jef - JEF encouraging new MEPs to work towards a federal Europe

JEF encouraging new MEPs to work towards a federal Europe

JEF encourages new MEPs to work towards a federal Europe

1247843901_strasbourg 19.jpg On 14 and 15 July 2009 Young European Federalists (JEF) were present in Strasbourg to welcome MEPs to the first session of the newly elected European Parliament and to focus their attention on the need for a stronger European Union.

As the only civil society organisation allowed to be present on the premises of the European Parliament in Strasbourg on this occasion, 20 JEF activists distributed an open letter to MEPs reminding them of their duties and inviting them to participate in the Federalist Intergroup of the European Parliament.

The action was very successful since we managed to get the attention of all MEPs entering the building. Especially the banner “For a European Constitution” caught their eyes and provoked different reactions – from “thumbs up” from more federalist MEPs to “absolutely not” from the sceptics. Despite the very late permission from the European Parliament for organising a public manifestation (it was issued on Friday, 10 July) JEF managed to organise a powerful action reaching not only MEPs, but also a wider public through the two press releases sent out to different media.

The next day, JEF participated in the first meeting and reception of the Federalist Intergroup of the European Parliament which gathered around 50 MEPs from several political groups and journalists. Host of the meeting was Mr Andrew Duff, president of UEF and British Liberal Democrat MEP. The aim of the Federalist Intergroup that has been active in the European Parliament since 1999 will be to spearhead Parliament’s work in political and constitutional affairs.

Photos of the event are available here.

JEF international seminar in Tarxien, Malta | 17-23 October 2010

“The ultimate solution for a better life: (im)migration?” is an international seminar organised by JEF-Europe and JEF-Malta in Tarxien, a small village in the south east of Malta from 17 until 23 October 2010.

When speaking about immigration it is important to make the distinction between legal and illegal immigrants. Despite the obvious difference in their legal status, immigrants in both categories often feel unwelcome and excluded from their host societies, which is closely linked to xenophobic attitudes widespread across Europe and openly manifested especially in recent years, but also the lack of adequate policies and assistance of governmental institutions in host countries.