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Belgium

On 12 September 2007 from 13:00 to 14:45 hrs, upon their arrival at the tour’s final destination, the European Parliament in Brussels, the hitchhikers meet MEPs, representatives from the European Commission and NGOs.

Voicing European citizens’ concerns

The 50 young travellers relate their intensive exchange with European citizens on global development responsibility. They pass the “voices of Europe” on to the politicians. The activists furthermore discuss the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) and Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA’s), thus bringing to mind the solemn promises made in the year 2000. Their overall message is simple but strong: We are part of the world – so let’s be part of its future!

“We aim to initiate a constructive dialogue with politicians and show the commitment of creative young Europeans engaged at the grassroot level in raising awareness on global development. Not only do we want to urge MEPs and representatives of the EC to do their share to achieve the MDGs, the dialogue should equally allow for raising political claims”, outlines Johannes Krause, GLEN Coordinator in Germany.

Review

The campaign started on August 25th 2007 with a colourful event in Riga. On their way the activists organised diverse events along the route in Krakow (PL), Prague (CZ), Bratislava (SK), Basel (CH), Freiburg (D) and Nancy (F), focusing on the topic of Fair Trade and the EU’s trade policy. With more than 3000 kilometres behind them, the hitchhikers arrive in Brussels.

Contact

For further information please contact Esther Sommer:
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tel: +32 (0) 48 42 37 463
Tel: +32 (0) 49 91 56 733

Eurizons is a Europe-wide initiative of young activists who want to raise public awareness of global Interdependencies and the Millennium Development Goals set up by the United Nations. The project is carried out by GLEN - Global Education Network of Young Europeans and the German ASA-Programme of InWEnt.

Draft Programme: 12 September 2007

Location: European Parliament, Spinelli Building, 5th floor, Room A5G2 Time: 13:00-14:45h

13:00- 13:30 Opening

  • Eurizons rocks: music from the street
  • Opening words by Johannes Krause (GLEN), Eurizons team
  • Creative presentation of the Eurizons Campaign 2007 (pictures and video)

13:30- 14:30 Discussion Round with Hitchhikers and MEPs: EPA negotiations almost done – but what about MDGs?

  • Opening of Fishbowl Discussion by MEP Chairwoman Linda McAvan (Chair of Fair Trade Group and Vice- President of the Socialist Group)
  • Eurizons’ claims on fair Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)
  • MEPs’ commitments given to Eurizons Tour 2006
  • Develop common policy commitments on EPAs

14:30- 14:45 Closure

  • Concrete commitments and follow up for fairer trade negotiations by politicians
  • Picture with Hitchhikers and MEPs