” “In the Marienfeld area where this evening the Pope will be meeting the young people who have gathered for the WYD alongside the national flags are the flags with twelve stars against a blue background, one of the symbols of the European Union. The theme of European integration was frequently on the table over the last few days in Cologne during the meetings and debates organized for the participants (especially during the seminar on "Justice and Peace"), most of whom come from the Countries of the Old Continent. In town there was also a stand of the EU. The European Union is among the sponsors of the 20th World Youth Day with a subsidy that was voted earlier this year by the Strasburg Parliament after overcoming some political problems. In total the Community budget has made available to the Organizing Committee of the WYD one and a half million Euros, for "the aspects of the event that embody the values of the EU" and in particular "solidarity and active citizenship". This also in consideration of the fact that 2005 is the European Year for Citizenship through Education. The funds have been spent in particular for the room and board of the 20 thousand volunteers.
