Catherine Lalumière, The vice-president of the European Movement International, addressed today more than 50 youngsters from across Europe at the Youth Summit kick-off meeting organised by the European Commission in partnership with the European Youth Forum. This three-day event is organised as a first step to the Youth Summit, which will take place in Rome on 24-25 March, in the framework of the celebrations of the  50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome.

During her passionate speech, Mrs Lalumière emphasized the importance of the involvement of young people in shaping the future of Europe and encouraged those present to seize the opportunity and use the Youth Summit to present strong ideas to the Heads of States and Governments in March.

She further highlighted that the European project needs a fresh injection of vitality and optimism and go to the roots of its creation. She added that in a globalised world, Europe has a very important role to play in global areas of human rights and rule of law as the two main pillars of our societies.

Mrs Lalumière also emphasized the important role that Europe plays in issues such as Cooperation and Development, Cultural Diversity, relation between the States and religion, or the Social and Economic models. As she said, these are “important achievements of Europe’s history, but will remain at the forefront in the XXI Century.”

Visit our photo gallery to view a picture from the event.

More information :

– European Youth Forum

– European Youth Forum: Youth Summit

– Europe at 50