4.1. EM Belgium
‘Discover Europe Evening – Croatia’
The European Movement Belgium and the Embassy of Croatia has successfully organised the Discover Europe Evening – Croatia on the 7th of November 2006. Around 100 people came to listen to the presentation about Croatia, given by the Ambassador of Croatia Miss Ljerka Alajbeg, to look at the documentary, to listen to the concert and to taste the Croatian specialities. For pictures click here.
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‘Destination Europe 2006’
The European Movement Belgium organised two ‘Destination Europe-weekends’ for students from secondary school. The aim of these weekends is to make the youngsters aware of and teach them about Europe.
The Dutch weekend took place from 13 to 15 October, for more information and pictures click here. The French weekend took place from 20 until 22 October, for more information and pictures click here.
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‘Destination Europa 2006 – Strasbourg - Luxembourg’
The European Movement Belgium is organising a bilingual ‘Destination Europe’-trip from 13 to 15 November 2006 to Strasbourg and Luxembourg. The youngsters who participated at the weekends in October were invited for this trip. There will be 52 youngsters and their teachers participating to visit of the European Parliament and the European Council in Strasbourg and the Court of Justice in Luxembourg.
For more information in French, click here.
For more information in Dutch, click here.
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4.2. EM Croatia
EU in Zagreb – lectures with EU Ambassadors
European Movement Croatia has organised a lecture given by Royal Danish Ambassador H. E. Mr. Berno Kjeldsen. The lecture under title: Membership of the EU - Danish experience was given in Europe House Zagreb on 7th November 2006.
Contact: Renata Bacic
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4.3. EM Germany
EU-Countdown: Expectations of the European Parliament
The third stage of the EU-Countdown has now been reached. The MEP Klaus-Heiner Lehne has explained on the 12th of October 2006 at the Ministry of the Economy, in presence of the Secretary of State Dr. Joachim Wuermeling, what expectations and views the European Parliament has towards the German Council’s Presidency.
At the beginning Lehne has underlined the distinctive character of the European Parliament, which knows neither government action nor opposition action. According to the MEP, the Council’s presidency’s chances of success are overestimated, nonetheless the economic themes, that will be discussed during the German Presidency, remain the most important aims to be achieved.
According to Lehne the themes to focus on are: Better Legislation including the concept of Soft Law, reduction of rules, estimation of the consequences of legislation, advancement and balance of the Lisbon Process, reform of the rules making process on economic issues, green book discussion on consumers protection, final arrangements of the Services Directive, transatlantic free-trade zone, and the use of European integration as the answer to globalisation.
As final statement he explains that only a short period of time remains after the French general elections in order to find constructive views and prospects on the Constitution.
More on EM Germany website.
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4.4. EM Denmark
Can EU take any more?
8 November, the day the Commission presented the report on future enlargements, the Danish European Movement organized a debate entitled: “Can EU take any more?” In the panel was the Head of the European Commission in Denmark (Fritz von Nordheim Nielsen), Member of the Danish Parliament (Holger K. Nielsen), President of the Danish European Movement (Erik Boel) and Professor of European Integration (Morten Kelstrup). The debate was fully booked (80 persons) and experienced great interest from the public.
A month ago the Danish European Movement launched a free e-newsletter, “FokusEuropa”. The newsletter is send out every two weeks and consists of a news bloc, some background, a calendar of EU-related events, funny facts and a book review. The feed back on the newsletter has been very positive and is received both by members, non-members, network and political groups. “FokusEuropa” is in Danish and can be received by sending an empty e-mail to europa@eubev.dk, subject “FokusEuropa”.
Contact: Rina Valeur Rasmussen
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4.5. EM UK
Preparations for the Speak up Europe campaign
Several Branches of the UK Movement are planning their Speak up Europe activities for 2007. A calendar of events will be announced at our Press Launch to be held at 12 noon on 11th January 2007 at the London Press Club, St. Brides Lane, off Fleet Street, London EC
So far the following have agreed to partcipate:
- Geoff Hoon MP, Minister for Europe, UK Government
- Graham Watson MEP, Leader of the Liberal Group in the European Parliament and member of the Economic & Monetary Affairs Committee
- John Bowis, OBE MEP, a Vice President of the European Peoples Party
in the European Parliament and their spokesman on Environmental and Health issues
- Lord David Williamson, Convenor of the Cross Bench Peers in the House of Lords and former Secretary General of the European Commission
- Owen Tudor, Head of the European and International Department of the Trades Union Congress
- Toni Giugliano, President of the Young European Movement UK.
Former MEP Margaret Daly will chair this event.
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4.6. EM Finland
Would you like to have a cup of Europe?
During the Finnish EU presidency, the European Movement in Finland arranges discussions on topical themes on the EU agenda. All together some 15 discussions are organised in Helsinki and several other cities in Finland. The events take place in city centre cafes for easy access and low threshold. The themes vary from the EU’s role in crisis management to the coming EU membership of Bulgaria and Romania; from energy and climate change to judicial cooperation in civil matters.
The web page (in Finnish):
www.eurooppalainensuomi.fi/kupillineneurooppaa.
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Facts and Fiction: Turkey's Accession to the EU
The EM Finland and the Embassy of Turkey to Finland arranged on Nov. 8 a seminar on the images associated with Turkey, their origin, and whether they are true or not. The discussion was linked to the Progress report on Turkey which was published by the European Commission on the same day. The issues were outlined by Professor Mr. Mensur Akgün from the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation and Senior Researcher Ms. Hanna Ojanen from the Finnish Institute of International Affairs. The lively discussion with the participants was moderated by the President of EM Finland, MP Mr. Jari Vilén.
The event, held in English, was videotaped and the video can be seen here.
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New Secretary General for the EM Finland
Lauri Tierala is the new Secretary General of the European Movement in Finland as of January 2007. Mr. Tierala is well acquainted with the current European issues having worked among others as assistant to the MEP Alexander Stubb and in the Parliament of Finland. Some years back Lauri Tierala acted as the President of the JEF-Finland.
The press release on the appointment in Finnish: http://www.eurooppalainensuomi.fi/kannanotot/061101.html
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Welcome to the FC in Helsinki!
The European Movement in Finland is proud to be the host of the next EMI Federal Council meeting. The FC will be organised on Dec. 1-3, 2006, in the capital of the current Presidency. The EM Finland together with its Secretariat wish the representatives of the EMI and its member organisations warmly welcome to Helsinki.
For virtual orientation to the host city, please visit http://www.hel2.fi/tourism/EN/matko.asp
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4.7. EM Serbia
Parliamentarian cooperation of MPs’ from Montenegro and Serbia
European Movement in Serbia in cooperation with Centre for Democratic Transition of Montenegro and East West Parliamentary Practice Project organized Round Table “Parliamentarian cooperation in the current political framework” as a part of the project “Aspects and techniques of European Integrations : Integration a program in support of democratic parliamentary practice in Serbia and Montenegro.”
See more on the EM Serbia website.
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First session of the Working group “Regional cooperation “ in the framework of National Convent on European Union
First session of the Working group “Regional cooperation” was held on November 6th 2006, in House of National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia.
Theme of this session was “Political cooperation – regional structures and their evaluation”. Chairman was Mr. Dusko Lopandic Phd, Assistant to Minister of foreign economic relations and Aleksandar Popov, Director of the Centre for regionalism from Novi Sad. Internal expert was Jasminka Kronja, Deputy Director of the Department for Regional Initiatives in the Ministry of International Relations.
See more www.eukonvent.org
Contact: Nebojsa Milenkovic
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4.8. EM Estonia
Pat Cox on visit
Pat Cox visited Estonia for couple of days to participate in conference organised by Riigikogu and to visit European Movement Estonia. While visiting European Movement Estonia, Mr Cox was introduced to the staff and activities of the organisation. As Mr Cox said he is positively minded about European Movement Estonia as he sees effective organisation and interesting projects.
On the last day of October, public event European Talks with the topic "European Union - vision and reality" was organized by European Movement Estonia.
The event was honoured by guest speakers Pat Cox (president of European Movement and former president of European Parliament), Riivo Sinijärv (president of European Movement Estonia) and Kristiina Ojuland (chairman of European Union Affairs Committee in Parliament of Estonia). Main issues discussed during the event concerned further enlargement, constitutional treaty and common foreign and security policy. Mr Cox, President of European Movement emphasized during the talks that all countries can participate in designing the future of Europe, despite their size or geographical location.
As he said, European Union faces several questions that need to be answered. Countries have not found common understanding over constitutional treaty and budgetary discussions, additional debate goes over enlargement.
One can describe it as political paradox where for some countries (as
France) enlargement has been too rapid and at the same time, for some other ones (as Ukraine) it is too slow. According to Kristiina Ojuland, both old and new member states lack common vision and are often rather judgemental and ignorant.
For further perspective it is needed to answer concerns raised by public opinion. Pat Cox phrased that populism, neo-protectionism and politics of fear are becoming more accepted around EU. EU needs new leaders and they can also come from east and/or small countries, was Pat Cox's final words.
Contact: Ulrika Hurt
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4.9. EM Italy
New leadership for EM Italy
European Movement Italy has a new President and Secretary General. Mr Valerio Zanone, member of the Italian Senate, has succeeded Mr Giorgio Napolitano, who has been elected President of the Italian republic, as President of the Italian national council of the European Movement. Annita Garibaldi Jallet has been elected Secretary General.
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4.10. EM Georgia
The EM Georgia has issued the October Bulletin, you can download it here (PDF).
Visit the website of EM Georgia.
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4.11. ETUC
ETUC opposes 'downsizing' the EU Constitution
The Executive Committee of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), meeting in Brussels on 18-19 October, discussed possible solutions to the deadlock facing the European Constitution.
Read the full press release here.
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4.12. JEF Europe
JEF Pan European action against visa in 20 European cities
On the day of the fall of the Berlin wall, 9 November, JEF took to the streets in 20 cities all across Europe to manifest against the current visa regimes dividing Europe in half. From Kosovo to Vilnius, manifestations against the costly, time consuming and often humiliating visa procedures took place in front of visa/Berlin walls that symbolized how visa creates new borders throughout Europe.
In Brussels a big manifestation took place in front of the Council and Commission and in Skopje several thousand young people joined JEFs demand for a immediate revision of the visa procedures. All across Europe, on both sides of the visa wall On the streets and trough letters JEF demanded from Europe's leaders - let Europeans meet!
To see the pictures visit the website of JEF Europe.
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4.13. UEF
The future of the European Constitution seminar
18 November 2006,
LSE Clement House, Aldwych, London
Is there a future for the European constitution? Is there an alternative route towards further European integration? What can pro-Europeans do to restart the democratic process in the EU? These are some of the questions that will be discussed at this seminar which will bring together leading pro-Europeans and analysts. Andrew DUFF (MEP) and other interesting speakers will be present.
To read the program, please download it here (DOC).
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UEF campaign
At its last meeting on 1/2 July 2006 in Vienna, the UEF Congress decided to launch a new campaign for a European-wide referendum on a European Constitution to be held at the occasion of the next elections to the European Parliament in 2009.
To read the resolution, please download the full text (DOC).
In this resolution, the UEF states that it is an illusion to think that a more democratic and more effective Europe can be built without a European Constitution. Therefore, the draft Constitutional Treaty – eventually amended by a democratic Convention should be submitted to a European-wide consultative ballot (a European referendum) held at the same time as the next European parliamentary elections in 2009.
The Congress has given the mandate for the launch of this campaign to the new Federal Committee and the new Bureau which will elaborate the political strategy as well as the organizational aspects of this important task. The next Federal Committee will take place on 25/26 November in Brussels (see next article).
To have more information, please go to the website of UEF.
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Next UEF Federal Committee
25-26 November 2006, Brussels
The newly elected Federal Committee of the UEF will have its first meeting in Brussels on 25/26 November. Following the decision of the UEF Congress, the launch of the campaign for a European-wide referendum on the European constitution, to be held at the same time as the European elections in 2009, will be the main political focus of this FC meeting. Other important issues will be the follow-up of the Internal Strategy resolution, the general and long-term financial future of the UEF as well as the draft budget 2007.
All full and alternate members as well as interested individual members and federalist friends can take part in the Federal Committee.
To know more about this event or to consult the agenda, please go to:
http://www.federaleurope.org/index.php?id=4838
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Two day seminar on the future of Europe
Besançon, 25-26 November 2006
The Committee for a European Federal State is organising a two day conference “Laboratoires d’idées sur le future de l’Europe et de l’action fédéraliste” in Besançon, France.
As can be deducted from the title, the Committee for a European Federal State wants to make its own contribution to the discussion about the crisis the European integration process is currently facing. Because of the crisis in Europe, the European public is growing increasingly skeptical towards the European integration project. Consequently, the Federalist movement is in a crisis too: in which framework do federalists need to advocate a federal Europe? Does that framework coincide with the enlarged European Union, or should there be some sort of core group ahead? And what is the responsibility of the European Federalists? What role can they play?
The working languages will be French and English. Send your registration to: lagier.yves@wanadoo.fr.
To read the updated program, click here (DOC).
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60 years of citizens’ initiatives for Europe in Germany:
1946-PEOPLE FOR EUROPE-2006
Syke & Bremen 9-10 December 2006
On the 9th of December 1946 William Heile, at the time district head of the county of Hoya, invited an advisory counsel to his district town, establishing Europa-Union Deutschland. At the establishment place of the oldest German citizens' initiative for Europe, the non-partisan Europa-Union Deutschland is organizing a conference in Syke. The conference will aim to openly present ideas linking the events of 1946 with current questions about the future of the European Union. The topic of the following conference in Bremen will be the ‘German European Council Presidency and the Future of Europe.’ The European Youth Parliament and the Young European Federalists (JEF) will have parallel meetings in both Syke and Bremen.
The conference will unite all generations as they remember the historical importance of the European Union and its 60 years of existence. The conference will breath new life in to the work of its participants, preparing them for the German EU Council presidency.
To read more about this event, please click here: http://www.europa-union.de/index.php?id=992
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4.14. ELDR
ELDR Policies on freedom and security
ELDR is pleased to provide you with this new booklet on the policy proposals of ELDR in the field of freedom and security.
We are living in a world in which the balance between freedom and security increasingly takes centre-stage. That is why Annemie Neyts, ELDR party President, proposed the theme of "Working Together for a Free and Secure Europe" for the Party 2006 Annual Congress.
ELDR adopted resolutions on the internal and external security of the EU, in which the state of play and the perspectives in both areas are sketched. We hope that this booklet will acquaint you with the current ELDR thinking on European security and that it will provide you with useful information for your political work.
You can download the brochure on all the related policies here (PDF).
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Over 100 liberal and progressive democratic parties gather in Morocco to deliberate on development and democracy
The world network of liberal and democratic parties will meet in Morocco, Marrakech from 9-11 November 2006 to discuss the links between liberal democracy and economic development. The meeting, which marks the 54th Congress of Liberal International will, amongst other things, call for a renewed commitment towards poverty reduction, especially in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Annemie Neyts, President of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform (ELDR) Party, will represent the liberal democrat parties of Europe at this congress and convey the message that liberal democracy and development are interdependent. "Development is not simply confined to the economic sphere but also encompasses the development of political freedoms and a liberal democratic system of government," she said.
The theme report of the Congress entitled "Democracy and Development: a Liberal view" will be tabled for discussion by over 100 political parties, heads of state and government, parliamentarians and world renowned experts and academics. Five hundred delegates from Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America will call on governments to resume the world trade talks, following the Doha Round in July 2006. They will also place emphasis on the need to integrate the poorest countries into international trade, as the best strategy for enhancing growth and reducing global poverty.
Visit the ELDR website.
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