Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2006-04-04-Speech-2-338"
| Predicate | Value (sorted: default) |
|---|---|
| rdf:type | |
| dcterms:Date | |
| dcterms:Is Part Of | |
| dcterms:Language | |
| lpv:document identification number |
"en.20060404.24.2-338"2
|
| lpv:hasSubsequent | |
| lpv:speaker | |
| lpv:spokenAs | |
| lpv:translated text |
"Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the detachment of the public from the institutions and bodies of the European Union, the lack of identification with the process of European integration and also the failure to involve the public in debates over the extent of future enlargement are all confronting the EU as a whole with a sizeable problem. This has manifested itself most strikingly in the French and Dutch referenda on ratification of the EU Constitution.
In other countries too, however, including those that joined in May 2004, there are negative manifestations of the information deficit. One positive aspect is the public’s desire for more information, and also their interest in rational and sensible activities. The Citizens for Europe programme under discussion today is an instrument with the potential for fulfilling this demand. Some of the actions set out in it are already proving their value today, and are being intensively pursued. One positive example of this is the twinning programme, which any community can participate in regardless of its size. The programme is particularly amenable to small communities, as it is very easy to obtain a grant and there are no unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles. The minimum grant for funding, for example, meetings between members of partnership communities is set very low so that where there is demand it will not be difficult to find the financial support.
The twinning partnerships of towns, and the way that citizens work together to solve European questions or to support voluntary organisations, can strengthen shared European values while at the same time respecting national and regional diversity. The Member States must supplement these actions with activities in the areas of culture and education. An emphasis on the fight against racism, xenophobia and intolerance, as well as support for multiculturalism and multilingualism should be recognised as a priority and a common interest. I would like to end by expressing my appreciation for the work of the rapporteur and for the willing cooperation of the Committee on Culture and Education."@en1
|
Named graphs describing this resource:
The resource appears as object in 2 triples