Europatag in Dornbirn (A)

Über Ersuchen haben wir für den im heurigen Jahr auf den Sonntag, den 9.5.2004 entfallenden "EUROPATAG" am Vortag, am Samstag, den 8. Mai 2004 Informationen mittels eines Informationsstandes (ausgeliehener Marktstand des Werkhofes der Stadt Dornbirn) mit persönlichen Auskünften und Broschürenverteilung und der Wanderausstellung " EU-Beitrittskandidaten stellen sich vor" (8 Pinwände mit 16 farbigen Plakaten) in der Europapassage in Dornbirn (unmittelbar angrenzend an den wöchentlichen Markt) an die Bevölkerung vorgenommen bzw. abgehalten (siehe Fotos).

Von unserem Verein waren sieben Personen (Standplatzreservierung bei der Stadt Dornbirn, Abklärung mit dem Info Point Europa Dornbirn, Marktstandeinholung, -abtransport, Wanderausstellungseinholung, abtransport, Aufbau/Abbau, Broschürenausteilung und Informationsgespräche mit der Bevölkerung) tägig.

Sicherlich verursacht auch durch den stattgefundenen "Blumenmarkt" und des marktfreundlichen Wetters haben viele Leute den Informationsstand des "Europatages" aufgesucht und so konnten sehr viele Broschüren mitgegeben werden. Über Hinweis war auch der Entwurf über die europäische Verfassung gefragt. Broschüren wurden den Leute auch direkt inmitten auf dem al-gemeinen Markt übergeben.

Vom Bundesgymnasium Dornbirn/Markt kamen auch Schüler von Schulklassen an den Stand und haben für den Unterricht Broschüren mitgenommen (siehe Fotos).

Zusammengefasst war der Europatag ein erlogreicher Informationstag.

Photos from Dornbirn

Europe Day activity in Göteborg (S)

On May 7th 2004 we put up an information stall in the middle of the shopping mall “Nordstan” in central Göteborg. The shopping mall is visited by roughly 100.000 people every day, and our goal was to be visible for all of them and provide information about the european elections and Europe in general to as many as possible.

Besides the information desk we arranged two activities in order to attract the public and to diversify our information efforts. We made a “Europe-puzzle” which children and adults could piece together on the floor, learning first hand of the challenge to unite Europe. Finally we hosted a very stimulating debate between young candidates for the European Parliament.

In total we distributed material to aproximately 2 000 people, reached 500 or so through conversations or through the debate, and we were noticed by aditionally 5.000.
In conclusion we are very satisfied with our information activity.

Europatag in Graz - Steiermark (A)

Photos von Graz

Europatag in Linz (A)

In der Woche vom 1. Mai bis 9. Mai 2004 veranstaltete das Europahaus Linz mit der EFB OÖ eine Vortrags- und Diskussions- Abendveranstaltung am 3. Mai 2004 in Bad Ischl zum Thema:

Der Umbau der Europäischen Union aus der Sicht:
Des Mitgliedes des Europäischen Parlaments Ursula Stenzl
Des Vertreters der EU Kommission in Österreich DI. Karl Georg Doutlik.

Musikalische Umrahmung: Pfandler Streich-Ensemble unter der Leitung von Prof. Fekry Osman aus Bad Ischl.

Die Begrüßung hielt BOStv. der EFB Julius von Boetticher, die Moderation Botschafter a. D. Dr. Wolfgang Wolte.
Ca. 100 Teilnehmer/-innen.

Infostände in der Linzer Arkade (FUZO von LINZ) am 5. Mai und 6. Mai 2004
(jeweils von 9.00 bis 15.00 Uhr.)

Bei diesen ständig besetzen Infoständen wurde Inforamtionsmaterialien zur Wahl des Europäischen Parlaments 2004 verteilt und mit den Passanten (Laufkundschaft) diskutiert:

Weitere Diskussionsthemen waren: Eine neue EU - Verfassung, die Erweiterung der EU.
Auch zu diesen Themen wurde Informationsmaterial verteilt.

Sensiblisierung für Europa und wählen zu gehen, speziell für die erwähnten EU - Themen standen im Vordergrund.

Standbetreuung/Organisation:
Dr. Franz Kremaier, Konsulent Josef Bauernberger, Reg. Rat Heinz Merschitzka, Reg. Rat Paul Kordik, Claudia Beer, Bea Pierburg,
Manfred Wollner, Michael Kremaier, Michael Rachinger.

Photos von Linz

Europe Day activity in Ljubljana (SLO)

Young European Federalists Slovenia organized a Europe Day activity in Ljubljana on the 10th May 2004. The activity included an information stand with materials on European Union and JEF. The information stand was put up in the town centre on Prešeren's Square and was operating between 10.00 and 17.00.

Most of the materials handed out were in Slovene language and were given to us by the Delegation of the European Commission in Slovenia, Government's Public Relations Office and JEF Europe. We handed out material on the following: EU in general, EU map with statistical data, EU policies in short, the European Commission, promotional postcards for Europe Day and Enlargement, European Parliament and the upcoming elections, several different comic books and cook books about EU countries, produced by the Delegation of the European Commission in Slovenia, the Draft Treaty on Constitution for Europe, etc.

We also handed out our own material that we recently printed: JEF Slovenia postcards and information flyers, JEF Europe flyers and brochures on Constitution, the New Federalist magazine. We were simultaneously collecting signatures for JEF Appeal »Europe needs a Constitution«, in which we call upon European leaders to adopt the draft Constitution immediately.

We offered snacks, book markers, stickers, pens etc.

People were really interested in our information stand and we handed out a lot of materials. There were a lot of inquiries directed to the upcoming European Parliament elections and European Union in general, less on EU policies.

Photos from Ljubljana

Europe Day in London (UK)

Federal Union organised an information point about the European constitution and enlargement on Saturday 8 May in London. We were at Friends House, just opposite Euston station. The aim of the stall was to provide information and answer people’s questions about the future of Europe. Enlargement is seen as a good thing; people are less sure about the constitution. That is why we have to fill the gap.

A key resource for our stall was a briefing on “Democracy and the European constitution”, which looks at how each part of the institutional system (including the citizen) gains or loses influence over the key decisions taken within the EU. We have posted it on our website here: http://www.federalunion.org.uk/europe/democracy.shtml. We had a good response from the people we spoke to, but there is certainly a long way to go.

Photos from London

Europe Day activity in Maribor (SLO)

Young European Federalists Slovenia organized a Europe Day activity in Maribor on the 11th May 2004. The activity included an information stand with materials on European Union and JEF. The information stand was put up in front of the University Library Maribor and was operating between 13.00 and 18.00.

Most of the materials handed out were in Slovene language and were given to us by the Delegation of the European Commission in Slovenia, Government's Public Relations Office and JEF Europe. We handed out material on the following: EU in general, EU map with statistical data, EU policies in short, the European Commission, promotional postcards for Europe Day and Enlargement, European Parliament and the upcoming elections, several different comic books and cook books about EU countries, produced by the Delegation of the European Commission in Slovenia, the Draft Treaty on Constitution for Europe, etc.

We also handed out our own material that we recently printed: JEF Slovenia postcards and information flyers, JEF Europe flyers and brochures on Constitution, the New Federalist magazine. We were simultaneously collecting signatures for JEF Appeal »Europe needs a Constitution«, in which we call upon European leaders to adopt the draft Constitution immediately.

We offered snacks, book markers, stickers, pens etc.

The people that stopped at our information stand looked for basic information on European Union. Unfortunately, a lot of them were disinterested in the upcoming European Parliament elections. Most of the inquiries we received were directed to the principle of the free movement of labour and the consequences of the transition period, mobility for students and the Schengen border regime.

Photos from Maribor

Europe Day in Paola (M)
Paola, the 9th May 2004

Prime Minister of Malta Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, various Ministers and candidates for the European Parliament elections were among the participants who wrote their messages on a large map of the New Europe in Paola on Europe day.

JEF-Malta was on the spot on Europe Day with an interactive information stand in Paola, one of Malta’s largest towns. Spreading a large canvas on the floor, all citizens were invited to decorate part of a large map of Europe in any way they wish, demonstrating a message of "Unity in Diversity."

Various brochures and leaflets were distributed from the informers on the information stall, including:

- Simple presentation brochure of the draft Constitution
- Copies of the draft Constitution in English and Maltese
- Leaflet explaining the structure and working of the European Parliament

- Map of Europe after enlargement and summaries about the 25 Member States

Additionally, JEF-Malta selected two informers to be present all day at the stand (8am to 4pm), engaging in discussion about the key issues of the campaign (the Draft

Constitution, European Parliament elections and the Enlargement) and answering the questions of many of the citizens who visited the stand throughout the day.

Throughout the day, Mr. Mizzi and Mr. Attard also spoke to the media who were invited to the stand. Highly successful results included coverage on the national television evening news with clear interpretation of the message of the campaign.

Left: Prime Minister of Malta Dr. Lawrence Gonzi and various MEP candidates listen to explanation of JEF-Malta’s campaign as the national TV cameraman looks on

Right: The Prime Minister writes his vision for Europe

Left: The team of JEF-Malta with Dr. Gonzi

Right: JEF-Malta explain the campaign to the Prime Minister, MEP Candidates and the media

Europe Day activity in Riga (LV)

On the 7th of May Club “The House” – Youth for the United Europe organized an informative campaign on the EU issues. The event lasted from midday until evening. The main aim of the happening was to communicate to the general public the opportunities that will become viable for the citizens of the new member countries.

On the main street in the Old part of Riga, there were 13 other organizations presenting themselves at the same day. There were representatives of youth NGOs along with representatives from the different EU institutions and organizations working in Latvia. All these organizations distributed their information materials and booklets, which presented not only the opportunities within the EU, but also the current activities that the organizations implement and how to get involved and become an active citizen.

Due to a good place and high interest of the society in the topic, the responsiveness from people was very high. All target audiences were properly communicated. For example, small kids and school children were involved in putting together the puzzle of Europe, while adults and students were having serious discussions with representatives from different organizations. JEF Latvia members tried to explained to the people who were interested how will or will not the future of Latvia change. Not only serious information was distributed, but also the people could participate in different quizzes, answer questions and win some small gifts with the logo of the different EU institutions.

People in general were interested on how the decision making process will be made in the future and how it will influence political and legal status of Latvian Parliament. Some of the citizens were also very worried about the price change in Latvia after 1st of May, but we tried to explain that this is not the “fault” of the EU enlargement, rather local governments and private sector use this tool for raising prices in the country. Young people were very much interested in working and studying possibilities in the EU. As already stated beforehand, the whole event lasted for six hours. The biggest number of visitors was observed in the first three hours. Later on the stream of people became smaller and then they reappeared again at 5 o’clock. The organizers conducted an evaluation after the event, where the positive things were highlighted and propositions for future were suggested. Overall, the participants and organizers were satisfied with the event and the way it was organized.

Viktorija Spurina

Vice-President
Club “The House” / JEF Latvia

E-mail: Spurina@one.lv

Photos from Latvia

Europe Day activity in Riga (LV)

On the 10th of May 2004 Club “The House” – Youth for the United Europe / JEF Latvia organized an informative event / street action on the European Parliament elections on 13th of June 2004. The goal of this street action was to inform people about the European Parliament, the Elections as well as about the process of the ratification of the Constitution. This event took place on 10th of May in the busiest part of Old Riga.

Members of Club “The House” / JEF Latvia gathered together before noon to collect the materials from the office, which where generously given by JEF Europe office in Brussels, European Union Information Center, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, as well as some brochures, leaflets and fact sheets made by the members of Club “The House” / JEF Latvia.

We approached people on the streets by asking them question “Do you know when are the European Parliament Elections. If they didn’t know we gave them some of the materials gathered earlier and tried to explain what the European Parliament is, what role does it play and why it is so important to go to vote on 13th of June. There were also people, who were informed about the Elections quite well and it was really great to have a fruitful discussion with them both on the European Parliament and the

European Constitution issues.

We also visited the main square in the Old Riga, we went up to several people who where sitting down and invited them to answer to the small questionnaire, we prepared earlier. We found out that not many people knew when the European Parliament election will be held and what it actually meant. Also not many people knew who would be the candidates from Latvia and what their agendas will look like. We think that there is still quite a big gap in the communication between governmental institutions and the citizens of Latvia.

This obscurity might also arise of the lack of information about the Elections, because only recently Latvia started it’s official European Election campaign. After the street action, members of this street action gathered in the office again to discuss the results of this action and to make some strategy point for Club “The House” / JEF Latvia information activities that will be held in June before and during the Elections.

Viktorija Spurina

Vice-President of Club “The House” / JEF Latvia