Expedition EUROPE Young people’s views on tomorrow’s Europe. Deze publicatie is ook beschikbaar in het Nederlands. Cette publication est également disponible en français. Diese Veröffentlichung ist auch in Deutsch erhältlich. Contents

Preface 4

Introduction 5

Objectives and an account 6

Viewpoints

6 How the European Union works 14

6 Enlargement of the European Union 22

6 Key values within the European model 28

6 The future of Europe 36

Panel that selected the young Belgians 43

The young people and their mentors 44

The Prince Philippe Fund 52 Preface

I am both honoured and grateful to be able to present to you, on behalf of the Board of Governors of the Prince Philippe Fund, this report on Expedition Europe.

Expedition Europe has been a fascinating experience for the many people who took part in it. Over a peri- Mr , European Commissioner, who od of several months, young people debated, devel- were present to introduce and stimulate the debate; oped ideas and gave their creativity free rein. In this and Baron de Schoutheete de Tervarent, Baron and report you can read a polished version of these bright Baroness Snoy, Belgacom, the National Bank of plans for the future. , the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ryckevelde Foundation and the Belgian Armed In response to the call from the heads of state and Forces, who provided the necessary guidance and government at the summit in Nice, a group of 100 logistical support. young Belgians developed a vision of the Europe of tomorrow. They then sent it to the other 14 European Above all, the Board of Governors would like to Member States, where others of the same age dis- express its gratitude to HRH Prince Philippe, who cussed and analysed the texts, amending them where guided the process and was present at all the events. necessary. His interest and his valuable contributions were extremely helpful in bringing about the young peo- For the great event at the end of the project, two ple’s vision of the Europe of tomorrow. young people from each EU Member State came to Brussels for an exchange of ideas with their Belgian Now let us all work together to give Europe the ener- friends. The fruit of all these discussions can also be gy and commitment it deserves, so that we can be found on the following pages. completely free, within a European democracy built on sound values, to continue our work to create the This exciting process was only possible thanks to the prosperity underpinning the happiness of so many commitment and support of many people, including: European citizens. Mr , Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr Jean-Luc Dehaene, former Prime Minister; Mr Karel Baron Paul Buysse Van Miert, former European Commissioner; and Chairman of the Prince Philippe Fund

4 Introduction

In early 2001, the Prince Philippe Fund launched an awareness-raising campaign with a view to record- ing the expectations and suggestions of young people in Belgium regarding the new Europe. The initiative was dubbed ‘Expedition Europe’ and brought together a hundred young people from Belgium’s three Communities to ponder a number of topics relating to Europe as it is today and as it might look tomorrow. In the presence of HRH Prince Philippe, and under the guidance of a num- ber of senior Belgian politicians with international experience – , Jean-Luc Dehaene, Louis Michel and Philippe Busquin – they formulat- ed their viewpoints. In the following months, they then tested these views on young people from the other Member States of the European Union. This publication is a record of the whole project, and represents its concluding element. It will be pre- in the European model, and expectations about the sented by HRH Prince Philippe to the Prime Europe of the future. After each series of view- Minister, Guy Verhofstadt, to bring along with him points, you will also find the conclusions that to the European Council meeting in Laeken on emerged from a discussion held on 13 and 15 December 2001. 14 October 2001 between the young Belgians and young people from other European Member States. In what follows, we first present the objectives of Finally, you will find a presentation of the panel Expedition Europe and give a detailed account of that selected the young Belgians, and the names of the project. This is followed by the young people’s all the participants and those who guided the dis- viewpoints. They are arranged according to the four cussions. topics the young people considered: how Europe works, the enlargement of Europe, the key values

5 Objectives and an account about European society and the roles that young people regard as reserved for themselves and others.

How it all began The project has been run in the context of Belgium’s presidency of the European Union from Recent surveys have shown that one in three young 1 July to 31 December 2001. The Belgian presidency’s people regard the European treaties as the basis for programme includes a wide range of initiatives. the Europe of the future, on condition that there is These are connected with the decisions and recom- also daily interaction mendations that have between Europe’s citi- emerged from the past zens and societies. This summits in Lisbon and is why it is crucial that Nice. Among other areas, young people, too, these relate to the active should be given the welfare state in Europe, opportunity to express the enlargement of the their opinions and take Union to include new an active part in the for- Member States, the mation of European workings of the thinking – in other European institutions words, that they should and the future of join in building a new Europe. One of the big and lasting European society. priorities for the years ahead is to develop better communication between those who make the deci- In order to record the expectations and suggestions sions in Europe and the different elements of the of young people in Belgium regarding the new population of Europe. Europe, the Prince Philippe Fund initiated an aware- ness-raising project in spring 2001. The idea behind The task that falls to Belgium during its presidency Expedition Europe was to bring together young thus goes beyond ensuring the smooth running of people from Belgium’s three Communities to pon- affairs within the Union. Our country must help lend der a number of topics relating to Europe as it is substance to a Europe that delivers positive added today and as it might look tomorrow. The ultimate value to its citizens. The people of Belgium, in all goal was to arrive at a synthesis of their thinking their diversity, can act as a catalyst in this process.

6 This approach ties in closely with the role of the Prince Philippe Fund, which is to bring the Communities of Belgium into contact with one another and enable them to discover one another’s individuality. Given that young people are the future of Europe, this specifically young people’s initiative has a special contribution to make, a con- tribution that supplements the other initiatives in Belgium’s programme for its European presidency in important ways.

From the very outset of Expedition Europe, it was decided to work around topics that are closely con- nected with the subjects on the agenda for the European Council at Laeken. A number of aspects were selected and grouped under four headings. Each of the young people who applied to take part in Expedition Europe chose one of these topics to work on.

The launch The main elements of the campaign consisted Expedition Europe was launched at a well-attended of a colourful logo (shown on the cover of this press conference on Monday, 12 March at the Royal publication), an advertisement, the website Palace in Brussels, attended by high-ranking per- www.expeditioneurope.be and a leaflet in Belgium’s sons including HRH Prince Philippe, Prime Minister three languages which was printed in 22,000 Guy Verhofstadt and , President of copies. Together with the leaflets, forms were also the . At the press conference, distributed which young people could use to apply. the project itself was presented, together with the The advertisement was published in two weekend advertising campaign that would be used to editions of a number of national newspapers, and encourage young Belgians to promote their views. called on young people to visit the website.

7 Initially, the website had more or less the same Thursday 12 and Friday 13 April 2001 at the head- contents as the leaflet: the background and pur- quarters of the King Baudouin Foundation. The list pose of Expedition Europe was explained, the four of panel members is given at the back of this pub- topics were presented together with the various lication. The panel’s task was to select a maximum phases the project would go through, and the nec- of 100 young people to participate in Expedition essary explanations were given regarding the appli- Europe on the basis of the interviews. They applied cation and selection procedure. The application the following criteria: motivation and engagement, forms could also be downloaded from the website. knowledge about Europe, interest in the chosen In time, however, the website was to evolve into a topic and knowledge of the languages of the other fully-fledged communication platform for young Communities. An attempt was also made to arrive people, with four separate forums on which they at an evenly balanced group on the basis of gen- could share their opinions and reactions with one der, educational level and representation of another. In June, the viewpoints that the young Belgium’s three Communities. A maximum of people had formulated jointly also appeared on the 25 young people were to participate in each of the website. four workshops.

The application and selection procedure Contact days

The young people had to send in their applications The young people in each of the four working to the Prince Philippe Fund by 3 April 2001. A total groups got to know one another at two contact of 186 valid applications were submitted. The for- days at Bois-Seigneur-Isaac Castle in Eigenbrakel, mal selection criteria were as follows: applicants which was made available by Baron and Baroness had to have been born between 1 January 1976 and Snoy. The contact days were held on Saturday 31 December 1984, had to live in Belgium, had to 21 and Sunday 22 April, each being attended by demonstrate an interest in how Europe worked and 50 young people (two working groups). In the had to be ready to participate in the contact days, morning, staff from the Ryckevelde Foundation’s the workshops in late April and early May and the European and International Training and meeting with European young people in October. Information Centre gave the young people a gener- al introduction to the European Union, its workings The second method of selection involved interviews and its proposed enlargement. The afternoon was with an independent panel, which were held on taken up by a group-bonding activity organised by

8 9 Outward Bound Belgium, in which a number of ence of HRH Prince Philippe and the politician, with adventurous, challenging assignments in a natural the aim of establishing a number of viewpoints and setting were combined with time out for dialogue trends of thought regarding the topic. and reflection. The workshops were held on the following dates, At the contact days, the young people were also with the following VIPs and moderators: given the access code for the Internet forums on 6 30 April 2001: how the European Union works, the website. During the follow- with former European ing days and weeks, the stream Commissioner Karel Van Miert of reports and ideas on the and Didier De La Fontaine as forums gradually swelled. By moderator; the end, some 800 contribu- 6 5 May 2001: the enlargement tions had been sent to the of the European Union, with forums. former Prime Minister Jean-Luc Dehaene and Alex Puissant as moderator; The spring 2001 work- 6 12 May 2001: key values with- shops in the European model, with Deputy Prime Minister and Between late April and the mid- Minister of Foreign Affairs Louis dle of May, a series of four Michel and Alex Puissant as workshops were held in the moderator; meeting rooms of Belgacom in 6 13 May 2001: the future of Brussels. At each workshop one Europe, with European of the four topics was dealt with Commissioner Philippe Busquin by the relevant working group of 25 young people. and Alex Puissant as moderator. On each occasion, the morning session began with an address by HRH Prince Philippe, after which a The four workshops each produced a document senior politician with international experience ran outlining the viewpoints of the Belgian young peo- through the workshop’s topic and answered the ple with regard to their chosen topics. young people’s questions. After lunch, there was a discussion between the young people, in the pres-

10 The European section

The young people’s viewpoints were introduced on the website in late June. Provision was made for people to react to them via a web form. To encour- age young people in other European Member States to participate, posters and postcards were distributed. The purpose and process of Expedition Europe was explained in brief on the poster. Europe’s young people had the opportunity to react up until 1 August 2001. Perhaps because of the tight deadline and the unfortunate timing – it was the middle of the summer holidays – the number of reactions was lower than anticipated.

European weekend

On 13 and 14 October, the 100 young Belgians met once more, in order to test out the viewpoints they had formulated on young people from the other Member States. The embassies of each Member State had appointed two young people to repre- sent their country, so that there were a total of 28 young foreigners. The discussions were held at the premises of the National Bank of Belgium.

On Friday evening, the young foreigners were wel- comed, together with a small delegation of young Belgians, at the King Baudouin Foundation. This was followed by a dinner. The young people got down to work on Saturday and Sunday. The

11 proceedings began with addresses by Baron Paul Conclusion Buysse, President of the Prince Philippe Fund, and by HRH Prince Philippe, after which the young The expectations and proposals of the young peo- Belgians presented their viewpoints. After lunch ple are now gathered together in this publication. there followed a discussion with the young Expedition Europe will be brought to a close when Europeans in the four working groups; 25 Belgians HRH Prince Philippe and the young people presents and 7 foreigners participated in each discussion. this document to Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt on Monday 3 December 2001. This will occur at the The four working groups drew up their conclusions Royal Palace in Brussels in the presence of Romano on Sunday morning, and presented them at 12 to Prodi, the President of the European Commission, HRH Prince Philippe. This was followed by a lunch, the 100 young people from Belgium and all those at which young people had the opportunity to who were involved in some way in Expedition exchange views with HRH Prince Philippe. Europe.

12

How the European Union works: measures to increase levels of attendance by its the viewpoints of Belgian young people members at its sessions.

The working group would also like to point out the 1. How democratic is Europe? What threats exist to need for public debate about a two-chamber European democracy? Do you believe that your . Full legislative powers could interests are adequately represented by the be assigned to such a parliament, without compro- European Parliament or by the other European mising Member States’ and citizens’ interests. institutions? b. The European Commission The European Union is based on democratic princi- ples. Nevertheless, young Belgians can see that the The young people assert that the democratic work- EU falls short of the mark in some respects. For ing of the EU can be improved by clearly demar- instance, the so-called ‘democratic deficit’ in the cating the tasks of the European Commission and European Parliament raises a number of questions the European Parliament. The working group would for us. The young people’s working group therefore like the European Commission to resume its lead- calls on the EU to make its internal workings more ing role among the institutions. However, this democratic and, below, proposes a number of pos- means that the European Parliament must be able sible ways of doing this. to control and evaluate thoroughly the European Commission’s executive powers. In addition to the a. The European Parliament need for their respective tasks to be clarified, the working group also believes that there should be The European Parliament is the only institution more extensive collaboration between the which has the task of representing the EU’s citizens. European Commission and the European Its power and authority should therefore be extend- Parliament. The Commission must earn and retain ed. The working group offers the following sugges- the confidence of the Parliament. The President of tions. the European Commission must establish the link 6 The European Parliament’s co-decisional powers between the two institutions. should be substantially extended. 6 The press should be given free access to all infor- c. The European Council mation at every phase of decision-making. 6 The European Parliament should introduce The majority of the young people believe that the

14 rotating presidency must be maintained, because it gives the EU renewed impetus. However, care should be taken to ensure that there is continuity.

2. How could the European institutions’ decisions be made more intelligible to European citizens?

The working group is convinced that the issue of intelligibility must be tackled as a matter of urgency, and suggests the following. 6 The necessary resources should be made avail- able to organise more and better-quality civic train- ing via educational courses, the media and so on, with an emphasis on targeted action. 6 Existing initiatives such as the Info Points Europe should be promoted more widely and more effec- tively. This can be achieved by making optimal use of existing media channels. The working group would also like to see the press reporting European current affairs more from a European context than from a national context. 6 The working group suggests that European young people’s centres should be set up where special projects can be organised to promote Europe to young people. 6 The EU’s website should be adapted: internal information should be distinguished from informa- tion for the general public. The information for the general public should be target-group-oriented and interactive (e.g. webcams in the European Parliament).

15 3. How can the European Union work more wishes to oppose a decision that would be detri- efficiently? mental to it); 6 the European Parliament should be given the The working group came to the conclusion that right to initiate legislation. The European national interests weigh too heavily on decision- Parliament would thus share this right with the making. This is particularly evident in the procedure European Commission; of unanimous decision-making, the allocation of 6 the main emphasis should be on competence tasks among institutions and the allocation of when choosing European Commissioners; offices. The working group therefore proposes that: 6 an enforceable code of conduct and associated 6 unanimous decision-making should be abolished system of sanctions should be devised for Members and replaced by qualified-majority decision-making. of the European Parliament and European The powers of the second and third pillars should Commissioners, to ensure that they always act in be transferred to the first pillar. The Court of Justice Europe’s best interests. should be given the task of issuing a verdict where there is a conflict of interests (i.e. if a Member State

16 4. Should the construction of the European Union b. A European constitution continue on the basis of ever closer integration (the community method), whereby the European The working group calls for the existing treaties to institutions will play an even greater role, or do be arranged rationally into a constitutional text in you believe that collaboration between Member which the Charter of Fundamental Rights is used. States will be used more often in the future? a. Community or intergovernmental?

The working group’s preference is for a specifically European political system, upholding the principle of unity in diversity. In order to produce such a sys- tem, the working group favours a supranational approach along the lines of the federal model.

17 How the European Union works: really just a reflection of the ‘unity in diversity’ that results of the discussions on 13 and typifies the European Union. 14 October 2001 between young Belgians and young people from other European This brought us to the question of the composition Member States of the lists. The young Europeans were not in favour of the system of purely European parties, because the majority of us were of the view that Democratic deficit voting would automatically go along national lines.

It was agreed in a vote not to talk about the The European Commission Committee of the Regions. A definite difference of opinion emerged here The European Parliament between the young Belgians and most of their European counterparts. All those representatives from European countries The former believed that competence should be the with a two-chamber system explained how this main criterion in the selection of European worked at national level, and there turned out to Commissioners, and that nationality was of less be two European models. Firstly, a two-chamber importance. This was based on the principle that system in which the first chamber consisted of the the European Commissioners should above all rep- current European Parliament and the second cham- resent European interests. ber of the current Council of Ministers. It was However, most of the non-Belgian young people suggested that this would increase the comprehen- were in favour of countries being represented by a sibility of the system for EU citizens, and would member in the European Commission, if necessary also benefit efficiency, because it would make it with a rotation system. possible to take decisions by means of a simple majority in both chambers. Secondly, a two-cham- The President should work above all to ensure con- ber system in which the first chamber consisted of tinuity and should coordinate and encourage col- elected representatives from the Member States. In laboration between the various institutions. this model, the second chamber is peopled by rep- resentatives from the regions or provinces (see the Committee of the Regions), who defend regional interests. In this way, the European Parliament is

18 Increasing comprehensibility information, thereby spurring on the national media to make provision for more extensive reporting on Information via the press European subjects. Others regarded a specifically European press as superfluous, and were of the Reporting should be clear, simple and as objective view that the national press should be encouraged as possible. to offer European coverage, and in particular to present a European viewpoint. The idea of a European news channel came up on It was even suggested that national television several occasions. This would provide European broadcasters should be required by law to devote

19 a certain amount of time to reporting on European Efficiency politics, although this should not be allowed to jeopardise press freedom. A definition of this concept was first discussed. Efficient is defined for the purposes of this text as The press should gain access to debates in the ‘decisive, taking action fast without compromising European Parliament, making reporting possible quality, and maintaining respect for democratic here along the same lines as for national parlia- principles’. ments. To work efficiently, you have to keep a clear goal Europe should ensure that information is relayed to before you. A clear, unambiguous vision of the the press clearly and simply. This could be achieved future is thus needed. by appointing a spokesperson for each European institution, who would involve the press actively on The Belgian young people were of the view that the European current affairs. requirements for unanimous voting worked counter to effective action and hence to the efficient work- Information at grass-roots level ing of the EU. In their opinion, the unanimity rule should be replaced in all areas with qualified- Another plea was made for the construction of majority voting. Various members of the working Europe and European decision-making to be incor- group from different Member States defended the porated into educational curricula. value of unanimity in specific areas such as taxa- tion (banking secrecy, etc.) and foreign affairs Improved comprehensibility could also be achieved (e.g. Kosovo). by ensuring greater transparency in European insti- tutions. In this area, the national and European par- The purpose of the code of conduct for Members of ties also have considerable responsibility. Parliament is above all to prevent them from acting on the basis of self-interest or purely national inter- ests.

20 Constitution and future

The working group called for the basic texts of the EU to be simplified and reorganised. Opinions dif- fered as to whether this revision should go as far as a European constitution.

In the revised basis text, European, national and regional powers should be clearly defined. This list of powers should be periodically checked and, if necessary, adjusted. After all, Europe has changed considerably during its existence and will continue to do so.

We would like to stress once more the need for a clear European vision of the future behind which all Member States stand, and which should be com- municated to the general public.

21 Enlargement of the European Union: c. The borders of the European Union the viewpoints of Belgian young people We call on heads of state and government to settle on the definitive borders of the EU, and we urge 1. Is a Union which consists of 20 or 30 members them to devise an in-depth partnership with the feasible? EU’s future neighbours (i.e. the countries that will never become EU Member States). A partnership of The young Belgians underline the desirability of this kind will make the demarcation of the EU more supporting the enlargement of the European Union acceptable to its future neighbours. as an historic process of European integration. d. The Copenhagen criteria a. Reforming the workings of the European Union The young people’s working group supports the 6 We wish to link the enlargement of the EU with a rapid enlargement of the EU and agrees with the further deepening of the European decision-making Copenhagen criteria as a prerequisite for accession. process. It is therefore absolutely essential to The working group would like to encourage the extend qualified-majority voting to the fields of candidate countries to start work immediately on Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), Justice extending mutual collaboration among themselves and Internal Affairs (JIA) and social and fiscal poli- in order to strengthen stability in their region. cy. We are convinced that this way of working will Moreover, the working group would like to encour- stimulate Member States to reach a consensus on age the candidate countries to continue with the the harmonisation of policy. reforms that are needed to meet the Copenhagen 6 The supranational character of the EU should be criteria. retained and indeed reinforced in its procedural reforms. e. Public opinion

b. The European triangle We call for a general awareness-raising campaign concerning the EU and its enlargement, in both the The young people’s working group calls for a sus- current Member States and the candidate countries. tainable equilibrium to be established between the EU’s economic, social and ecological policies.

22

2. What impact will the enlargement have on our c. Cultural enrichment daily lives and on the European Union itself? The enlargement of the EU to include the countries a. The costs of enlargement of Central and Eastern Europe will enrich the EU’s cultural heritage. This will broaden our cultural hori- 6 The enlargement of the EU has costs associated zons and will have a stimulating effect on intercul- with it. These should be regarded as an investment tural relations between the Union’s citizens. that will have positive medium- and long-term effects for the whole of the enlarged EU. The young people’s working group believes that the EU and its 3. Countries outside Europe may increasingly come Member States should be prepared to bear these to regard the European Union as a superpower. costs. Moreover, additional efforts must be made to How should Europe conduct itself towards these make the general public aware of the advantages countries and towards other national clubs (such associated with enlargement. as NAFTA, the North American Free Trade 6 In the context of enlargement, we call for the Association, and ASEAN, the Association of Common Agricultural Policy and the Cohesion and South-East Asian Nations)? Structural Funds to be reformed rapidly. a. A self-confident European Union b. Immigration policy The EU must present itself more self-confidently as The young people are aware of the sensitivities a unified entity on the international stage. This concerning possible migration flows in connection implies strengthening the Common Foreign and with enlargement. They therefore call on heads of Security Policy. The enlarged EU should lead the state and government to devise a specific, struc- way in reforming international organisations, and tured migration policy with regard to the new should extend the scope of its collaboration with Member States (e.g. by introducing a transitional such organisations. period before introducing the free movement of people). The working group also calls for the cre- b. The European Union’s mission ation of a Common Asylum and Immigration Policy with regard to countries elsewhere in the world. In the context of globalisation, the EU has the task of promoting its principles, as outlined in the ‘Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European

24 Union’ in the international arena. Moreover, the EU has an important role to play in identifying solu- tions to global problems of an economic, ecologi- cal and social nature. c. Common defence policy

It is absolutely essential that the EU, particularly after it has been enlarged, should strengthen its military identity. The young people’s working group therefore supports the creation of a European army, which will continue to work with NATO.

25 Enlargement of the European Union: clearly observed. On the one side, some young results of the discussions on 13 and people argue that there should be a clear and 14 October 2001 between young Belgians definitive delimitation of what the EU is supposed and young people from other European to be. Others, however, believe that the European Member States Union should adopt a flexible attitude in this area.

4. The enlargement of the Union to include Central 1. The vast majority of young Europeans and and Eastern Europe involves reforming the deci- Belgians say they are in favour of enlarging the EU sion-making mechanisms of the European Union. to include the countries of Central and Eastern The Belgian young people want qualified-majority Europe. This enlargement must take place on the voting to be extended. In particular, decisions on basis of the Copenhagen criteria. However, the foreign policy, social policy and fiscal policy should European young people stress that all of the can- – subject to certain restrictions – also be taken didate countries must have reached a certain stan- using the qualified-majority system. By contrast, dard of living before enlargement can take place. the European young people are against going They also warn against allowing any precipitated ahead with qualified-majority decision-making in accession of candidate countries. these three areas.

2. There is a general consensus among the young 5. To carry on remedying the EU’s democratic deficit Europeans and Belgians regarding the Copenhagen after enlargement, a process of interaction must criteria as a prerequisite for accession. While the develop between the EU’s citizens and its institu- Belgian young people emphasise that the current tions. The information flow must travel both ways: Member States of the European Union should con- from top to bottom and from bottom to top. tinue to encourage the candidate countries to take on board the acquis communautaire (the EU’s cor- 6. The enlargement of the European Union has pus of rules and standards), the European young costs associated with it. The young Europeans and people do not necessarily believe this to be the Belgians agree that the future enlargement of the case. EU should be financed. However, we, the young people of Belgium and Europe, have some concerns 3. Both European and Belgian young people stress about this subject, particularly as regards the tim- the need for clear borders for the European Union. ing of this investment. Here also, two divergent trends of thought can be

26 7. In connection with the enlargement of the European Union, it is the view of the young European and Belgians that work needs to be done on a common immigration policy. We wish to stress that a special watchdog body needs to be set up which will ensure that this common immigration policy is complied with, and which will be autho- rised to impose sanctions on offending countries.

8. Regarding the European Union’s role in the world, the group of young people came to the fol- lowing conclusions. Two distinct trends of thought existed in the group concerning the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). Some of the young people advocate a clear joint defence policy in which all Member States would participate. On the other hand, the European young people in particular stress that there should be an ‘opt-out clause’ here, so that the ‘neutrality’ of some Member States can be maintained.

All the young people agree that social elements, in addition to economic and political aspects, are very important within the European Union’s mission. The European Union must deal with the outside world with one political voice, and must advocate a com- mon standard of living both within (and outside) the Union.

27 Key values within the European model: the viewpoints of Belgian young people

1. Which values do you regard as typically European? What does the concept of a ‘European identity’ mean for you? Do you have a sense of being a European citizen and the citizen of your own country simultaneously?

a. European values

The working group of Belgian young people came to the conclusion that the following values may be regarded as key within the European model: 6 freedom 6 mutual respect 6 respect for human rights 6 cultural openness (unity in diversity) 6 solidarity 6 equality 6 democracy However, this list of values is not exhaustive. The working group also found these values in the ‘Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union’.

Education represents the ideal means for promot- ing European values. This implies that the workings and organisation of the educational system should reflect these European values.

28 The young people’s working group supports the b. A European identity process of harmonising European educational qual- ifications (as set out in the Bologna Declaration). At The young people’s working group holds that the the same time, the working group stresses the European identity is based on respect for the importance of maintaining high-quality education above-named values. It follows that this European that is independent, not privatised, subsidised by identity will only be reinforced when European val- the government and accessible to all. Education ues are disseminated and applied in practice. must be open to and maintain contacts with the business world, while maintaining its academic As well as the actions that have already been freedom in full. undertaken to promote the spreading of European values, the working group believes that the follow- During its discussions, the working group consid- ing things (most of them quite concrete) might help ered two of the specific European values, solidarity reinforce the European identity: a European TV and mutual respect, in more depth. It raised the channel, linguistic and cultural exchanges for young question of how the EU can promote these specific people, a European student card, the advent of the values. The results of the discussion about solidarity euro, the celebration of a European day and the can be found below, in sections 2 and 3. use of the European flag and hymn (e.g. at major events). The working group also came to the con- In order to reinforce the value of ‘mutual respect’, clusion that the European identity does not in any the working group suggests the following European way constitute an obstacle to the holding of a measures: national, regional or other form of identity. encouraging a system of non-compulsory European voluntary service (i.e. voluntary service in another EU Member State); 2. Do you believe that Europe pays sufficient atten- a European campaign encouraging European citi- tion to national and international solidarity? zens to engage in community life and urging local What must be done to render solidarity at community organisations to establish contacts with European level truly tangible for those most in similar groupings in other Member States. need of it?

The need to advocate these common values out- The young people’s working group focused its side the EU implies that the EU should adopt a attention on solidarity with the developing nations. higher profile on the international political stage.

29 The value of ‘solidarity’ finds expression in the EU’s in question that suffer from lack of aid. However, development policy. The working group supports a where undemocratic regimes infringe human rights, development policy that, as well as providing aid, development aid should not continue to be pro- also encourages democracy and respect for human vided via state institutions in the developing rights in the developing nations. However, respect nation. Instead, the EU must take action via other for democracy and human rights must not consti- institutions such as the NGOs. tute exclusive conditions for the allocation of devel- opment aid. In other words, the EU should not simply refuse help if this condition is not satisfied, as it is mainly the ordinary people in the countries

30 3. Quality of life is something that is becoming very from various scientific fields and originating from important to increasing numbers of people. Do different EU Member States. This body’s task would you believe that Europe should impose more be to closely monitor developments in bio- standards in this area? technology and consider the ethical issues associ- ated with them. The young people’s working group is aware that ‘quality of life’ embraces many aspects, but mainly The discussions within the consultation body considered its social element. should lead to recommendations regarding ethical values that should be heeded during the conduct The value of solidarity should continue to play an of scientific research. These recommendations important role within the EU, among other things in would form the basis of a set of European regula- the form of a strong regional policy and the con- tions on this subject. However, these regulations struction of a sound social policy. would have to be formulated carefully: European ethical standards must not paralyse the develop- The working group therefore calls on heads of state ment of scientific research. and government to devise a European policy to combat social exclusion and to promote employ- ment opportunities. Close consultation between the EU, the unions and the employers has an important role to play in finding a solution to the problem of unemployment.

4. Biotechnology is sometimes called the science of the 21st century. However, this new science rais- es major questions of ethics that often relate to the very foundations of our human existence. What approach should Europe take to the chal- lenges of bio-ethics?

The working group calls for the establishment of a permanent consultation body, composed of specialists

31 Key values within the European European identity model: results of the discussions on 13 and The European identity is difficult to describe 14 October 2001 between young Belgians because it is so complex in historical, cultural, and young people from other European political, social and economic terms. Its economic Member States identity is already acknowledged, it is true, but its cultural identity is only just beginning to emerge. We can only strengthen our European identity if we European values have a common territory. The new Member States can only be integrated if we present them with a We, the young people of Europe, consider that the clear identity. These two points – the European ter- values set out below are characteristic of the ritory and the building of a European identity – are European Union: interrelated. 6 Freedom 6 Human rights Europeans must be informed so that they really feel 6 Solidarity that they belong to the EU: 6 Justice, and the legal rules that arise from it 6 by making the EU more transparent and remedy- 6 Inter-cultural exchange and respect for regional ing its democratic shortcomings; traditions 6 by promoting exchanges between cultures, since 6 Peace a person is understood through his culture; 6 Democracy 6 by encouraging and supporting formal and infor- 6 Equality mal exchanges in the context of the youth pro- We consider it important, in this time of globalisa- gramme; tion, to define our values clearly so that the coun- 6 by making time to allow the European identity to tries that will soon be joining the EU can be penetrate our own national mentality; presented with a contract on those European val- 6 by stimulating the mobility of all young ues. The strength of the EU is in its cohesion. It is Europeans within the EU (to work, study etc.). therefore important for us to pursue common goals.

32 European solidarity in place after enlargement. When new states are incorporated into the EU, A distinction must be made between solidarity financial solidarity will be shown with other coun- between states and solidarity between people. tries, since the new Member States are less eco- nomically developed than the existing members of Between states the Community. Nevertheless we consider that the countries now receiving support should not lose The European family is going to be enlarged still that structural assistance. further. We would ask that (financial) solidarity with underprivileged areas within the EU should remain

33 Between people Bio-ethics

Since European solidarity is experienced in practice We are concerned about the lack of cohesion in sci- by those who need it most, it must be translated entific policy within the EU. We are calling for an into practical action and policies. This will also help ethical body to be created, consisting of scientific to create a European identity that respects human experts but also of lawyers, politicians, philoso- rights. phers, psychologists, etc. We want European legislation in relation to the pro- A common policy is needed on immigrants (partic- tection of people and human life to be harmonised. ularly with regard to political and economic refugees). We are also against the economic exploitation of research into human genetics. These discoveries belong to the whole of humanity and they should Quality of life contribute towards everyone’s welfare.

We consider ourselves privileged to have such a We also consider it important that every product high quality of life within the EU. This should should be traceable and that there should be clear become a right for future generations. In order to labelling of the use of genetically modified organ- achieve this, the EU must dare to take up the chal- isms. In our opinion, people have a right to choose lenge of sustainable development in the following what they eat. areas: We should never forget that science is there to 6 the environment serve humanity, not vice versa. We are not guinea- 6 solidarity pigs. 6 employment.

The fundamental role of public services (education, public transport, social security and health care) must not be called into question.

34 35 The future of Europe: 2. One of the objectives of European integration is the viewpoints of Belgian young people to construct a lasting society. What does this concept mean to you?

1. What are ‘European objectives’? In other words, Sustainability and a long-term vision are ends in what basic principles do you think Europe themselves. We therefore believe that a transpar- should comply with during this first half of the ent, properly functioning EU must be able to guar- 21st century? antee its citizens the following things: 6 education and lifelong training, giving all Up until now, Europe’s main preoccupation has European citizens the opportunity to develop their been with economic co-operation. The young abilities to the full; Belgians believe that Europe should also become 6 on-going communication between the EU and its more unified socially and politically. The following citizens about how the EU works and the decisions points are important here. it has taken, in order to give citizens a more accu- rate understanding of Europe; 6 The EU should function as a role model on the 6 the continued development of the EU’s current international stage, and demonstrate what makes it ecological aspirations. The EU must lead the way distinctive. The EU should play to the full its role as for other countries, with the goal of bequeathing a the mouthpiece for European thinking at interna- clean environment to future generations; tional level. By this we mean that individual des- 6 particular attention to quality of life as a neces- tinies should be linked in a common striving for sary counterbalance to a purely economic progress and peace. approach. 6 The EU should defend important values such as solidarity, democracy, tolerance and mutual respect. 6 The EU must continue to preserve cultural diver- sity among its citizens. 6 The EU must focus on its citizens and really involve them in the European project. The European project will only be credible if it succeeds in offer- ing citizens an active citizenship that, among other things, emphasises the centrality of Europe’s quali- ty of life.

36 3. The European Union attaches great importance own historical background, and cannot simply to cohesion between its Member States (witness switch over to a different system. However, we the funds that Europe earmarks for economical- believe that the EU should assume a co-ordinating ly deprived regions within Europe). Should an role in social issues, taking account of the sub- effort not also be made to achieve social cohe- sidiarity principle. The EU can expect its Member sion? In other words, how can the European States to comply with certain minimum standards Union help create a level playing-field in social with regard to social security. Well functioning terms for its citizens? social systems should serve as an example for other Member States. The young people’s working group believes that the European Union should regard ‘social Europe’ as a A certain degree of harmonisation of social and fis- separate priority, and not as a side-product of eco- cal conditions is needed in order to make freedom nomic imperatives. It should be made clear to of movement possible. Member States that they must be open to the social debate, in which citizens’ interests should The EU must seek out new approaches to integra- come first. tion (not just a labour-market-oriented approach) for people who are in danger of being marginalised We understand that complete harmonisation in the in today’s knowledge economy. At the same time, area of social security is unattainable in the EU we also believe that the EU should continue to pro- within the near future: every Member State has its mote economic development and employment. The

37 EU should take quality of work into account in its Given that all Member States face a similar prob- measures to create more jobs. lem, we call for a harmonised European policy on migration.

4. The European Union’s Member States are com- In the context of such a policy, we believe it is ing under increasing pressure from citizens of important that the issue of migration should not be non-Member States who want to settle in Europe approached purely from a rational economic per- or seek asylum here. How do you think the spective, but should also be seen as part of a European Union should react to this migratory social process. pressure? What asylum policy should Europe conduct in future? The refugee problem must be tackled at its roots.

38 There is a need for structural aid, with the neces- opportunity to take decisions with far-reaching sary financial support and a transfer of know-how. implications and to strive after a common goal. In the light of this, the EU and its Member States should devote at least 0.7% of their GNP to devel- It is for this reason that we consider it crucial that opment aid, in line with UN recommendations. the European political world should insist on regu- lating the economy and on taking account of We believe that the EU must work to ensure that human and social consequences. The EU should be accurate information is distributed in the countries vigilant in upholding the quality and the ethical of origin, to discourage clandestine migration. dimension of globalisation.

We urge the EU to make concrete proposals on dealing with economic migration. These proposals should take account of the needs of both the migrants and the countries that receive them. Furthermore, immigration procedures within the EU should at all times be applied in a humane fashion (in terms of deadlines, legal certainty, etc.). In addi- tion, the integration of those who are admitted into the EU should remain a priority.

5. What role does the European Union have in set- ting the rules of a globalised economy?

The globalisation of the economy has become high- ly significant, but policies have not been adapted to take this into account. We therefore consider it important that the necessary political measures be taken to fill this gap. Compared with other institu- tions such as the WTO, the EU has an advantage in that it is more than a collection of member governments. It has a democratic parliament, the

39 The future of Europe: As regards the need for workers to migrate from results of the discussions on 13 and outside the European Union, we agree with this in 14 October 2001 between young Belgians principle, providing the following factors are taken and young people from other European into consideration: Member States 6 Those who are admitted to the European Union must be given the maximum of support so that their free but informed choice corresponds as close- Immigration and asylum policy ly as possible with the interest of the European Union. The following text originated as the result of an 6 The European Union should earmark part of its encounter with the young Europeans, and is an budget for promoting the integration process, with amendment to the basic text. The young Europeans both migrants and EU citizens. The following are a agreed for the most part with the young Belgians’ few proposals from our working group. However, visions. this list is definitely not comprehensive: ‘welcome centres’, school projects about different cultures, One of the starting-points that was subscribed to information campaigns aimed at the entire popula- by the whole group was the need to tackle the tion and intended to counter xenophobia, and lan- causes of existing migration at source. In order to guage centres. do this, a system of information provision should be created at European level relating to the condi- In this area, we share one more area of grave con- tions for admission and circumstances of migration cern, namely the problem of the ‘brain drain’. To to the European Union, among other aspects. prevent this as far as possible, we would like exist- ing educational structures to be actively supported The ensuing discussion concentrated largely on the and expanded in the countries of origin, for exam- issue of work-related migration. Above all, work- ple. related migration must not be used as an excuse to avoid tackling the structural problems in our own European employment market. For this reason, we ask European policy-makers to introduce measures to make labour more mobile in European Union so that local shortages or excesses within particular sectors at EU level can be remedied.

40 The social dimension of Europe Europe’s role

Both Belgian and European young people detected Internal role a certain lack of political will to establish a European social policy. Because immediate har- Europe must become a lot closer to its citizens, so monisation is not feasible, we would call for mini- that a European identity can be formed. We refer mum standards to be determined at European here to the suggestions put by the working level. These standards could then be gradually group on ‘How Europe Works’. raised, after the social and financial implications for the individual Member States had been considered. Security (organised crime, illegal immigration, Moreover, definite deadlines should be set by drugs, etc.) should be tackled on an ongoing basis which this objective must be achieved. at European level, without compromising political and civil rights. We are thinking here in particular We would leave it up to the Member States them- of further collaboration within Europol and selves to decide how they went about achieving Eurojust. these minimum standards. However, we recognise the need for information and know-how to be External role exchanged, making it possible to learn from prop- erly running social systems in which efficiency and The young people believe that Europe should pres- quality go hand-in-hand. However, we would point ent its values to the outside world, and should out that the existence of minimum standards undertake a key role in conflict situations at inter- should not represent an excuse for the dismantling national level. In this, we regard diplomacy as the of current guarantees. preferred means. To reinforce the effectiveness of European diplomacy, there is a shared conviction European minimum standards should apply to the that certain initiatives should be taken with regard following areas, among others: health care, social to European defence policy. This would make it security, education, employment and mobility. possible to secure Europe’s independence from other parts of the world. We would welcome the incorporation of the above ideas in a European Social Charter.

41 As regards the concrete details of these initiatives, two positions emerged. 6 A fully integrated European army, without Europe evolving into a rival military superpower. However, Member States would not be obliged to participate in this. 6 Reinforced collaboration between national armies with a view to specialisation and increased effi- ciency.

42 Panel that selected the young Laurence Hermand, coordinator, BIJ (Bureau Belgians International Jeunesse)

Wilfried Heyen, European Social Fund for the The process of selecting the young Belgians took German-Speaking Community place in two stages. An initial selection was made on the basis of written applications. The second Koen Lambert, director, JINT vzw selection was made on the basis of interviews with an independent panel. Didier Nagant, second secretary at the permanent representation of Belgium at the European Union Maïté Abram, secretary general, European Movement Walter Verbeke, associate with McKenzie

Prof. Léonce Bekemans, Europa College - Chris Wyns, project leader, Vlaamse Onderwijsraad Department of Economics

Françoise Daout, attachée, Ministry of the French- Speaking Community – General Secretariat of the International Affairs Department

Veerle Dehaene, project leader, Stichting Ryckevelde

Leo Doise, former lecturer, Katholieke Hogeschool Brussel

Pieter Haesbrouck, project leader, Stichting Ryckevelde

Roger Heck, inspector, Ministry of the German- Speaking Community

43 How the European Union WORKS

44 The young people and their European guests mentors: Egbert Adrichem The Netherlands how the European Union works Agis Angelomatis Greece Luke Dickson United Kingdom Daniel Hilbert Luxembourg Bart Belien Anders Nymark Denmark Emmanuel Boodts Sylwia Pyziak France Liezelotte Bral Benjamin Schirmer Germany Arnaud Brohe Alexandre Carette Mentors Julie Cassano Pieter Haesbrouck (Stichting Ryckevelde) Ward Claerbout Peter Wollaert Mathias Cys Jacquelin d’Oultremont Maarten Daman Griet De Backer Annick De Cock Adalbert de Rosen de Borgharen Marie Dumortier Roch Hannecart Wouter Heyse Isabelle Pincetti Violet Soen Michel Somers Arnaud Thysen An Van Brussel Jan Vanhaecht Andy Vermaut Maarten Vermeir Niki Vervaeke

45 ENLARGEMENT of the European Union

46 The young people and their European guests mentors: Franz Mariella Franz Austria enlargement of the European Union Peter Lalvani United Kingdom Claude Lamberty Luxembourg Olivia Louise Leslie Ireland Alexis Bossuyt Eline Sanders Denmark Alexandros Boussis José Maria Urrutia Aldama Spain Mariem Boustani Edwin van Os The Netherlands Hannes Carpentier Sébastien Caxton Mentors Kris De Schutter Veerle Dehaene (Stichting Ryckevelde) Stijn De Vocht Matthias Verkest Hans De Vriese Celine De Waele Quentin de Walque Clément Dessy Nele Domen Inge Donders Karen Donders Joeri Hamvas Astrid Hannes Rob Jonckheere Hélène Leto Joris Meganck Dominique Ostyn Bram Tuytens François Uyttenhove Peter Van Elsuwege Maarten Vervoort Julien Wilson

47 Key VALUES within the European model

48 The young people and their European guests mentors: Bénédicte Curcuru France key values within the European model Carlos Miguel Da Graca Vann Portugal Linda Freiner Sweden Maria Laura Manco Italy Eliza Bruneel Despina Morfi Greece Pietro Caputo Jenni Tuominen Finland Benjamin De Brabander Karl-Philipp Wojcik Germany Gauthier de Cambry de Baudimont Jeroen De Herdt Mentors Didrik de Schaetzen Veerle Dehaene (Stichting Ryckevelde) Olivier De Vriese Maïté Abram (European Movement) Jérémie Demeyer Rémi Devienne Geoffrey Eekhout Isabelle Jeurissen Thomas Leys Maxence Minet Michiel Nuyts Julien Pieret Karel Pollier Evelien Schellekens Pieter Tack Linda Tessens Vanessa Uytborck Rien van den Bosch Roel Van Giel Magali Van Hove Brent Van Tassel Sofie Vanloo

49 The FUTURE of Europe

50 The young people and their European guests mentors: Filipe Espinha Portugal the future of Europe Sebastian Heinrich Austria Heather Jones Ireland Javier Linarez Sánchez Spain Lien Auman Petter Lund Sweden Arne Baillière Piero Ruggeri Italy Anne-Charlotte Beatse Juha Viinikkala Finland Anne-Cathérine de Brogniez Amélie Debroux Mentors Martin Delmotte Pieter Haesbrouck (Stichting Ryckevelde) Tilly Dullaert Johan Vankeersbilck Louis Errembault du Maisnil Thomas Gerard Siska Ghesquiere Valéry Hamende An Janssen Eliza Kritikos Sébastien Lewyllie Sophie Mirgaux Marie Orban de Xivry Kim Roovers Antoine Rousseaux Nadine Streicher Sonja Streicher Bart Van Baeveghem Els Van Compernolle Jasper Van Halewyck Pieter Vandenbroucke Veerle Verguts Piet Willems

51 The Prince Philippe Fund

The Prince Philippe Fund, which was set up in 1998 on the initiative of HRH Prince Philippe under the aegis of the King Baudouin Foundation, has a mission to help promote continuous dialogue and exchange between the different Communities in Belgium. The Fund seeks to facilitate exchanges, encounters and dialogue between groups of citizens from the different Communities. This in turn will lead to the growth of mutual understanding across the linguistic frontiers, with respect for one another’s unique character and culture.

Prince Philippe Fund c/o the King Baudouin Foundation Brederodestraat 21, B-1000 Brussels Tel. +32-2-549 03 05 Fax +32-2-511 05 32 www.fonds-prince-philippe.org [email protected]

52 The Board of Governors of the Yves Jongen, director-general, IBA Prince Philippe Fund Guido Knops, director, King Baudouin Foundation Chairman Baron Paul Buysse, Koen Lambert, director, JINT chairman of the Board of Directors, Bekaert NV Georges Richelle, head of Mission, French- Vice-Chairmen Speaking Community Jean-Louis Six, deputy permanent representative of Belgium at the Annemie Van Winckel, head of Radio 1 ‘VRT’ network European Union Walter Verbeke, associate with McKinsey Wilfried Heyen, European Social Fund of the German-Speaking Barbara Wyckmans, artistic director of ‘Koninklijk Community Jeugd theater HETPALEIS, Antwerp

Members Secretariat Jacques De Decker, author and journalist Frie Dierickx Visschers, programme officer at the King Baudouin Foundation Jozef Deleu, managing director of the ‘Ons Erfdeel’ Foundation

Michèle Garant, professor at FUCAM (Mons) and UCL (Liège)

Clothilde Guislain, director, Editions Milan publish- ing company

Gaby Hostens, director-general of the Department of Secondary Education at the Ministry of the Flemish Community

53 Colophon

A publication of the King Baudouin Foundation Brederodestraat 21, B-1000 Brussels Tel: 02/511 18 40 www.kbs-frb.be

Coordination: Frie Dierickx Visschers, programme officer at the King Baudouin Foundation, and Nathalie Demeyere

Concept and final editing: Bailleul Ontwerpbureau

Photos: Frank Toussaint, Wouter Rawoens

Printed by the printing office of the Belgian Armed Forces

D/2001/2848/47

ISBN 2-87212-376-8

Editor: Guido Knops, director King Baudouin Foundation

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