After 50 years of successful integration, Europe stands at a cross-roads. The “Future of Europe” debate, launched by the Heads of State and Government at the Laeken Summit in December 2001, offers a chance for all sectors of society to make their contributions. The Laeken Summit established a Convention, due to begin its work on 28 February, to propose reforms to arrive at a more democratic, transparent, and efficient EU. The Convention will meet in public and is charged with involving the citizens in its work, in order to move the debate out from behind closed doors and into the public domain where it belongs.

JEF, the “Young European Federalists”, believe that young people in particular must have a strong voice in this process. Young people must have the opportunity and the information to participate in this important debate. This Convention Bulletin is intended as a contribution to this debate.

The Bulletin will be published every two weeks and will be sent to a broad range of youth-organisations and young people in Europe. It will include reports on the progress of the Convention, interviews with Convention members and other European politicians, and the opinions of JEF and the other youth political organisations. It will also include a “Quote of the Week” and a calendar of upcoming events. All youth organisations are welcome to make contributions.

The Bulletin will also be sent to Convention members and other politicians, as well as to the press. All editions will be available on the special Convention homepage: www.constitutional-convention.net. This site will also include additional information about the Convention and Convention members, policy documents from the various participating organisations, links to other relevant sites, and in a few weeks time a discussion forum.

We hope you will enjoy reading the first edition. For comments, articles and further information please contact bulletin@jef-europe.net.

Best greetings,

Your Editorial Team