In March 2007, the first European Estates General was held in Lille at the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome; the second followed on June 21, 2008 in Lyon. Now, to focus public awareness on the upcoming European Parliament elections, the third installment of this European event will unfold in Strasbourg on April 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

This event is co-organized by three associations: Notre-Europe (www.notre-europe.eu), with Founding President Jacques Delors (former president of the European Commission), Honorary President Pascal Lamy (current director-general of the World Trade Organization), and President Tommaso Padoa Schioppa (former Italian minister of finance); Mouvement Européen France (www.mouvement-europeen.eu); and Europa Nova (www.europanova.eu).

Attached you will find an event brochure as well as a projected timetable, which is subject to change and will become more concrete as the event approaches. This meeting will be conducted in French, German, and English.

This Third Edition of the European Estates General will address two themes. The first will explore what is at stake in Franco-German relations, while the second focuses on the 60th anniversary of the May 9, 1950 Schuman Declaration, a veritable founding document for today’s European Union. Hundreds of associations, movements, and civil society organizations will partner in this initiative, including IPSE, which will be in participate in one of the 15 workshops and debates on health.

As Europe attempts to orient itself after ratifying the Treaty of Lisbon, this day-long discussion and debate is a welcomed opportunity for citizens who wish to contribute to the ongoing, ever-changing construction of Europe.  Mark your calendars and become involved immediately by making this event known in your private and professional circles. Europe is nothing without its European citizens. We mustn’t pass up this golden opportunity! Look for more on this event in future IPSE publications.