4.1. EM Belgium
Discover Europe-Evening Latvia
To promote Latvia the EMB organised in co-operation with the Embassy of Latvia in Belgium the ‘Discover Europe-Evening Latvia’ on Wednesday the 17th of May. The evening started with a welcoming and some general information about Latvia. After this introduction the Choral of Latvia of Brussels (Briseles Latviesu Koris), gave a wonderful concert with Viesturs Jansons (tenor) and Ludmila Sbitneva (piano).
For more information in French click here (Dutch version available).
To see pictures of the evening click here.
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Website update
The European Movement Belgium updated its website with new information and pictures about the past and coming activities. The website is available in French and in Dutch. The Annual Report of the European Movement Belgium 2005 can still be downloaded on the website.
EM Belgium contact: Maïté Abram
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4.2. EM Denmark
Busy May in Denmark
It was a busy May at the Danish European Movement. The National Congress took place in the weekend 6-7th May very near to the German border at the Ronshoved high school. Erik Boel was re-elected as President for the Danish European Movement and MEP Karin Riis-Jørgensen as vice-president. The discussions during the conference were influenced by the current situation of the constitutional treaty.
In addition to the conference the executive committee nominated the former Danish foreign minister and former chairmen of the liberal party, Mr. Uffe Ellemann-Jensen, as European of the Year. Mr. Ellemann-Jensen has in Denmark in many years been very well known for being a very passionate and intense pro-European. The nomination of Ellemann-Jensen gave a lot of discussions in the Danish press, because he criticized the Danish government for its unenthusiastic EU-politics.
Also we celebrated the 9th of May with events all over the country. In four of the big cities and on the island Bornholm we invited to an EU-Bazaar, which was a forum at central squares where people debated and celebrated the day with each other and with different politicians. We served a big cake designed as an EU-flag for the citizens. In a big national campaign we also asked all town halls to put out the EU-flag and to let this become a permanent tradition. 43 of 99 municipalities followed our request. All these events gave us good media coverage.
Visit the website of EM Denmark.
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4.3. EM Ireland
9th of May
Europe Day was celebrated on the streets of Dublin on May 9th to mark the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. The significance of the 1950 Declaration was that it proposed European neighbours would turn the corner of co-operation for the purpose of maintaining peaceful relations. This day has become more than an anniversary as evidenced by activities in the city centre this year. Members of the general public, diplomats, The Minister for Europe and other politicians came out to participate with EMI in celebrating the peace and prosperity that the EU project has brought to their countries.
Ireland has been no exception and this year European Movement Ireland promoted the spirit of Europe on Grafton Street through music, information sharing and engagement with members of the public. EMI volunteers and staff boarded the ‘Europe Day Bus’ (pictured left) and toured the streets before arriving on South King Street to meet members of the public. Our volunteers, in an army of yellow t-shirts, distributed thousands of EMI’s latest leaflets outlining the straightforward facts of the EU along with our new EMI lollipops and received a positive and engaging response from young and old alike.
The main event took centre stage at lunch time with a balloon launch opposite the peace memorial on Stephen’s Green. Crowds gathered to listen to the Dublin Gospel Choir who served as a vibrant backdrop for speeches by the Minister for Europe, EMI Chairman Ruairi Quinn and EMI Director Brendan Kiely. The speeches were followed by a colourful balloon launch along with Polish TV presenter Izabela Chudzicka from City Channel. We would like to express thanks to all our volunteers and our sponsors Aircoach.
Contact: Kate Murphy
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4.4. EM Latvia
Debate with Mr Verhofstadt
The European Movement Latvia organised a debate with the Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt. The Prime Minister of Latvia, A. Kalvitis, also held an opening speech and the Foreign Minister Dr. A. Pabriks participated in the debate that followed.
Mr Verhofstadt also presented the Latvian edition of his book "United States of Europe".
See the original invitation here (JPG).
Contact: Liga Logina
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4.5. EM and JEF Malta
9th of May
On Tuesday the 9th of May, JEF Malta, European Movement Malta and the Maltese National Youth Council commemorated the European Integration Project at the University of Malta with 13 other partner organisations with different political beliefs, who work to different ends, yet all fully believe in the principles and message - that cooperation, listening and understanding can lead to success; that Civil Society has a voice and a say in decision making not only on a local level but also on a European scale; and that all should work for the construction of the Future of Europe together.
Dr. Simon Busutill MEP and Dr. Joanna Drake head of the European Commission Representation to Malta, attended and leant their support and commitment towards the promulgation of the work Civil Society in Malta is endeavouring to do, as well as reiterating the vital importance of cooperation and compromise in working together to build a Europe of the Future.
A large map of Europe was assembled to symbolise this effort, and a Fair was put up to show the efforts of the participant organisations towards this end. The ‘European Citizens’ Initiative’ Petition was also begun in Malta yet again lending to the conviction that the Citizens’ of Europe should have more of a major say in decision making at European level.
Contact EM Malta: Steve Attard
Contact JEF Malta: Cheryl Micallef Borg
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4.6. EM Serbia
Regional Response to Visa Liberalization Issue
The Regional Roundtable “The Western Balkans: Regional Response to Visa Liberalization Issue“ was the final event of the project jointly implemented by the Institute of International Politics and Economics (IIPE), European Movement in Serbia (EMinS) and Group 484. The Regional Roundtable took place on 18. And 19. May 2006, in the Institute for International Politics and Economics.
Around 100 participants from 7 countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania and Slovakia) as well as the representatives of the regional initiatives and government authorities discussed the visa liberalization and abolishment issue as well as the achievements in concrete reforms in the area of migration, readmission, asylum, visa system and integrated border management. Finally, the conclusions and recommendations addressed to the EU and Western Balkan counties were adopted.
See conclusions of the conference here.
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New leadership of European Movement in Serbia
The Tenth Annual Assembly of the European Movement in Serbia was held on May 19th 2006. Mr Živorad Kovačević was re-elected President, Ms Ksenija Milivojević is the new Secretary General, and Ms Maja Bobić is her deputy. The Executive Board is now expanded to include representatives of our Local Councils. See photos from the Assembly and new organizational chart here.
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Europe at School
European Movement in Serbia, Ministry of Education and Sport of Republic of Serbia in cooperation with Delegation of European Commission in Serbia, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Printing House DERETA and Procredit Bank, organized literal and art competition EUROPE IN SCHOOL for pupils of primary and high schools in Serbia
The best art works were presented on the exibition in Gallery OZON in very centre of Belgrade. Minister of Education and Sport, Mr Slobodan Vuksanovic opened the exibition, and donors hended over he valebule gifts – books, bags with EU logo, 3200 euro as many awards, and two best young authors will travel in Austria on 7 days.
See the photos from the opening of the exibition here.
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4.7. LECE
ELEC Central Council and 50th Anniversary of the Spanish ELEC Committee
The Secretary General of the European Movement International, Mr Kroner, travelled to Barcelona to attend the meeting of European League of Economic Cooperation (ELEC) and participate in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of its Spanish Committee.
The meeting also included a debate with Mr. Joaquín Almunia, the European Commissioner for Financial and Currency Affairs.
Visit ELEC's website: http://www.elec.easynet.be/
You can also download the Briefing note about the meeting here. (PDF, 1.5 MB)
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4.8. UEF
Past Activities
Marienberg Talks on European Unity: “QUO VADIS EUROPA?”
9-11 June, Bad Marienberg, Germany
Europa-Haus Marienberg, in cooperation with UEF and JEF, organised the Marienberg Talks on European Unity “Quo vadis Europa?”.
This year the seminar was focused on the following main issues: Europe of citizens, the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, the enlargement of the European Union, and Euro-scepticism especially regarding young adults. All friends and partners to the institution were invited to take part to this two-day long seminar.
For more information, please click here:
http://www.europa-haus-marienberg.de
or contact ehm@europa-haus-marienberg.de
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OPEN DOORS DAY OF THE EUROPEAN INSTITUTIONS
Brussels, 6 May
This year’s open doors day was a complete success: an estimated 100 000 people came to the European Area in Brussels. Visitors could walk a festive tour in the Leopold Park, Belliard Street, Place Jean Rey and Froissart Street, were they were treated with music, gastronomic specialities from the member states, theatre and animations.
The European Parliament alone attracted 28 500 visitors. UEF was there, too, with a stand next to the Parliament. Many people from all nationalities and all societal and age groups visited our stand and informed themselves about the UEF by talking to the staff present, by collecting leaflets and other information material. It was a good day, full of dialogue, exchanging ideas and a great ambiance.
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UEF hands over appeal to the European Parliament’s President,
Mr. Josep BORRELL
On 8 and 9 May the first inter-parliamentary forum took place in Brussels to discuss on Europe’s future and the Period of Reflection. Organised by the European Parliament and the Austrian Parliament, national and European parliamentarians convened in order to discuss the future of Europe and to make comprehensive recommendations to the European Council about how the Union should find a way out of the current crisis.
The session was opened by Josep BORRELL FONTELLES, President of the European Parliament. Just before his entry into the plenary, the UEF handed over an appeal to him urging the European Parliament, the European Council and national parliaments to re-launch the European constitutional process.
In the appeal, which was adopted by the UEF Federal Committee in November 2005, the UEF demands that the constitution should step into force automatically after the ratification of 4/5 of member states representing the majority of the European citizens.
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UEF MEETS COMMISSIONER JAN FIGEL’
10 May 2006, Brussels
On 10 May Jan FIGEL, Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Multilingualism, welcomed a delegation consisting of Henrik KRÖNER (Secretary-General of European Movement International), Hanneli EBDING (Director of the European Secretariat of the UEF) and Friedhelm FRISCHENSCHLAGER (UEF Secretary-General).
During this one hour meeting Commissioner Figel took the time to listen to the UEF’s concerns. Mr. Frischenschlager described the difficulties NGOs have to face because of the Commissions’ lengthy decision procedures concerning the operational grants. Six months after having applied for the operational grant 2006, thus in the middle of the year the grant is needed for, organisations such as the UEF and EMI have not been notified whether their request has been successful or not.
European Citizens’ Forum: “SHAPING MORE EUROPE TOGETHER: FOR MORE DEMOCRACY, DILAOGUE AND DISCUSSION”
20 May, Cologne, Germany
Europa-Union Deutschland (EUD), together with its local section in Cologne, the International Centre of European Training (CIFE) and the UEF supranational organised the first “European Citizens’ Forum” on 20 May in Cologne. About 100 participants from all over Germany as well as several international guests attended the forum, which aimed at involving the citizens’ in the discussion about European processes.
Particularly in view of the German EU Presidency at the beginning of 2007, the speakers discussed the current problems and challenges of the Union.
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Future Activities
SECOND EUROPEAN CITIZENS’ CONVENTION
29-30 June 2006, Vienna
After the success of the First European Citizens’ Convention, which was held in Genoa on 3-4 December 2005, the UEF has decided to continue with the organisation of what is going to become a series of conventions.
The Second European Citizens’ Convention will take place on 29-30 June in Vienna and will be organised jointly by UEF Austria, JEF-Austria and UEF supranational.
The Convention will precede the XXI. UEF European Congress, which will be held on 30 June -2 July, also in the Austrian capital (see next article).
The Vienna Convention will gather several hundred of people from all over Europe. Members of the European Parliament and of national Parliaments, representatives of Civil Society and the general public will convene to discuss the current situation of Europe and the challenges of the future.
The Second European Citizens’ Convention is a response of the UEF to various policy papers published by the European institutions in the months following the launch of the Period of Reflection in the late summer of last year. Following the European Commission’s Plan D on Dialogue, Debate and Democracy and its White Paper on a European Communication Policy, the Convention takes on particular importance.
Several high-ranking speakers have confirmed their participation. Mr. Didier DONFUT, Belgian State Secretary for European Affairs, Mr Pat Cox, President of the European Movement International and former President of the European Parliament, and Mrs. Monika Wulf-Mathies, President of the European Movement Germany, will be present, to name only a few.
Information, further developments and announcements regarding the Second Citizens’ Convention are available on UEF’s website. You will also find the draft programme of the Convention.
The Convention will take place in the heart of Vienna: The Wiener Urania and the University.
For further information, please click here.
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XXI. UEF EUROPEAN CONGRESS
30 June- 2 July, Vienna
At the occasion of the UEF’s bi-annual Congress, some 200 participants, delegates, guests and observers from about 20 European countries will discuss crucial European policies issues.
As the Congress is the sovereign body of the UEF, its mission is to define the UEF's policy line for the next years; furthermore, it will have to elect its organs and take important decisions for the future of our organisation.
Information and announcements regarding the XXI. European Congress of the UEF are available on UEF’s website.
Here you will find practical information such as hotel and travel recommendations, as well as the programme and the registration forms.
To register, please contact congress@federaleurope.org
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4.9. JEF Europe
Press Release: No Constitution with unanimity
Monday, 12 June 2006
Europe is said to have been going through a year of reflection originally called to overcome the impasse created by the rejection of the Constitutional Treaty by the French and the Dutch. On Thursday, the European Council will convene and postpone any conclusion until the German presidency without presenting results of the Europe-wide debate it had called upon at the European summit in June 2005. The Young European Federalists (JEF Europe) point out the flaws of the current developments and draw up a way forward.
"The past twelve months have been wasted time for European integration. Based on what the European Council is expected to decide this week we fear yet another prolongation of this period of uncertainty", Jan Seifert, president of JEF Europe commented on the current Constitutional stalemate and the absence of leadership.
"Neither the French nor the Dutch government or parliament has been able to explain the no votes in their countries or proposed a way out of the crisis, thus holding hostage the whole of Europe. Everyone in Europe is awaiting the removal of the two governments in May 2007. But until then, Europe is turning into a lame duck."
Jan Seifert explained further: "We do not need further reflection and debate if it is not clear where the citizens' concerns are taken up. At this point, breaking the unanimity principle is the only way to respect the democratic rights of the majority of European citizens who are in favour of a democratic constitution. They have a right to a more understandable, accountable and democratic EU. The preservation of the current intergovernmental relict of unanimity serves only the hostage-taking of the whole of Europe by a minority," Jan Seifert added.
With regards to the upcoming European Council, Jan Seifert’s comment was that "This European Council consists of politicians who have repeatedly put national interests, secret horse-trading, and short-sightedness ahead of the common European good. Now is the time for other actors to take the lead."
"Continuing ratification and the majorities which have been achieved so far emphasise the wide support for the Constitutional Treaty. Nevertheless, the concerns of the Dutch and French people need to be taken into account and it has become obvious that parts one and two are the true constitutional chapters, while many provisions in parts three and four are not. Hence, a solution for their status needs to be found."
JEF therefore proposes a three-step-plan to achieve a constitutional settlement:
Step 1: Together, the European Parliament, the European Commission and the European Council, must first draw up a road map defining the year 2009 as a deadline for a final settlement.
Step 2: A new Convention must be formally called up, to look at the controversial parts three and four of the Constitutional Treaty, and to propose a way forward. The reviewed parts three and four would then be attached to the European Constitution with a lighter revision mechanism.
Step 3: Finally, alongside the European elections in 2009, a European referendum must be held. The citizens of Europe need to democratically decide, through a double-majority of states and citizens, whether they want to accept the revised Constitution. Member States rejecting the text would be given the choice between joining the constitutional Europe or re-negotiating their relations with the Union.
"We are counting on the European institutions to finally live up to their leadership roles and to come forward with constructive initiatives. The current situation of lethargy does not lead us anywhere and will only alienate Europe further from its citizens", the JEF president concluded.
Visit the JEF Europe website.
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