” “To overcome "the increasing scepticism, especially of the young, about the Union, its goals and its current structures", and tap into the citizens’ needs, society must be promoted. "Volunteer associations are an important factor of democracy and of the European heritage", reads the open letter. On the other hand, "the European Union will have to acknowledge more the potentials that exist in the non-governmental sector, and that the building of a European society is more difficult as well as more important that just creating a common market". Obviously, though, "the building of a European society requires vision and long-term commitment on the part of the institutions, at least as much as the creation of an economic and monetary union". As a consequence, "the Berlin Declaration should acknowledge and promote freedom of association in a proactive way and recognise the role of the civil organisations in the building of a more democratic and participatory European Union", partly by investing in youth associations. The Youth Summit, that will take place in Rome on 24th and 25th March, organised by the European institutions with the help of the European Youth Forum, will be attended by over 200 young people who have been involved in consultations and national debates in the 27 EU member states in preparation for the Summit of Rome.” “
