” “Heinz Fischer, president of the Austrian Republic, is reviving the idea to "create a house for the contemporary history of Europe", that "may help us study our past and build our future". As he spoke today at the EU Parliament in Strasbourg, Fischer mentioned several subjects of international politics and focussed his attention on the Eastern countries that have joined the EU and on the Balkans, "which are waiting to join the EU". But it was above all the subject of a common identity that come up from the address to the EU House: "We must strengthen our identity explained the Austrian president by investing efforts and resources in the areas of culture, art, education, science and research". He did not fail to touch on the "European social dimension" and the Constitution: "It would be short-sighted to kill the Constitutional treaty, because the 25-state Europe cannot do without it. Instead we have to find the best way to revive the ratification process by involving the citizens".” ” ” “
