From diplomacy to democracy” “

During the meeting of the spokespersons of the European Episcopal Conferences held at Mechelen (Belgium) in the past days, Thomas Jansen , “chef de cabinet” of the Chairman of the Economic and Social Committee of the European Union, speaking at the headquarters of COMECE (Brussels), presented a report on the Convention on the future of […]

di Redazione

ccee" "

Sharing the reasons of faith with the young” “

No to priests as mere “managers” of catechesis. Yes to priests who may “learn” from the young the “drive” and enthusiasm “to be able to restore the reasons of faith to man in our time”. That’s what Msgr. Cesare Nosiglia , CCEE delegate for catechesis in Europe, proposes for the “catechesis of the future”, which […]

di Redazione

youth" "

Five days, not just a memory” “

The 10th Symposium of European bishops on ‘Youth of Europe in the process of change. Laboratory of faith’ (cf. SirEurope nos. 16-17 of 24 and 30 April 2002) was held in Rome in April last year. Invited to attend the meeting were not only 34 young delegates representing all the European Episcopal Conferences, but also […]

di Redazione

convention-file fact" "

Presidium and news leaks” “

The President of the Convention on the future of Europe Valery Giscard D’Estaing convened the Presidium on 22 and 23 April to complete the draft of the articles of the European Constitution relating to the Institutions. However, even before the meeting had begun, surprises were not lacking : Giscard proposes to flank the President of the […]

di Redazione

Rejected Giscard’s proposals ” “

“The draft of the president of the Convention is contrary to the views that emerged in the Convention and in the work groups, nor does it reflect the conclusions of the Athens Summit”. With these words, the European Commission rejected the proposal of Giscard d’Estaing. Many in the EU executive reject the reduction of the […]

di Redazione

Amendments to first draft” “

Stung by the criticisms of Commission and Parliament, Giscard then discarded his proposal to flank the President of the Council with a Vice-President. His proposed executive Council, inter alia reduced to three members, was also shorn of official character. The Commission would be composed of fifteen members, comprising EU Foreign Minister and fifteen delegate Commissioners […]

di Redazione

The debate in plenary session” “

The 18th plenary session of the Convention opened on 24 April with the presentation of the drafts of the articles of the future European Constitution on the Union’s institutions (15 articles) and on common foreign policy and security (3 articles). The European Council is raised to the status of Institution (art. 14). Provision is made […]

di Redazione

Forthcoming appointments” “

The 19th plenary session of the Convention will be held in Brussels on 15-16 May. President Giscard d’Estaing confirms his intention to present his complete draft of the Constitution at the plenary session on 30 May and to deliver the final draft to the heads of state and of government in the course of the […]

di Redazione

Four-member summit on defence” “

At the proposal of Belgium, a mini-summit on European defence policy was held in Brussels on 29 April. Apart from the host country, its participants included France, Germany and Luxembourg. Defined by many as the “Pacifists’ Summit” due to the stance taken by the four EU members against the war in Iraq and especially against […]

di Redazione

Research on stem cells” “

The European Commission held a seminar on questions relating to bioethics and procedures for funding research on stem cells and human embryos in Brussels on 23 April. In particular the so-called ‘Busquin’ project – presented by the European Commissioner responsible for research – was discussed: it would give scientific research projects funded by the EU […]

di Redazione