Monday 29 April 2002

DEHAENE ENCOURAGES YOUTH ORGANISATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FORTHCOMING YOUTH CONVENTION

At the European Youth Forum's Council of Members meeting held on 26-27 April 2002 in Brussels, Convention Vice-President Jean-Luc Dehaene encouraged youth organisations to participate in the forthcoming Youth Convention to be held on 11-12 July 2002.

In an interesting debate on the future of Europe and the involvement of
young people in the process, Mr Dehaene listened to the concerns of youth
organisations, particularly regarding the selection process of delegates to the Youth Convention, and the need to encourage young people to participate in the debate and become actively involved in the construction of Europe.

Mr Dehaene outlined the importance of involving youth organisations and
their representatives in the construction of the future of Europe on an
on-going basis, and invited the European Youth Forum to act as the contact point between the Convention and young Europeans.

Henrik Söderman, President of the European Youth Forum, welcomed Mr.
Dehaene's invitation, and said 'The European Youth Forum will strive to act as a permanent channel of communication between the Convention and young people and their representatives across Europe'.
end

Notes to Editors
1- Bringing Europe closer to its young citizens, the Contribution of the
European Youth Forum to the Convention, was also adopted at the meeting.

Contact: Laura Bacci, Press and Communications Officer at the European Youth Forum, tel: +32-2 286 94 12; fax: +32-2 230 21 23; mobile: +32- 476 40 24 79; e-mail: Laura.Bacci@youthforum.org