We, the members of
•Conferencia Mariano Otero, Mexico
•Conférence Olivaint, France
•European Centre of Youth Cooperation of Warsaw University, Poland
•Euroidea, Bulgaria
•European Circle of Croatia
•Foro Generacion del 78, Spain
•Pro Democracy Association, Romania
•Studentenforum im Tönissteiner Kreis e.V., Germany
•Union Méditerranée, Italian branch
1. The principles of the Founding fathers of the European Union, which we adhere to, requires a new methodology in order to make them a reality. We want the European construction to be based on determination, regulation and utopia.
2. We are aware that the European construction has arrived to a critical turning point with the enlargement and the renewal of the institutional structures, issues on which public opinion commitment is inexistent. Thus, we ask for the emergence of a European Civil Society, committed to more democratic decision-making.
3. We believe that European Union should articulate its own political, economic and social system that could become a model, for example for the other processes of regional integration that are created in the world. This model goes beyond peace and prosperity.
Therefore, we want to reaffirm strongly the aims of the European construction.
First, the European identity needs to be reshaped. It requires the feeling that we belong to a community greater than our nations. Common values, namely tolerance, democracy, human rights, solidarity and mutual trust embody the European model, dedicated to be shared by all of us. Future generations should be educated in respect of these values. We ask for a European Constitution which will be a significant part of European identity.
Second, concerned by the lack of knowledge about the European
institutions and the need of a strong European consciousness, we call upon
introducing new mandatory credits in schools and universities, such as culture
and geography of European countries, and insisting on the necessity of practicing
at least two of the main European languages. Moreover, we ask for connecting
medias, for the creation of a public European television channel and for an
internet portal dedicated to improve access to European and national culture,
and to communicate about the action of the European institutions. Furthermore,
we are in favour of the creation and strengthening of links between the existing
national cultural institutes and programs in order to create a coordinated
European one, which will have relationship with other organisation around
the world.
Third,
the primary goal being overall well-being and an increase of life standards,
the economy is not an end in itself but an instrument to achieve this goal.
We call upon setting up a single taxation system, which may directly finance
the EU budget. In order to improve the mobility of students, workers and godds,
infrastructures need to be planned at European level and on the basis of comon
standards.
Fourth, in social affairs, Europe’s goal should be to guarantee equity and human dignity to residents and citizen in Europe unable to sustain themselves. Europe is also to maintain and promote social protection in a unified European welfare system.
Fifth, we want a sovereign Europe, that will have significant weight in a multipolar world. Therefore, Europe needs a coherent effective and credible foreign policy as well as self-sufficient defence capacities within pre-existing and new models, which guarantee security for our territories and citizens abroad. In Europe we believe that multilateralism is the way to promote the values that got us together. A common representation in all international organisations needs to be established, in particular, a single permanent seat in the UN Security Council is desirable.
4. We also encourage the creation of non governmental organizations that will address the relations between Europe and other countries creating a bilateral relationship where both sides shall have opportunity to advise each other about cultural and social issues, strengthening educative exchanges between both sides.
5. With regard to these considerations, we want to realize concrete actions at our level. Therefore, we decide to develop an international non-partisan network of young people interested in public life called “Politeia”, working toward sustainable co-operation and understanding among people.