” “The voice of the young "must be heard in the corridors and in the halls in which politicians work", because the EU "does not just consists of institutions, rules or regulations" but "is a union of citizens, and above all a moral view". It was stated in Rome today by the deputy president of the European Parliament, Alejo Vidal-Quadras, at the European Youth Summit, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome. While Ján Figel’, European Commissioner for Education and Youth, highlighted the importance of "a free and integrated Europe, possible only if based on regionally free and integrated societies". "Integrating he added does not mean assimilating but participating in the rules, and the fact the young are willing to participate is a sign of hope for Europe". The MEP then expressed the wish for an immediate "structured dialogue with the young" and a "close cooperation" between them and the EU institutions, so that even before the next elections of 2009 they may "play an important role". As requested by Bettina Schwarzmayr, president of the European Youth Forum: "We she said must write the next crucial chapter of this European novel".” “
