On 16 October 1992, the European Council adopts the ‘Birmingham Declaration’ with a view to bringing the European Community closer to its citizens (see Annex I). The Heads of State or Government call on the Foreign Ministers to suggest ways of opening up the work of the Community’s institutions, including the possibility of some open Council discussion. The aim is to bring the European Community closer to its citizens, especially following the difficulties that certain countries have encountered in referenda on the ratification of the Maastricht Treaty.