PRESS RELEASE: AEGEE-EUROPE EXPRESSES SATISFACTION OVER NEW EUROPEAN CONSTITUTION 
 

The European Students' Forum AEGEE with great satisfaction welcomes a historic deal on the new Constitution for Europe, reached in Brussels by the European Council of Ministers on the 18th of June 2004. Finally Europe has a document, which has a chance to pave the way for cooperation and unity, as well as regulate the relations within the enlarged European Union, safeguarding its status and principles. This is undoubtedly the achievements of the European politicians of the last decades, and is a significant step foreword in the development of the common European principles. 

 

In AEGEE press release from the 29th of March 2004 AEGEE-Europe expressed its disappointment over the fact that the consensus concerning the European Constitution wasn't reached by the European Council Summit in March 2004, at the same time expressing our hope that we would like to see the Constitution approved by the June Summit. Therefore even with a greater satisfaction we would like to welcome the document of the new Constitution.

 

In  2002 AEGEE was actively represented in the European Student Convention, debating the future of Europe and the form of the new European Constitution. "Now we all have to work together for giving a soul to this Constitution, a milestone for realising our vision of Europe" - says Nicola Rega, President of AEGEE-Europe.

However, the public debate concerning the ratification of the Constitution is still going on, thus AEGEE hopes that a popular vote in the EU countries will soon ratify the document. In the important process of ratification the Member States should undoubtedly entail a debate involving as much as possible their citizens.

AEGEE is glad that for the first time in a European Constitution a great emphasis is put on the participatory democracy that AEGEE claims to be an advocate of in the academic world. 

We would also like to stress the point that a European Constitution should move us always closer to the aims of an "ever closer union among the peoples of Europe", following the principle of "unity in diversity".

We are happy that the Constitution preamble reflects AEGEE's vision and mission of Europe, and convinced that "while cherishing our diversity and respecting the character of our regions, we can find on the basis of our cultural and historical heritage the principles that unite us and guide us in our effort to strengthen the European conscience" (Preamble, AEGEE Statement of Principles).

We declare our faith in Europe symbolising liberty, democracy, and respect for human rights and the rule of law.



AEGEE is one of Europe's largest interdisciplinary and voluntary student associations, operating without being linked to any political party, promoting a unified Europe, cross-border co-operation, communication and integration in academic environment, and at the same time striving to create an open and tolerant society by involving students and young graduates in valuable projects and discussions over the topics of importance for the communities they live in It is represented in 260 university cities, in 42 countries all around Europe and has about 17000 members.

More information:
Ewa Solarczyk
Vice-President / Director for Public Relations

European Students' Forum - AEGEE
Rue Nestor de Tière 15
1030 Bruxelles
Phone: +32 2 245 23 00
Fax: +32 2 245 62 60
Web: www.aegee.org
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