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Dear friends, dear members,
Expressively referring to the Davignon, Westendorp or Delors Committees, the activities of which are milestones the history of the European Community, Nicolas Sarkozy recently proposed the creation of a committee of “ten to twelve wise men” appointed to reflect on the “future of the European project”. The German Counsellor Angela Merkel as well as the Commission’s President José Manuel Barroso gave him their support. What should we think about this? ...
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Sylvie GOULARD
President of the European Movement France
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Dear friends, dear members,
Expressively referring to the Davignon, Westendorp or Delors Committees, the activities of which are milestones the history of the European Community, Nicolas Sarkozy recently proposed the creation of a committee of “ten to twelve wise men” appointed to reflect on the “future of the European project”. The German Counsellor Angela Merkel as well as the Commission’s President José Manuel Barroso gave him their support. What should we think about this?
The fact that the national authorities are willing to reflect upon the future of Europe is undoubtedly positive. However, there have been many discussions and initiatives over the past years, ranging from the Convention to the plan D. In order to finalise this process, four conditions should be met.
First of all, this committee should be European; it should rediscover the meaning of the common European interest. If it starts seeking the synthesis of national positions presented as non-negotiable, it will bring about poor results. The EU suffers from red lines and other authoritarian decisions made by the capitals. It lacks in European spirit. Let’s propose that the governments be made to nominate representatives of other countries: if Nicolas Sarkozy named a German or a Belgian, Romano Prodi a Pole or Englishman etc., then we would begin to move in the direction of an authentic European way of thinking.
Secondly, the ‘’wise men’’ should not be too wise. The success of this committee will be measured with regards to its capacity to propose innovative ideas that are on the same wavelength as European society. In a nutshell, the composition of the Committee must imperatively reflect the EU of tomorrow, not that of yesterday. We should not forget that new countries have joined the EU, and that, in the majority of the old member states, people stemming from immigration make up a great part of today’s youth. Inviting them to get involved in politics by restricting them to the problems of neighbourhoods and suburbs, as we have done too often, is a waste of talents. Their multicultural experience, the ease-or the difficulties they have- in practising their multiple identities could be a valuable contribution to the reflection process on the building of a Europe “united in diversity”.
Over a few years, our society has dramatically changed: people are better educated, connected to the Internet, over-informed, and cannot be governed as in the past. Regarding transparency and the inclusion of the different levels of political decision, the European Convention was a step forward; it made the national level ( members of the two chambers, representatives of the government) and the European level (European deputies, Commissioners) work together side by side. Let us try to rekindle this open team spirit. Internet should no longer be ignored. It was on the web that the outcomes of the referenda of 2005 in France and in Netherlands were largely decided. It is on the web that Europe will win back its credit. The era of diplomacy and secrete negotiations is over, the time for civil society has come.
Finally, the mandate of this committee should be at least as innovative as its composition. The diagnostic was posed long ago: those who still doubt this can read over the Laeken declaration, adopted by the Council in December 2001. It was followed by a Convention and, after the failure of the referenda, the Commission launched a great debate on the EU. The negotiation of a Reform Treaty, largely inspired by the works of the Convention, was seen as marking the end of this long cycle of reflection, or even introspection. If after ten-fifteen years of intense debate, the Europeans still feel the need to think about the European project, this means that the debate has avoided some issues: from the fiscal solidarity of the internal market to the borders of the EU, from energetic autarchy to common values, the EU has buried its head in the sand. And it’s paying for it. Do Great Britain and Poland, who want to break away from the Charter, still share our values? Where are the limits of Europe? How can we build Europe while depriving our children of the linguistic skills they need in order to lead successful lives? Can the EU live without a proper defence system? The taboos abound….
The committee of “wise men” will have to dare to say what cannot be said, to discuss what cannot be discussed, to make proposals that are usually not made. Because wisdom does not necessarily consist in going with the flow or lacking in courage.
Sylvie Goulard, President of European Movement France
Version française
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2.1. The European Parliament launches the AGORA
The European Parliament, led by its Vice President, Gerard Onesta, will be launching an AGORA on 8 & 9 November 2007. The aim of this event will be to establish a permanent dialogue with the European Civil society organizations on different subjects. The theme of the meeting in November will be ‘New Treaties, Challenges, Opportunities and Tools’. Over 500 representatives of Civil Society are expected to participate.
For more information, click here.
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2.2. EU-RUSSIA CENTRE Conference (17th October 2007 )
 In partnership with the Euorpean Movement International, the EU-Russia Center will be holding a conference on “The EU and Russia: Friends or Rivals?” on 17 October 2007. Other partners are the East-West Institute, the European Policy Centre and Hanns Seidel Stiftung. Special guest: Dr Benita Ferrero-Waldner, EU Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy.
Link to the EU-Russia Centre web site.
For more information, please contact Charles Kleinermann.
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2.3. European Commission "Youth in Action" call for proposals
On 12 September, the European Commission launched a call for proposals in the framework of the "Youth in Action" programme. This programme namely aims to foster a feeling of European citizenship among young people. This particular call aims to "provide support for the permanent activities of bodies active at European level in the field of youth and pursuing an aim which is of general European interest." Deadline 31 October 2007.
For more details, click here.
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2.4. The EU-US Atlantis Programme for Education
In the framework of the EU-US education agreement, the European Commission launched, together with the US authorities, 14 new transatlantic cooperation projects. Students will be able to spend between one to three semesters on the other side of the Atlantic and receive full academic recognition of that period of study, thus promoting mutual understanding between the EU and the US and helping students to acquire the skills necessary to lead successful careers in the era of globalisation. The European Commission will invest €3.8 million in these projects comprising 8 Transatlantic Degrees, 2 Excellence in Mobility projects and 4 Policy Oriented Actions. This amount will be matched by the US authorities.
For more information, click here.
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2.4 Visit the Portuguese Presidency web site!
To find out all about the Portuguese Presidency news, click here.
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3.1. Paolo Farnararo, former President of EAT (AEDE), passed away
It is with deep regret that we learned the death of our friend Paolo Farnararo, member of the Steering Committee of the European Movement, and former President of the EAT.
Paolo Farnararo was a committed European, who firmly supported the idea of a federal and more democratic Europe. For many years, thanks to his great experience of the world of education and his role as President of EAT, he contributed to the work of the Steering Committee and the Federal Council of the European Movement, where he participated actively to the debates and made regular concrete proposals which were highly appreciated.
We would like to express our condolences to his wife in particular, as well as to his family and friends. Europe has lost a great man who will be difficult to replace.
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3.2. Former President of the EM, Gaston Thorn, passed away
The European Movement was extremely saddened to learn that Mr Gaston Thorn, former President of the EM, passed away during the summer. Throughout his life, Mr Thorn contributed a great deal to the construction of the EU, not only as Member of the European Parliament, but also as President of the European Commission from 1981-1985. All our condolences go to his family and friends.
Biography of Gaston Thorn (in French)
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3.3. Speak up Europe: European Vibes Competition
The winners of the European Vibes online art competition have been selected – and the young artists prove to have an eye for Europe. During the spring thousands of Europeans have shared their visions of Europe over the web in the project organised by the Young European Federalists (JEF Europe). Now the winning artworks have started their tour around Europe.
Tuesday 28 August the exhibition opened its doors at its first stop – Brussels. More than a hundred guests were welcomed in the PA Gallery in front of the JEF Europe Secretariat. Together they shared their views of the picture, videos and audio winners and enjoyed the reception in the garden until late in the evening. Among the visitors, several representatives from the media and ngo world such as Cafébabel.com, AEGEE Europe, the Youth Political parties, Euractiv.com as well as many representatives from the European Institutions were to be found in the high spirited crowd.
The 25 best rated picture entries, together with the audio and video have now hit the roads in the rest of Europe. The exhibition will be shown in 32 cities across the continent during the autumn, with a series of accompanying debates on the future of Europe that take inspiration from the exhibited artworks; be it the sounds of the winning “Hvis du Vidste” song or of the striking colors of the winner entry in the video category.
The European Vibes competition is supported by the Speak up Europe campaign coordinated by the European Movement, taking place all across the EU, in 22 languages and incorporating 29 project partners.
See the full list of exhibition venues here.
See the winning photo entries here.
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3.4. EU with YOU: 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome
For the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, EM Belgium and EM France organised events in the framework of a transnational project, with the participation of the European Movement International and the support of the European Parliament.
The events took place at the Domaine de Val Duchesse in Brussels (15/16/17 September) and at the Quai d’Orsay and Maison de l’Europe in Paris (15/16 September). Both were extremely successful and drew crowds of over 30 000 people in Belgium and 10 000 people in France.
The aim of the events was to inform citizens of the History of the construction of the European Union and of the main achievements of the Union since 1957.
European Movement Belgium
Crowds gather at the Domaine de Val Duchesse
To see more pictures of the event at Val Duchesse, see the Belgian European Movement web site. (pictures available from 2 October)
European Movement France
10 000 people visit the Quai d'Orsay and Maison de l'Europe in Paris
You can find more information on the following web site: : www.euwithyou.eu
Contact: Charles Kleinermann
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3.5. Natacha Quinn has left the EMI
After over 2 years working at the EMI as a Project Officer, Natacha Quinn has decided to pursue a carreer as a teacher.
The EMI office thanks her for her hard work and wishes her good luck for the future!
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3.6. Reform of the European Movement under way
The reflection group chaired by EMI Secretary General, H. H. Kröner, for the reform of the European Movement has begun its work. The group will define the priorities to be reached by the European Movement. The outcome of the next meeting will be discussed at the European Movement Federal Council in December.
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3.7. Federal Council and other meetings of the EMI
The European Movement will be organising its Federal Council in Brussels in December 2007, as well as other meetings. The programme is as follows:
7 December:
11h-17h00 :Meeting of the Secretaries General
19:00 :Opening of final conference on Plan D (Invitation by the Commission)
9 December
12:00 :End of the conference on Plan D
14 December
11h-18h : Preparatory meeting of the European Civil Society Forum
(In preparation of the celebrations of our 60th anniversary on 23-24 May 2008 in The Hague.)
Members of the Steering Committee will attend.
15 December
09h -11h :possible meeting of the Working Groups
12h-13h : Briefing with federal council members and Stakeholders (representatives of NGO) by a representative of the Portuguese and Slovenian Presidency
14h-18h : Plenary session of the Federal Council
16 December
9h-12h :Plenary session of the Federal Council
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3.8. Celebration of the 60th Anniversary of The Hague Congress, 23 & 24 May 2008
The European Movement International will be organising the Celebrations of the 60th Anniversary of The Hague Congress. Indeed, it was in 1948 that the European Movement was established. Festivities will be taking place on 23 & 24 May 2008 in The Hague. Please book your agendas for this exceptional event! We will send you more information soon.
Photo of The Hague Congress of 1948.
For any questions, please contact Charles Kleinermann
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3.9. EMI Working Groups meeting in Romania: Enlargement – European Neighborhood Policy 28/29/30 November 2007
The European Movement Romania and the European Movement International will organise a conference in Romania on the 28 – 29 – 30 November 2007 in order to discuss the European Neighborhood Policy Plus and the communication of the European Commission called the Black Sea Synergy. Special guests will be invited from Eastern Neighborhood Policy: Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.
For more information: please contact Charles Kleinermann
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4.1. EM Finland
Seminar on the future of the Treaty
European Movement Finland started its autumn season with a seminar The road to a new Treaty - Agenda of the Portuguese Presidency of the EU. The topical issue was discussed by the Portuguese ambassador to Finland, João Silva Leitão, State Secretary, Dr. Teija Tiilikainen and Head of the Commission Representation in Finland Antti Peltomäki. The opening remarks were given by the president of EM Finland, MP Miapetra Kumpula-Natri and the lively discussion with the public was lead by the Secretary General Lauri Tierala.
Ambassador João Silva Leitão stressed that the Treaty reforming the existing Treaties on the EU and EEC is the main priority of the Portuguese Presidency for the coming months. Miapetra Kumpula-Natri reminded that this Treaty solves some problems of the Union, but shall not be the final step – the constitutional process must go on.
Pictures of the event and a short report (in Finnish) can be seen here.
MEPs at your service
The Finnish MEPs tour Finland during the campaign Meps at your service arranged by EM Finland and JEF Finland. On the tour, which will run from October 2007 to February 2008, open discussion events will be organised in 14 towns throughout Finland. In addition to that the campaign includes a national EU conference and regional EP simulations for the youth, a writing competition on the Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome and an interactive project web page (to be opened soon).
New communication manager
Mikael von Rabenau, Communications Manager, European Movement Finland, will be on study leave for one year and will be replaced by Ms. Piretta Pietilä during this time.
She can be reached at the following email address:
piretta.pietila@eurooppalainensuomi.fi
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4.2. EM Serbia
Policiy Brief
On 12 September, the European Movement in Serbia (EMinS) organized a promotion of the policy brief Energy in South East Europe: A Legal Snapshot of Kosovo and Serbia, jointly developed by EMinS and the Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and Development (KIPRED), in co-operation with Freedom House Europe, within the European standards series.
The European standards series aims to bring actors together around common reform issues enabling dialogue and reform to be grounded in the common interest as well as to promote quality reform in key areas.
The first three policy briefs will analyze common problems in the reform and development of the energy sector, which represents one of the priority issues for the economic development.
The main authors of the research presented the policy brief (Mr. Aleksandar Kovačević and Mrs. Jelica Minić), while Mrs. Snežana Mijailović (Electroenergetic Coordination Centre) and Mr. Rodoljub Šabić (Commissioner for information of public importance) took part in the presentation as well.
Seminar
The second seminar within the project „Connecting Young Leaders in the Region“ was held from August 31st till September 4th in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Participants of the seminar were representatives of youth wings of political parties from the Western Balkans region. Interactive lectures and interesting workshops were organised. They also visited the Parliamentary Assembly of the Republic of Bosnia & Herzegovina where they had a chance to talk with Mr. Beriz Belkic, Chairman of the House of Representatives, and Mr. Osman Topcagic, Director of Directorate for European Integration B&H.
The project will be continued through an Internet forum debate on various issues concerning European integration, regional and inter-parties cooperation.
Traveling to Europe project
The project Traveling to Europe has been successfully brought to its end. The 300 best students of the Universities in Serbia (final year of studying), who won the competition, have returned from their one-month long trip across Europe. During that period they had the opportunity to visit various countries of the EU and to meet different people, nations, customs and cultures. Because of the complex visa regime 50% of these students had never had the chance to cross the borders of the EU. This trip was a great opportunity to exchange experience and introduce the Serbian youth to the citizens of European Union. During this trip students also distributed 60 000 brochures “Sincerely, Your Serbia”, which was printed in five European languages.
The most popular destinations were France, Holland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal…In average the students spent between 20-25 days but some of them spent all 30 days travelling over Europe.
During the autumn students will share their impressions about Europe with Serbian public trough media promotion.
IPA awareness-raising campaign
EMinS is running an awareness-raising Campaign on the new EU Instrument of pre-accession assistance 2007-2013 IPA supported by the Fund for an open society - Serbia.
IPA was presented on the national level in Belgrade on November 30, 2006 as well as in 10 municipalities (Novi Sad, Niš, Kragujevac, Subotica, Zaječar, Novi Pazar, Vranje, Loznica, Zrenjanin i Majdanpek -)where the IPA Guide created in the frame of this project was distributed.
Democratic parliamentary practice
The round table Supervising the role of the Parliament was organized in July 2007 in Budva, Montenegro in cooperation with Parliaments of The Republic of Montenegro and The Republic of Serbia, as well as with The Center for Democratic transition, Montenegro and EWPPP, The Netherlands, in the framework of the project Aspects and Techniques of European Integration: A program in support of democratic parliamentary practice in Serbia and Montenegro
Contact: Maja Bobic
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4.3. EM Denmark
Religion in the EU Treaty
Should Christianity be mentioned as a European value in the future treaties of the European Union, or should religion and politics be considered two separate things? This issue was debated at a public meeting arranged by the Danish European Movement on august 27th. In the panel were Professor Uffe Osgergaard, protestant bishop Karsten Nissen, catholic bishop Czeslaw Kozon and MEP Karin Riis-Jørgensen. The event was part of Speak Up Europa, and broadcast live on Danish national television. More than 70 people took part in the meeting and the following debate, which all took place in the Danish Parliament.
European of the Year
On August 30th former German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer was awarded “European of the Year” by the Danish European Movement. Mr. Fischer received the award at a big event at Krogerup Hojskole north of Copenhagen, hosted by the President of the Danish European Movement, Erik Boel. During the event Mr. Fischer and three former Danish Foreign Ministers took part in a panel, where they presented “Visions for Europe”. The event was well covered by the press and was visited by more than 100 guests, among which several key actors in Danish politics and several ambassadors.
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4.4. EM UK
Rt Hon Charles Kennedy MP appointed President of EM UK
European Movement UK is delighted to announce that Rt Hon Charles Kennedy MP has agreed to be its new President, a post that had remained unfilled since the death of Edward Heath. MP.Charles Kennedy's nomination was unanimously supported at the September meeting of the European Movement’s National Council. Charles Kennedy, former leader of the Liberal Democrats, is a national figure who has systematically and courageously fought for the European cause throughout his parliamentary career. Charles Kennedy said:"I was delighted to be invited to take on this role and am grateful to colleagues from across the political spectrum for their confidence. Our task, quite simply, is to help breathe life and soul back into the constructive but not uncritical case for Europe which is crying out to be heard in British politics. This development could not come at a more timely moment and I relish the challenge and the opportunities ahead."
Contact: Richard Laming
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4.5. EM Latvia
Interviews
A one-page interview with Mr. Andris Gobins, President of EM Latvia was published in the newspaper ”Latvijas Avize” (biggest audience in Latvia, especialy countryside).
In a radio interview for radio Latvia One, Mr. Maris Noviks, Chairman of the political committee of the EML, evaluated the outcome of the July referendum, comparing referendum experiences in various European countries, from Spain to Switzerland.
Passed Activities
June
In June a big NGO and Parliament co-operation forum was organised. The President of the European Movement in Latvia, Andris Gobins introduced the Forum with the co-operation experience and preparatory meeting outcomes of the NGO and Parliament co-operation in European Affairs. A working group, on how to improve co-operation in the future was co-led by Andris Gobins and the vice speaker of Parliament and vice chairperson of the European Affairs committee, Ms Karina Petersone.
July
In July EML organised the Second Civil Forum in Latvia about the upcoming referendum on national security laws, limiting influence of government controlled secret service.
August
A big project "Intermarium 2007 – how Latvia is involved in development co-operation in the countries between Baltic and Black Sea” was launched in August 2007. The project will promote and encourage Latvia`s activities in the field of development co-operation. The first edition of electronic weekly paper ”Intermarium watch” was launched on September 14.
Upcoming events
October will be a full month with 4 big projects:
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A Videoclip project, youth exchange linking the European Movements from Latvia, Estonia, Germany and France (Action 1, Youth Programme of the EC) (5-14 October)
–design of 1-minute clips on European Identity, stereotypes, enlargement etc. The Model European Parliament for the Baltic Sea Region (MEP BSR)
–An EP simulation session with young students around the Baltic Sea 11-13 October.
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A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) conference on the new EU neighbouring countries and the Millennium Development Goals and Development Cooperation 22 October, in cooperation with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Latvian Parliament INTERMARIUM 2007
–information activities about the new EU neighbouring countries, mainly Ukraine, Georgia, Belarus and Moldova A Partnership of European Movements in the design of a European Calendar 2008 is envisaged. –More concrete information will follow.
Reports from important meetings within EM Latvia
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EML elected a new Vice-President: Mr. Valdis Lokenbahs, a leading entrepreneur from the IT sphere. - A new Board has also been elected. The new board consists of Mr. Andris Berzins, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Latvian parliament and ex-prime minister, Ms Sandra Kalniete, MP and ex-EU Commissioner and minister of Foreign affairs, Mr Janis Vaivads, consultant, ex minister of education, Ms Viola Lazo, consultant and former MP, Mr Indulis Balmaks, journalist, Mr Guntis Vilumsons, teacher and Euro-club leader in Liepaja.
- Several meetings with the European and the Foreign affairs Committees of the Latvian parliament, to ensure better Parliament and NGO cooperation.
–Participation in the NGO and Government co-operation council.
Important dates on your organisations' calendars
The European Movement in Latvia started to celebrate its 10 year anniversary in May 2007. Celebrations will continue till December.
From the 1st of December, the European Movement Latvia should host 2 new European volunteers, one from FYROM and one from Turkey, for 12 months.
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4.6. EM Estonia
On 27 September, European Movement Estonia organised a debate in the series European Talks, entitled "Architectural Heritage in Estonia and Ireland". The subject of the debate was architectural heritage in Estonia and
Ireland, how to protect them and which foundations support their
restoration. Discussions were held on how to use the Guinness Foundation's
experience in the Estonian context.
The Irish experience was presented by Hon Desmond Guinness, Founder
of the Irish Georgian Heritage Society and Lord Moyne, Head of the
Guinness Family. The Estonian experience was presented by Jaan Tamm, Director
of the Estonian Heritage Society. The moderator of the debate was Anna-Maria Galojan – director of European
Movement Estonia.
Contact: Anna-Maria Galojan
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4.7. ELEC
EU-China relationships Symposium
On June 19, the European League for Economic Cooperation (ELEC) organized, jointly with Eur-Ifri (the Brussels branch of the Institut Français des Relations Internationales), a symposium on "EU-China relationships" hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). Over 60 participants heard a panel of experts chaired by Dirk-Jan van den Berg, Ambassador of the Netherlands to China and consisting of Michel Bricout, President of the China Network at BusinessEurope, Pierre Defraigne, Director of Eur-Ifri, Olivier Giscard d'Estaing, President of the INSEAD Foundation and Mrs. Li Fushun, chargé d'affaires at the Chinese Mission to the EU.
Forthcoming activities
September 20 in Brussels: a talk was given at the Fondation Universitaire by Mr Benjamin Angel, of the European Commission, on the subject "L'euro: son impact et son avenir". This event was organized jointly with TEPSA
October 9 in Paris at the Fondation Singer Polignac: a whole-day conference on energy organized by ELEC's French section and its Economic and Social Commission
October 26-27 in Barcelona: the 8th Mediterranean Conference organized by ELEC's Spanish section and its Mediterranean Commission, on the subject "Social protection, economic growth and social equilibrium in the Third countries of the Mediterranean"
November 9 in Amsterdam: meeting of ELEC's Monetary Panel
November 15-16 in Kronberg: meeting of ELEC's Monetary Commission, hosted by Deutsche Bank
November 30 in Bern: a conference on "EFTA-EU Relations" organized by ELEC's Swiss section, with the participation of its Neighbourhood Commission
December 7: ELEC Central Council will meet in Brussels. Its June 2008 Enlarged Central Council is due to meet in Berlin.
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4.7. UEF
Upcoming election of the new Secretary General
The Board of UEF has nominated Joan-Marc Simon to be its new Secretary General. The 32-year old Catalan, former Secretary General of JEF-Euorpe, will be officially elected on 9-11 November in Prague. He will be replacing Dr Friedhelm Frischenschlager.
UEF web site.
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4.7. Permanent Forum of European Civil Society
The forum's newsletter 2007/01 is out. To read it, click here!
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