” ” ” “The ‘Spring of Europe’ takes inspiration from the essential debate on the future of Europe, since it is addressed to those who will have to take care of the EU in a few years’ time. Today, Margot Wallstrom, deputy president of the EU Commission, in charge of awareness-raising initiatives, presented in Brussels the ‘Spring of Europe’, a campaign for young people aged 7 to 17, to establish dialogue between students, teachers and representatives of the EU institutions about the view of the EU and its future. The initiative, which began in 2001, will take place from March 21st to May 9th (the Feast of Europe) in all the schools of the member states, of the next member states and other European countries, such as Norway, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Switzerland. The basic subject is: ‘Let’s talk about our future’. National and European politicians, members of the EU Commission, of Parliament, of the Committee of the Regions and the Economic and Social Committee are willing to take part in the meetings in the schools. The activities offered to the schools (which must contact the organisers by logging on to www.springday2006.org or at the EU branch offices) will include simulated exercises of political decision-making, conversations and actions concerning European values.” “
