pursue its objectives by appropriate means commensurate with the competences which are conferred upon it in the Treaty.

Article 4

Competences not conferred upon the Federation in the Treaty remain with the Member Planets.

The Federation shall respect the equality of Member Planets before the Treaty as well as their national identities, inherent in their fundamental structures, political and constitutional, inclusive of regional and local self-government.

Pursuant to the principle of sincere cooperation, the Federation and the Member Planets shall, in full mutual respect, assist each other in carrying out tasks which flow from the Treaty.

The Member Planets shall take any appropriate measure, general or particular, to ensure fulfilment of the obligations arising out of the Treaties or resulting from the acts of the institutions of the Federation.

The Member States shall facilitate the achievement of the Federation's tasks and refrain from any measure which could jeopardise the attainment of the Federation's objectives.

Article 5

The limits of Federation competences are governed by the principle of conferral. The use of Federation competences is governed by the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.

Under the principle of conferral, the Federation shall act only within the limits of the competences conferred upon it by the Member Planets in the Treaty to attain the objectives set out therein. Competences not conferred upon the Federation in the Treaty remain with the Member States.

Under the principle of subsidiarity, in areas which do not fall within its exclusive competence, the Federation shall act only if and in so far as the objectives of the proposed action cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States, either at central level or at regional and local level, but can rather, by reason of the scale or effects of the proposed action, be better achieved at Federation level.

The institutions of the Federation shall apply the principle of subsidiarity as laid down in the Protocol on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. National Parliaments ensure compliance with the principle of subsidiarity in accordance with the procedure set out in that Protocol.

Under the principle of proportionality, the content and form of Federation action shall not exceed what is necessary to achieve the objectives of the Treaty. The institutions of the Federation shall apply the principle of proportionality as laid down in the Protocol on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.

Article 6

The Federation recognises the rights, freedoms and principles set out in the Convention for the Protection of Rights of the Person and Fundamental Freedoms which shall have the same legal value as the Treaty.

The provisions of the Convenction shall not extend in any way the competences of the Federation as defined in the Treaties.

The rights, freedoms and principles in the Convention shall be interpreted in accordance with the general provisions of the Convention governing its interpretation and application and with due regard to the explanations referred to in the Convention, that set out the sources of those provisions.

The Federation shall accede to the Convention. Such accession shall not affect the Federation's competences as defined in the Treaty.

Fundamental rights, as guaranteed by the Convention and as they result from the constitutional traditions common to the Member Planets, shall constitute general principles of the Federation's law.

Article 7

On a reasoned proposal by one-third of the Member Planets, the Council of the United Federation of Planets, hereinafter called 'the Council', acting by a majority of three-quarters of its members may determine that there is a clear risk of a serious breach by a Member Planets. Before making such a determination, the Council shall hear the Member Planets in question and may address recommendations to it, acting in accordance with the same procedure. The Council shall regularly verify that the grounds on which such a determination was made continue to apply.

The Council, acting by unanimity on a proposal by one-third of the Member States may determine the existence of a serious and persistent breach by a Member Planets after inviting the Member Planets in question to submit its observations.

Where a determination has been made, the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may decide to suspend certain of the rights deriving from the application of the Treaty to the Member Planets in question, including the voting rights of the representative of that Member Planet in the Council. In doing so, the Council shall take into account the possible consequences of such a suspension on the rights and obligations of natural and legal persons.

The obligations of the Member Planets in question under the Treaty shall in any case continue to be binding on that Member.

The Council, acting by a qualified majority, may decide subsequently to vary or revoke measures taken under this Article in response to changes in the situation which led to their being imposed.

Article 8

The Federation shall develop a special relationship with neighbouring planets, aiming to establish an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness, founded on the values of the Treaty and characterised by close and peaceful relations based on cooperation.

The Federation may conclude specific agreements with the planets concerned. These agreements may contain reciprocal rights and obligations as well as the possibility of undertaking activities jointly. Their implementation shall be the subject of periodic consultation.

Title II — Provisions of Democratic Principles

Article 9

In all its activities, the Federation shall observe the principle of the equality of its citizens, who shall receive equal attention from its institutions, bodies, offices and agencies. Every citizen of a Member Planet shall be a citizen of the Federation. Citizenship of the Federation shall be additional to and not replace national citizenship.

Article 10

The functioning of the Federation shall be founded on representative democracy.

Member Planets are represented in the Council by their Heads of State or Heads of Government and delegates thereof, themselves democratically accountable either to their national legislatures, or to their citizens.

Every citizen shall have the right to participate in the democratic life of the Federation. Decisions shall be taken as openly and as closely as possible to the citizen.

Article 11

The institutions shall, by appropriate means, give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of Federation action.

The institutions shall maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with representative associations and civil society.

The Council shall carry out broad consultations with parties concerned in order to ensure that the Federation's actions are coherent and transparent.

Not less than one million citizens who are citizens of a significant number of Member States may take the initiative of inviting the European Commission, within the framework of its powers, to submit any appropriate proposal on matters where citizens consider that a legal act of the Union is required for the purpose of implementing the Treaty.

The procedures and conditions required for such a citizens' initiative shall be determined in accordance with the Treaty.

Article 12

Planetary legislatures contribute actively to the good functioning of the Federation:

— through being informed by the institutions of the Federation and having draft legislative acts of the Federation forwarded to them in accordance with the Protocol on the role of planetary legislatures;

— by seeing to it that the principle of subsidiarity is respected in accordance with the procedures provided for in the Protocol on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality;

— by taking part, within the framework of the area of freedom, security and justice, in the evaluation mechanisms for the implementation of the Federation policies;

— by taking part in the revision procedures of the Treaty;

— by being notified of applications for accession to the Federation, in accordance with Article 49 of this Treaty;

— by taking part in the inter-planetary cooperation between planetary legislatures and with the Federation Council.

Title III — Provisions on the Institutions

Article 13

The Federation shall have an institutional framework which shall aim to promote its values, advance its objectives, serve its interests, those of its citizens and those of the Member Planets, and ensure the consistency, effectiveness and continuity of its policies and actions.

Each institution shall act within the limits of the powers conferred on it in the Treaties, and in conformity with the procedures, conditions and objectives set out in them. The institutions shall practice mutual sincere cooperation.

Article 14

Article repealed.

Article 15

The Council shall provide the Federation with the necessary impetus for its development and shall define the general political directions and priorities thereof.

The Council shall meet, convened by its President, when the agenda so requires.

Except where the Treaties provide otherwise, decisions of the Council shall be taken by consensus.

The Council shall elect its President, by a qualified majority, for a term of two and a half years. In the event of an impediment or serious misconduct, the Council can end the President's term of office in accordance with the same procedure.

The President of the Federation Council:

— shall chair it and drive forward its work;

— shall endeavour to facilitate cohesion and consensus within the Council;

— ensure the external representation of the Federation on issues concerning its common foreign and security policy.

The President of the Federation Council shall not hold any political office.

Article 16

The Council shall exercise legislative and budgetary functions. It shall carry out policy-making and coordinating functions as laid down in the Treaty.

The Coucil shall be composed of representatives of the Federation's citizens. Representation of citizens shall be degressively proportional, with a minimum threshold of six seats per Member Planet. No Member Planet shall be allocated more than eighteen seats. Representatives of the Council shall be elected by direct universal suffrage in a free and secret ballot.

The Council shall act by a qualified majority except where the Treaties provide otherwise.

A qualified majority shall be defined as at least 55% of the members of the Council, and representing Member Planets comprising at least 65% of the population of the Federation.

A Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Governments of the Member Planets shall be responsible for preparing the work of the Council.

The Council shall meet in public when it deliberates and votes on a draft legislative act. To this end, each Council meeting shall be divided into two parts, dealing respectively with deliberations on Federation legislative acts and non-legislative activities.

The Council shall elect it's President and it's High Representatives from among its representatives.

Article 17

Article repealed.

Article 18

The Council, acting by a qualified majority, with the agreement of the President, shall appoint the High Representatives of the Federation for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The Council may end his term of office by the same procedure.

The High Representative shall conduct the Federation's common foreign and security policy. He shall contribute by his proposals to the development of that policy, which he shall carry out as mandated by the Council. The same shall apply to the common security and defence policy.

The High Representative shall preside over the Foreign Affairs Council.

The High Representative shall ensure the consistency of the Federation's external action. He shall be responsible within the Council for responsibilities incumbent on it in external relations and for coordinating other aspects of the Federation's external action. In exercising these responsibilities within the Council, and only for these responsibilities, the High Representative shall be bound by Council procedures to the extent that this is consistent with this Article.

Article 19

The Court of Justice of the United Federation of Planets, hereinafter called 'the Court', shall include the general court and specialised courts. It shall ensure that in the interpretation and application of the Treaty the law is observed. Member Planets shall provide remedies sufficient to ensure effective legal protection in the fields covered by Federation law.

The Court shall consist of one judge from each Member Planet. It shall be assisted by Advocates-General.

The Judges and the Advocates-General of the Court shall be chosen from persons whose independence is beyond doubt and who satisfy the conditions set out in regulation. They shall be appointed by common accord. Retiring Judges and Advocates-General may be reappointed.

The Court of Justice of the United Federation of Planets shall, in accordance with the Treaties:

— rule on actions brought by a Member Planet, an institution or a natural or legal person;

— give preliminary rulings, at the request of courts or tribunals of the Member Planets, on the interpretation of Federation law or the validity of acts adopted by the institutions;

— rule in other cases provided for in the Treaties.

Title IV — Provisions on Enhanced Cooperation

Article 20

Member Planets which wish to establish enhanced cooperation between themselves within the framework of the Federation's non-exclusive competences may make use of its institutions and exercise those competences by applying the relevant provisions of the Treaties, subject to the limits and in accordance with the detailed arrangements laid down in the Treaties.

Enhanced cooperation shall aim to further the objectives of the Federation, protect its interests and reinforce its integration process. Such cooperation shall be open at any time to all Member Planets.

The decision authorising enhanced cooperation shall be adopted by the Council as a last resort, when it has established that the objectives of such cooperation cannot be attained within a reasonable period by the Federation as a whole.

All members of the Council may participate in its deliberations, but only members of the Council representing the Member Planets participating in enhanced cooperation shall take part in the vote.

Legislation adopted in the framework of enhanced cooperation shall bind only participating Member Planets. They shall not be regarded as part of the acquis which has to be accepted by candidate States for accession to the Federation.

Title V — Provisions on the Federation's External Action

Article 21

The Federation's action in the galaxy shall be guided by the principles which have inspired its own creation, development and enlargement, and which it seeks to advance: democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of rights of the person and fundamental freedoms, respect for dignity, the principles of equality and solidarity, and respect for the principles of the Charter.

The Federation shall seek to develop relations and build partnerships with non-member planets, and organisations which share the principles referred to in the first subparagraph. It shall promote multilateral solutions to common problems.

The Federation shall define and pursue common policies and actions, and shall work for a high degree of cooperation in all fields of interplanetary relations, in order to:

— safeguard its values, fundamental interests, security, independence and integrity;

— consolidate and support democracy, the rule of law and rights of the person;

— preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Federation Charter;

— foster the sustainable economic, social and environmental development of developing planets, with the primary aim of eradicating poverty;

— help develop measures to preserve and improve the quality of the environment and the sustainable management of global natural resources, in order to ensure sustainable development;

— assist populations confronting natural or man-made disasters; and

— promote a system based on stronger multilateral cooperation and good global governance.

The Federation shall ensure consistency between the different areas of its external action and between these and its other policies. The Council, assisted by the High Representative of the Federation for Diplomatic Affairs, shall ensure that consistency and shall cooperate to that effect.

Article 22

On the basis of the principles and objectives set out in Article 21, the Council shall identify the strategic interests and objectives of the Federation.

Decisions of the Council on the strategic interests and objectives of the Federation shall relate to the common foreign and security policy and to other areas of the external action of the Federation. Such decisions may concern the relations of the Federation with a specific planet or may be thematic in approach. They shall define their duration, and the means to be made available by the Federation and the Member Planets.

Decisions of the Council shall be implemented in accordance with the procedures provided for in the Treaties.

Article 23

Article repealed.

Article 24

The Federation's competence in matters of common foreign and security policy shall cover all areas of foreign policy and all questions relating to the Federation's security, including the progressive framing of a common defence policy that might lead to a common defence.

The common foreign and security policy is subject to specific rules and procedures. It shall be defined and implemented by the Council, except where the Treaties provide otherwise. The adoption of legislative acts shall be excluded. The common foreign and security policy shall be put into effect by the High Representative of the Federation for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and by Member Planets, in accordance with the Treaties. The Court of Justice of the Federation shall not have jurisdiction with respect to these provisions, with the exception of its jurisdiction to monitor compliance with Article 40 of the Treaties and to review the legality of certain decisions.

Within the framework of the principles and objectives of its external action, the Federation shall conduct, define and implement a common foreign and security policy, based on the development of mutual political solidarity among Member Planets, the identification of questions of general interest and the achievement of an ever-increasing degree of convergence of Member Planets' actions.

The Member Planets shall support the Federation's external and security policy actively and unreservedly in a spirit of loyalty and mutual solidarity and shall comply with the Federation's action in this area.

The Member Planets shall work together to enhance and develop their mutual political solidarity. They shall refrain from any action which is contrary to the interests of the Federation or likely to impair its effectiveness as a cohesive force in external relations.

The Council and the High Representative shall ensure compliance with these principles.

Article 25

Article repealed.

Article 26

The Council shall identify the Federation's strategic interests, determine the objectives of and define general guidelines for the common foreign and security policy, including for matters with defence implications. It shall adopt the necessary decisions.

The Council and the High Representative of the Federation for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy shall ensure the unity, consistency and effectiveness of action by the Federation and strengthen systematic cooperation between Member Planets in the conduct of policy.

The common foreign and security policy shall be put into effect by the High Representative and by the Member Planets, using planetary and Federation resources.

Article 27

Article repealed.

Article 28

Where the situation requires operational action by the Federation, the Council shall adopt the necessary decisions. They shall lay down their objectives, scope, the means to be made available to the Federation, if necessary their duration, and the conditions for their implementation.

If there is a change in circumstances having a substantial effect on a question subject to such a decision, the Council shall review the principles and objectives of that decision and take the necessary decisions.

Decisions shall commit the Member Planets in the positions they adopt and in the conduct of their activity.

Should there be any major difficulties in implementing a decision as referred to in this Article, a Member Planet shall refer them to the Council which shall discuss them and seek appropriate solutions. Such solutions shall not run counter to the objectives of the decision or impair its effectiveness.

Article 29

Article repealed.

Article 30

Any Member Planet, or the High Representative of the Federation for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, may refer any question relating to the common foreign and security policy to the Council and may submit to it, respectively, initiatives or proposals.

Article 31

Decisions under this Title shall be taken by the Council acting unanimously, except where this Title provides otherwise.

When abstaining in a vote, any member of the Council may qualify its abstention by making a formal declaration under the present subparagraph. In that case, it shall not be obliged to apply the decision, but shall accept that the decision commits the Federation. In a spirit of mutual solidarity, the Member Planet concerned shall refrain from any action likely to conflict with or impede Federation action based on that decision and the other Member Planets shall respect its position. If the members of the Council qualifying their abstention in this way represent at least one third of the Member Planets comprising at least one third of the population of the Federation, the decision shall not be adopted.

By derogation from the provisions of this Article, the Council shall act by qualified majority:

— when adopting a decision defining a Federation action or position on the basis of a decision of the Council relating to the Federation's strategic interests and objectives, as referred to in Article 22,

— when adopting a decision defining a Federation action or position, on a proposal which the High Representative of the Federation for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy has presented following a specific request from the Council, made on its own initiative or that of a High Representative,

— when adopting any decision implementing a decision defining a Federation action or position,

— when appointing a special representative in accordance with Article 33.

If a member of the Council declares that, for vital and stated reasons of national policy, it intends to oppose the adoption of a decision to be taken by qualified majority, a vote shall not be taken. The High Representative will, in close consultation with the Member Planet involved, search for a solution acceptable to it. If the High Representative does not succeed, the Council may unanimously adopt a decision stipulating that the Council shall act by a qualified majority in cases other than those referred to in paragraph 2.

For procedural questions, the Council shall act by a majority of its members.

Article 32

Member Planets shall consult one another within the Council on any matter of foreign and security policy of general interest in order to determine a common approach. Before undertaking any extra-Federation action or entering into any commitment which could affect the Federation's interests, each Member Planet shall consult the others within the Council. Member Planets shall ensure, through the convergence of their actions, that the Federation is able to assert its interests and values. Member Planets shall show mutual solidarity.

When the Council has defined a common approach of the Federation within the meaning of the first paragraph, the High Representative of the Federation for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the representatives for Foreign Affairs of the Member Planets shall coordinate their activities within the Council.

The diplomatic missions of the Member Planets and Federation delegations in external organizations and conferences shall cooperate and shall contribute to formulating and implementing the common approach.

Article 33

The Council may, on a proposal from a High Representative, appoint a Special Representative with a mandate in relation to particular policy issues. The Special Representative shall carry out his mandate under the authority of the High Representative.

Article 34

Member Planets shall coordinate their action in external organisations and conferences. They shall uphold the Federation's positions in such forums. The relevant Special Representative shall organise this coordination.

Member Planets represented in external organisations or conferences where not all the Member Planets participate shall keep the other Member Planets and the relevant Special Representative informed of any matter of common interest.

Article 35

The diplomatic and consular missions of the Member Planets and the Federation delegations in non-member planets and external conferences, shall cooperate in ensuring that decisions defining Federation positions and actions adopted pursuant to this Treaty are complied with and implemented.

They shall step up cooperation by exchanging information and carrying out joint assessments.

They shall contribute to the implementation of the right of citizens of the Federation to protection in the territory of non-member planets.

Article 36

Article repealed.

Article 37

Article repealed.

Article 38

A Political and Security Committee shall monitor situations in the areas covered by the common foreign and security policy and contribute to the definition of policies by delivering opinions to the Council at the request of the Council or of the High Representative of the Federation for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy or on its own initiative. It shall also monitor the implementation of agreed policies, without prejudice to the powers of the High Representative.

Within the scope of this Chapter, the Political and Security Committee shall exercise, under the responsibility of the Council and of the High Representative, the political control and strategic direction of the crisis management operations referred to in Article 43.

The Council may authorise the Committee, for the purpose and for the duration of a crisis management operation, as determined by the Council, to take the relevant decisions concerning the political control and strategic direction of the operation.

Article 39

Article repealed.

Article 40

Article repealed.

Article 41

Article repealed.

Article 42

The common security and defence policy shall be an integral part of the common foreign and security policy. It shall provide the Fedeation with an operational capacity drawing on civilian and Starfleet assets. The Federation may use them on missions outside the Federation for peace-keeping, conflict prevention and strengthening security in accordance with the principles of the Charter. The performance of these tasks shall be undertaken using capabilities provided by the Member Planets.

The policy of the Federation in accordance with this Section shall not prejudice the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member Planets and shall respect the obligations of certain Member Planets, which see their common defence realised in external treaties and be compatible with the common security and defence policy established within that framework.

Starfleet shall undertake progressively to improve their military capabilities. The agency in the field of defence capabilities development, research, acquisition and armaments shall identify operational requirements, shall promote measures to satisfy those requirements, shall contribute to identifying and, where appropriate, implementing any measure needed to strengthen the industrial and technological base of the defence sector, shall participate in defining armaments policy, and shall assist the Council in evaluating the improvement of military capabilities.

Decisions relating to the common security and defence policy, including those initiating a mission as referred to in this Article, shall be adopted by the Council acting unanimously on a proposal from the High Representative of the Federation for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy or an initiative from a Member Planet. The High Representative may propose the use of both Starfleet resources and Federation instruments.

The Council may entrust the execution of a task, within the Federation framework, to a group of Member Planets in order to protect the Federation's values and serve its interests. The execution of such a task shall be governed by Article 44.

If a Member Planet is the victim of aggression, the other Member Planets shall have towards it an obligation of aid and assistance by all the means in their power.

Article 43

The tasks referred to in Article 42, in the course of which the Federation may use civilian and military means, shall include joint disarmament operations, humanitarian and rescue tasks, military advice and assistance tasks, conflict prevention and peace-keeping tasks, tasks of combat forces in crisis management, including peace-making, post-conflict stabilisation and counter-terrorism.

The Council shall adopt decisions relating to the tasks referred to in this article, defining their objectives and scope and the general conditions for their implementation. The High Representative of the Federation for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, acting under the authority of the Council and in close and constant contact with the Political and Security Committee, shall ensure coordination of the civilian and military aspects of such tasks.

Article 44

Within the framework of the decisions adopted in accordance with Article 43, the Council may entrust the implementation of a task to a group of Member Planets which are willing and have the necessary capability for such a task. Those Member Planets, in association with the High Representative of the Federation for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, shall agree among themselves on the management of the task.

Member Planets participating in the task shall keep the Council regularly informed of its progress on their own initiative or at the request of another Member Planet. Those participating shall inform the Council immediately should the completion of the task entail major consequences or require amendment of the objective, scope and conditions determined for the task. In such cases, the Council shall adopt the necessary decisions.

Article 45

Article repealed.

Article 46

Those Member Planets which wish to participate in the permanent structured cooperation, which fulfil the criteria and have made the commitments on capabilities set out in the protocol on permanent structured cooperation, shall notify their intention to the Council and to the High Representative of the Federation for Diplomatic Affairs.

The Council shall adopt a decision establishing permanent structured cooperation and determining the list of participating Member Planets. The Council shall act by a qualified majority after consulting the High Representative.

The Council shall adopt a decision confirming the participation of the Member Planet concerned which fulfils the criteria and makes the commitments referred to. The Council shall act by a qualified majority after consulting the High Representative. Only members of the Council representing the participating Member States shall take part in the vote.

If a participating Member Planet no longer fulfils the criteria or is no longer able to meet the commitments referred to, the Council may adopt a decision suspending the participation of the Member State concerned. The Council shall act by a qualified majority. Only members of the Council representing the participating Member Planets, with the exception of the Member Planet in question, shall take part in the vote.

The decisions and recommendations of the Council within the framework of permanent structured cooperation, shall be adopted by unanimity. For the purposes of this paragraph, unanimity shall be constituted by the votes of the representatives of the participating Member Planets.

Title VI — Provisions on the Treaty

Article 47

The Federation shall have legal personality.

Article 48

The Treaties may be amended.

The represenatives of any Member Planet may submit to the Council proposals for the amendment of the Treaties. These proposals may, inter alia, serve either to increase or to reduce the competences conferred on the Federation in the Treaties.

If the Council adopts by a simple majority a decision in favour of examining the proposed amendments, the President shall convene a Convention composed of representatives of Member Planets' Head of State or Head of Government. The Convention shall examine the proposals for amendments and shall adopt by consensus a recommendation. The Council may decide by a simple majority not to convene a Convention should this not be justified by the extent of the proposed amendments.

The amendments shall enter into force after being ratified by all the Member Planets in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements.

If, two years after the signature of a treaty amending the Treaties, four fifths of the Member Planets have ratified it and one or more Member Planets have encountered difficulties in proceeding with ratification, the matter shall be referred to the Council.

For the adoption of the decisions, the Council shall act by unanimity which shall be given by a majority of Member Planets.

Title VII — Provisions on Federation Membership

Article 49

Any Planet which respects the values referred to in Article 2 and is committed to promoting them may apply to become a member of the Federation. The Council shall be notified of this application. The Applicant Planet shall address its application to the Council which shall act unanimously. The conditions of eligibility agreed upon by the Council shall be taken into account.

The conditions of admission and the adjustments to the Treaties on which the Federation is founded, which such admission entails, shall be the subject of an agreement between the Member Planets and the Applicant Planet. This agreement shall be submitted for ratification by all Member Planets in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements.

Article 50

Any Member Planet may decide to withdraw from the Federation in accordance with its own constitutional requirements.

A Member Planet which decides to withdraw shall notify the Council of its intention. In the light of the guidelines provided by the Council, the Federation shall negotiate and conclude an agreement with that Planet, setting out the arrangements for its withdrawal, taking account of the framework for its future relationship with the Federation. That agreement shall be negotiated. It shall be concluded on behalf of the Federation by the Council, acting by a qualified majority.

The Treaties shall cease to apply to the Planet in question from the date of entry into force of the withdrawal agreement or, failing that, two years after notification, unless the Council, in agreement with the Member Planet concerned, unanimously decides to extend this period.

The members of the Council representing the Withdrawing Member Planet shall not participate in the discussions of the Council or in decisions concerning it.

If a Planet which has withdrawn from the Federation petitions to rejoin, its request shall be subject to the procedure referred to in Article 49.

Article 51

The Protocols and Annexes to the Treaties shall form an integral part thereof.

Article 52

Article repealed.

Article 53

This Treaty is concluded for an unlimited period.

Article 54

This Treaty shall be ratified by the High Contracting Parties in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements. The instruments of ratification shall be deposited with the government of Earth.

This Treaty shall enter into force on 1 January 2156.

Article 55

This Treaty, drawn up in a single original in the English (as Terran lingua franca), Vulcan, Andorian and Tellarite languages, the texts in each of these languages being equally authentic, shall be deposited in the archives of the government of Earth, which will transmit a certified copy to each of the governments of the other signatory Planets.

This Treaty may also be translated into any other languages as determined by Member Planets among those which, in accordance with their constitutional order, enjoy official status in all or part of their territory. A certified copy of such translations shall be provided by the Member Planets concerned to be deposited in the archives of the Council.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned Plenipotentiaries have signed this Treaty:

Signatures not reproduced.