The President of the European Movement International (EMI), Jo Leinen, welcomed the new dynamic created by the informal Foreign Ministers meeting yesterday in Berlin: “It is the right time to start an open and transparent debate about the future of the European Union”. The meeting of the nine Foreign Ministers in Berlin could be the first step to reflect important problems in the architecture of the European Union. Constructive answers must now be discussed.

“The objective must be the organisation of a new European Convention, where all governments, parliaments and the European Commission are participating and the civil society is involved”, said Jo Leinen. “We need a structured and inclusive debate for stronger policies and stronger institutions in the European Union”.

“The European Parliament should now engage in the debate and make use of its powers conferred by the Lisbon Treaty to call for a Convention”, said Jo Leinen.

The European Movement International, its national councils and member organisations will support this new dynamic and promote this process for the next steps of European Integration.

[ENDS]

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Editor’s Note: The European Movement International (EMI) is one of the largest pan and pro-European civil society organisation with currently more than 70 Member Organisations, bringing together representatives from European associations, political parties, enterprises and trade unions.

For more information, please contact the secretariat: +32 (0)2 508 30 88, email: secretariat(at)europeanmovement.eu