European parties must get the European message to the European public, said Mr Pat Cox, speaking at the European Parliament today, and it is to be hoped that the Congress of Europe will facilitate the realization of this aim.

Mr Cox was speaking at a joint conference with President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Pöttering. Presenting the programme of the 60th anniversary of the Congress of Europe, taking place in the Hague on the 23rd and 24th of May, Mr Cox focused on the importance of ‘putting Europe into the European elections’ and revitalizing the European integration process through a public consultation.

The Congress of Europe will comprise a European Civil Society Forum, during which over 300 ideas for the future of Europe will be debated and discussed, before being commented by the presidents of the European institutions. On the Saturday, May 24th, debates will be organized with the European leaders, including the leaders of the European political parties, who will debate in this fashion for the first time ever. These debates, during which leaders will be questioned on the proposals made during Friday’s workshop sessions, will also be televised live across Europe and on the internet thanks to the cooperation of EBS.

During questions, Mr Pöttering agreed that although Europe has made extraordinary progress since 1948, “[we can] always strive for a more united Europe”, and that although European countries are different socially and economically, they can find ways to come together. The Congress of Europe should serve as a means to inspire the leaders of Europe to take positive steps in this regard in the lead up to the European elections.

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