AEGEE still says YES! for the Constitution AEGEE as one of the largest pro-European Youth organizations expresses its great disappointment over the results of the French referendum on the European Constitution, which we helped to draft and have been promoting it since it was agreed. Over the years we have made substantial contribution to the Constitution. AEGEE presented a position paper at the European Convention from the university world based on the Universities to Debate Europe Project, organised in 2002 together with ESIB, ESN and JADE, discussing the future of Europe as well as the new Constitution at the European Student Convention. We are now playing an active role in the Yes Campaign together with JEF Europe and the European Movement. "It's sad for Europe and the future we want to build. What I fear is that the opinion was more a dismissal against the French politics and a fear about an unknown future than the willingness of a strong and unified Europe." - Olivier Leguy, AEGEE-Paris We are convinced that the Constitution is a very important step forward for European Integration. We urge all European governments and communities to continue to push the constitutional process forward, and not allow this setback to become an excuse for defeatism. AEGEE works for European integration and intercultural understanding, and as such we encourage all young people of the EU member states where referenda will still take place to participate in the vote as active citizens, and to vote in favour of the Constitution. We are the citizens of tomorrow and should take a stronger leadership role indecision-making today. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at: Virag Szabo Director for Public Relations European Students' Forum - AEGEE Rue Nestor de Tiere 15 1030 Bruxelles Phone: +32 2 245 23 00 Fax: +32 2 245 62 60 Web: www.aegee.org Email: [log in to unmask] 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.