Europe from below

What? JEF Europe promotes the symbols of the EU while they have been left out of the Reform Treaty When? 13th December 2007, on the same day as the signing of the Reform Treaty Where? In almost 50 cities across Europe (see below for details)

On the 13th December the Young European Federalists will take to the streets in a pan European Action to coincide with the official signing of the Reform Treaty. 'Europe will not be united through legal treaties alone' is the message that JEF Europe sends to Heads of Government who will convene in Lisbon to sign the downsized version of the Constitution, stripped of any constitutional or political dimension.

The document, to be branded "Treaty of Lisbon" makes no reference to the symbols of Europe that were present in Article IV-1 of the failed Constitution.

"In almost 50 cities across Europe , youth is taking to the streets to protest against a black and white Europe " stated Samuele Pii, President of JEF Europe. "Europe has symbols and they must be acknowledged. They represent the values of Europe throughout the world – values of peace, unity, solidarity, democracy and respect for human rights " continued Pii.

In both EU and non EU member states, activists will fly the flag up high on December 13th while holding the banner 'I want my flag back'. " As Margaret Thatcher demanded her money back in 1979, we now demand our symbols back" commented Toni Giugliano, Action co-ordinator and Vice President JEF Europe. "Europe will not be united by force but by conviction. Without a sense of belonging and attachment, a union of citizens will not advance" Giugliano expressed.

In a recent declaration – initiated by the German Government – 16 Member States have expressed their support for the inclusion of the symbols of Europe in the Reform Treaty. " JEF Europe fully supports this initiative and calls on all other Heads of Government, including France, to add their name to the declaration" concluded Samuele Pii.

The purpose of the action will be to promote the European symbols among civil society across the European continent and to give a strong message to national leaders – 'The symbols of the EU are central to the construction of a true political and united Europe'.

Belgium – Bruges, Brussels

Bulgaria – Sofia Croatia – Zagreb

Denmark – Copenhagen France - Paris, Nancy, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Lyon, Cabourg, Nimes

Germany – Berlin, Augsburg, Bonn, Jena, Bremen Greece – Komotini, Heraklion, Athens Hungary –Budapest Italy – Rome, Milan, Verona, Prato, Padova, Pescara, Genoa Latvia – Riga

Lithuania – Vilnius Macedonia – Bitola, Skopje

Malta – Valletta Norway – Oslo

Portugal – Lisbon Serbia – Nis

Slovakia – Bratislava Slovenia – Ljubljana

Spain – Tarragona, Barcelona Sweden – Uppsala

Turkey – Istanbul UK – London Edinburgh, Durham, York, Cardiff, Aberystwyth

Press contact:

For an updated list of participating cities and local contacts: JEF-Europe Vice-President and action co-ordinator Toni Giugliano: toni.giugliano@jef.eu +44 (0)7756663312.))

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