4.1. EM Belgium
‘50th Anniversary of the negotiations of Val Duchesse 1956-2006’
In order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the negotiations of Val Duchesse, the European Movement – Belgium is organising an “Open Door” day and an informative exposition on the fields of the domain Val Duchesse and in the Château Sainte-Anne.
The domain Val Duchesse and the Château Sainte-Anne, where the historical negotiations of 1956 took place which lead up to the Treaties of Rome in 1957, will exceptionally open their doors for the general public on 17 September 2006 from 10h00 until 18h00. The European Movement Belgium will organise many activities during the day.
For more information on these events in French, click here.
For more information in Dutch, click here.
We are looking forward to welcoming you there on September 17!
---
‘Debate: New perspectives on the enlargement of the European Union. Turkey, revealing its identity to Europe’
A conference organised on Wednesday the 14th of June 2006 by the Centre of Political Theory at the Free University of Brussels, the European Movement International and the European Movement Belgium. The conference took place in the Eastman-building of the European Parliament.
For a report on this debate, pictures and further background-information on this topic in French, click here.
---
‘Website European Movement Belgium’
The European Movement Belgium has updated its website with new information and pictures on its past and forthcoming activities. The website is available in French and in Dutch. The Annual Report of the European Movement Belgium 2005 can also be downloaded from this website.
EM Belgium contact: Maïté Abram
---
[back to News from our members ]
4.2. EM France
Europe Midi
The European Movement France started publishing a short daily electronic newspaper for its members, called "Europe Midi". You can view a sample copy here (PDF) and contact EM France in case you are interested.
EM France contact: Héloïse Tarraud
---
[back to News from our members ]
4.3. EM Germany
Dr. Dieter Spöri, Former Minister of Economics, elected new President of European Movement Germany
Dr. Dieter Spöri, Former Minister of Economics was elected new President of European Movement Germany at the recent Congress, succeeding Dr. Monika Wulf-Mathies who held the position during the last 6 years.
Mr Spöri was active as a member of the German Social Democrats, but also as a professor in economic policy and is currently corporate Representative for Federal Affairs with DaimlerChrysler AG in Berlin. Most notably, he also served as Minister of Economics, Vice-President of the State of Baden-Württemberg and Member of the German Bundesrat (German Senate). He was also member of the Committee of Regions in Brussels.
He is someone that understands - from his professional background - that european affairs are national affairs.
Besides a new president, the membership of EM Germany also elected 3 new Vice-Presidents:
- Michaele Schreyer, former member of the European Commission
- Peter Altmaier, CDU/CSU, Member of the German Parliament, Parliamentary statesecretary in the Ministry of Interior
- Axel Schäfer, SPD, Member of the German Parliament, SPD speaker on European Affairs
For those that speak German, here is an interview with the new President (PDF), published in the European Commission office in Germany Newsletter.
Visit the EM Germany website.
---
EM Germany has a new office!
On the 1st of July the EM Germany moved to a new office, so they will be reachable at the following address and contact numbers:
Netzwerk Europäische Bewegung Deutschland (EM Germany) Sophienstraße 28/29,
D-10178 Berlin
Tel: +49-30-3036 201-10
Fax: +49-30-3036 201-19
---
[back to News from our members ]
4.4. EM Croatia
Debate about the Finland’s Presidency
European Movement Croatia has organized a lecture given by Ambassador of the Republic of Finland H. E. Ilpo Manninen on occasion of Finland’s six month Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The lecture under title The EU Presidency of Finland - Priorities and Commitments was given in Europe House Zagreb on 20th June 2006.
---
[back to News from our members ]
4.5. EM Switzerland
The EM Switzerland has launched its new website:
www.europa.ch
---
You can also consult all the relevant information on the Swiss government's European policy «strategy» (in German and French):
www.europa.ch/index.asp?page=page502
---
60 years of Churchill speech in Zurich, Hertensteiner conference: Between federal state and federation – historical foundation for the future of Europe?
22 – 24 September, 2006 in Zürich and Hertenstein (Switzerland)
On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the famous Churchill's speech about Europe which he gave in Zurich in 1946, the EM Switzerland and numerous partners organise an international conference dedicated to the exploration of different ways of making Europe.
You can read more about the conference in French or German on the new EM Switzerland website.
You can also contact EM Switzerland directly: Ronald Abegglen
The event is co-organised by UEF (see news below).
---
[back to News from our members ]
4.6. EM Scotland
Recent events:
- European Pub Quiz in Edinburgh. 8 teams took part, including Government departments, Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh University, European Movement. John Edward, Head of the European Parliament office in Scotland, was the Quizmaster
- Café Europe in Dunfermline, with Catherine Stihler MEP. Opportunity for members of the public to meet MEPs in an informal setting.
- Talk to members and guests by Caroline Boyle, European Parliament, London.
- Joint meeting with Friends of Europe at the Scottish Parliament, addressed by HE Cardinal Keith O’Brien.
Future events:
- 15 September, Inverness. “D for Democracy: Have your say in Europe” Speakers: Edvard Outrata, Vice-President of the International European Movement, Michael Aron, Head of the Scottish Executive in Brussels and Neil Michison, Head of the European Commission Office in Scotland
EM Scotland contact: Barbara MacLeod
---
[back to News from our members ]
4.7. ELDR
ELDR calls on EU to keep a close eye on new Slovak government
The European Liberal Democrats regret the choice of the newly elected socialist Prime Minister Robert Fico to enter a coalition with the populist party of Vladimir Meciar and the nationalists' party of Jan Slota. When they ruled together in the 1990s, Mr Meciar and Mr. Slota drove Slovakia into isolation and were accused of undemocratic rule.
See on-line.
---
European Liberal Democrats' Congress in Bucharest to focus on security
Held every autumn, the European Liberal Democrat and Reform (ELDR) Party annual Congress is one of the largest political events in Europe. This year, the ELDR Party will hold its 27th Congress in Bucharest, Romania, on 12-13 October 2006. By holding its Congress in Romania, shortly before the country's expected accession to the EU, ELDR marks its commitment to spreading prosperity, democracy and individual freedoms across Europe.
See on-line.
---
ELDR wishes Finland a successful EU presidency
Finland, under the leadership of Matti Vanhanen, a European Liberal Democrat Prime Minister, will take the helm of the EU on 1st July. The European Liberal Democrat and Reform (ELDR) Party wishes Matti Vanhanen a lot of success in this challenging task and hopes he will lift up the mood of EU leaders and citizens. Finland is a good example of implementing structural reforms leading to a successful modern economy. As President of the EU Council, Matti Vanhanen can play a key role in making the EU deliver concrete results. With their recent national experience, Finnish politicians can help make the whole of Europe more aware of the gains of globalization and address the tendency to look inward instead of outward.
See on-line.
---
[back to News from our members ]
4.8. Union of European Federalists (UEF)
XXI UEF CONGRESS
29 June-2 July 2006
Some 200 delegates and guests participated in the XXI. UEF European Congress, held in Vienna at the beginning of July. As the UEF’s sovereign body, the Congress defined the policy line for the next years and elected the organs of the organisation.
In her opening speech, the UEF President Mercedes BRESSO stated that European citizens wanted more and not less Europe. The European Constitution incorporated the great importance to build a more efficient and more democratic Europe. Therefore, the President stated the need to launching a petition supported by 1.000.000 citizens in which a new Convention is constituted and after which the amended constitution is put to a referendum held together with the European elections of 2009.
Mr. Pat COX, President of the European Movement International, outlined the achievements of the EU that were undeniable. Yet, Europe was going through a severer confidence crisis in which the “avant-garde” of Europeans, the European federalists and the European Movement, had the “duty to make the most of our combined energies”.
The Congress adopted several resolutions. In its general political strategy resolution, the UEF calls for a more democratic and more effective Europe, for the abolishment of the veto right, the strengthening of the European Parliament and a new convention amending the Constitutional Treaty. The amended text should be put to a European-wide referendum, at the same time as the next European parliamentary elections in 2009 and enter into force if a double majority of citizens and states approves it.
The President was reelected with great majority. A new Federal Committee was elected as well as a new treasurer and new members were appointed to the UEF Bureau.
For more information, please visit the UEF website.
---
Second European Citizens' Convention in Vienna
After the success of the First European Citizens’ Convention, held in Genoa in December 2005, the UEF organised the Second European Citizens’ Convention, which took place in Vienna on 28-29 June. Jointly organised by UEF Austria, JEF Austria and UEF supranational, the Convention assembled 200 participants from all over Europe: representatives of the European Commission, the Austrian EU presidency, members of the European Parliament and of national Parliaments as well as civil society and the general public.
Focusing on the theme of “The United States of Europe?” – entitled after the recently launched publication by Belgian Prime Minister Guy VERHOFSTADT – the participants analysed and discussed the challenges which Europe is facing in various policy fields in the framework of four workshops.
The Convention was 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 discussion stressed the importance of the active participation of the Civil Society in constructing the future of Europe.
Fore more information, please visit the UEF website.
---
60 years of Churchill speech in Zurich, Hertensteiner conference: Between federal state and federation – historical foundation for the future of Europe?
22 – 24 September, 2006 in Zürich and Hertenstein (Switzerland)
At the occasion of this 60th anniversary, NEBS (Neue Europäische Bewegung Schweiz), EUD, UEF and JEF (Young European Federalists) will reflect the historical importance of the events: Which effect did Churchill's Zurich speech and the Hertensteiner program have on European integration? To which extent are they still relevant today, 60 years later?
On Friday, 22 September, the 60-th anniversary of Winston Churchill’s speech is celebrated at the University of Zurich and on Saturday several workshops give room for common reflection: How will Europe look like in 2046? Which of the ideas of Churchill's speech and the Hertensteiner program will still be important for Europe then – 100 years later? Will the EU only be a loose federation or a federal state? How can Europe reply to the challenges of the future?
Mercedes Bresso (UEF President), Elmar Brok (Member of the European Parliament and President of EUD) Christa Markwalker-Bär (NEBS President) the Oxford lecturer and Churchill expert Prof. Dr. Vernon Bogdanor and many more will speak at this occasion.
Members of the EUD, UEF, of the JEF, the Nebs and YES can take part. Everybody is cordially invited! The event will be trilingual: German, French and English can be used actively and passively. However, the number of participants is limited to 120 persons.
For more information, please click here (DOC).
---
[back to News from our members ]
4.9. JEF Europe
A “Friends of JEF” Foundation for JEF-Europe
The history of JEF-Europe can be read as a success story. There are not many international youth organisations that have a comparable tradition of promoting a genuine idea of Europe, of political independence, and of successful youth work on the regional, national and European level. For nearly fifty years, its members have not only fought for ideals such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law, but built and maintained an institution providing each JEF-generation with the necessary means to actively promote these ideals.
For different reasons, not all former JEFers are actively involved anymore. A Foundation for the Friends of JEF therefore is the institution, bridging the gap of these alumni and the JEF of today. But instead of becoming yet another political institution of the federalist movement, it rather is a great way of sharing memories and supporting the younger JEF – generations.
Every JEF-generation had its own very specific political and financial situation to cope with. Yet, two problems persist: the lack of an institution allowing intergenerational exchange of knowledge and financial constraints. Consequently, the “Friends of JEF” Foundation has three main goals: Networking, Fundraising and Financing.
It serves as the melting pot for the “Friends of JEF”, i.e. JEF’s alumni and political friends. Collecting and establishing a vivid network of communication is not only a convenient way to keep in touch. More than that, it facilitates the exchange and political perspectives and experiences among current and former activists. Through fundraising, the Foundation will counterbalance foreseeable financial losses, such as the annual degression of JEF-Europe’s administrative grant. Furthermore, with the support of the “Friends of JEF” Foundation, JEF-Europe will be eligible to co-operate with different sponsors, be part in tender applications and will be able to join grant maker-coalitions, opening new doors for all JEF member sections.
In order to establish the Foundation, an initial capital stock of 5000 Euros is legally required. This sum will be collected from July 2006 until the end of September 2006 through fundraising. The calculation is based on having at least 50 donators each investing 100 Euros, which adds up to the sum needed: 5000 Euros. Since there will be more projects available than money, a Project Committee will be responsible of proposing projects to the board. For now, this Committee will consist of the JEF-Europe President, the Secretary General, the two Vice-Presidents as well as the treasurer of JEF-Europe respectively.
For the Foundation to become a solid and independent support, the goal must not only be to enlarge the capital stock (to receive higher interest payouts), but also to keep on collecting donations in order to secure ongoing projects financially. Until the end of 2007 the capital stock shall be increased to generate a significant annual interest. If the capital stock has risen to point where a substantial payout is guaranteed, the Project Committee will consider projects from other JEF sections. Until then, donations contribute directly to JEF-Europe’s projects.
The “Friends of JEF” Foundation is not only a great way of bridging different JEF generations, but also a very important first step into JEF’s financial independence. This first step is only the beginning and will only be possible if we all work together. Only then, the Foundation will be able to support JEF in the future. If you want to find out how to donate or if you are interested in the functioning of the Foundation, please visit the following website:
http://foundation.jef-europe.net
---
PRESS RELEASE: G8: Putin-hugging instead of tough demands
Brussels, 13th July 2006
The G8 summit St Petersburg is doomed to become nothing more than a fancy photo opportunity for a couple of world leaders. The Young European Federalists (JEF Europe) is worried about the Russianisation of the G8, thus want to see more commitment and responsibility from European leaders and have clear demands in regard to their priorities. The Finns currently holding the EU-presidency should lead the way in creating a more credible and critical, common EU attitude towards Russia.
To read the full press release follow this link.
---
The New Federalist goes on-line: www.thenewfederalist.eu
JEF-Europe joined the succesful on-line zine Le Taurillon with a new concept for the magazine The New Federalist (TNF). But this is not simply an on-line version of the printed TNFbut rather a successful combination of TNF and online forums, since the visitors will have the possibility to directly respond to an article and in this way
engage in an interactive debate with the author of the article concerned.
Contact: Peter Matjasic, JEF Europe EB Member and Editor-in-Chief of thenewfederalist.eu
---
[back to News from our members ]
|
