Visit to the European Parliament
Visit to the European Parliament
Wouter Beke, new president of the European Movement in Belgium
Wouter Beke, MEP for the CD&V and member of the European People's Party group, was elected today as president of the European Movement in Belgium. "In uncertain times, let us unite young and old around a Europe that protects and unites," he declared.
The European Movement in Belgium is the national section of the European Movement International. It works for a strong, united, and democratic Europe by bringing together citizens, organizations, and decision-makers around the European project and the shared values of the Union.
With the election of Wouter Beke, the Movement has chosen a president with extensive experience at local, regional (Flemish) and European levels, and a strong commitment to European cooperation.
"The European project deserves an active defence today more than ever. In a world full of uncertainty, Europe provides answers and offers the best protection in terms of security, prosperity, and shared values. As president, I also want to connect generations and unite young and old around this common project. This is how we will build a Europe that protects and unites. I look forward to taking on this challenge, surrounded by a strong team," said Wouter Beke.
"We are proud that Wouter Beke is joining the European Movement. Just look at the news: our future will be European – or it will not be", added Ruben Lombaert, Secretary General.
This election comes at a pivotal moment: trust in the European Union is at its highest level in 18 years, while concerns about security and geopolitical tensions continue to grow. For the European Movement in Belgium, this is the ideal moment to deepen the public debate on European integration and involve citizens of all ages.
Wouter Beke brings not only political experience but also a resolutely pro-European outlook. As a member of the largest European political group, he benefits from an extensive network within the EU institutions.
About the European Movement in Belgium
The European Movement in Belgium is an independent organization that has been working since 1949 to strengthen European cooperation. A member of the European Movement International, it organizes numerous initiatives across the country each year to bring the European project closer to Belgian citizens.
More info:
contact@mouvement-europeen.be
The European Movement International (EMI)
The European Movement in Belgium is a member of the European Movement International (EMI), an international organization that has advocated a united, federal Europe since 1948. A Europe based on respect for human rights, peace and democratic principles such as freedom, solidarity and citizen participation. The EMI serves as a think tank, provides a wide audience with information and exerts influence on European and national institutions.
The EMI was officially founded in 1948 by a number of European pioneers, such as Winston Churchill, Paul-Henry Spaak, Alcide de Gasperi and Konrad Adenauer. Their aim was to prevent a new armed international conflict.
The history of the EMI began in July 1947, when the cause of a united Europe was warmly advocated in several movements that sprang up simultaneously. Winston Churchill and Duncan Sandys, for example, pushed for an Anglo-French United European Movement. This UEM subsequently became a platform for all kinds of like-minded organizations that arose shortly after the Second World War. This led to a 'Committee for the Co-ordination of the European Movements' that, at a renowned congress in Paris on 17 July 1947, in addition to the Anglo-French United European Movement, also included "La Ligue Européenne de Coopération Economique” (LECE)", "l'Union européenne des Fédéralistes" (UEF), and "l'Union parlementaire européenne" (UPE). All these associations met again in November 1947 and during that meeting changed their name to: The Joint International Committee for European Unity. This name eventually became 'The European Movement International' during the 1948 Congress of The Hague.
Since its inception, the EMI has played an important role in the European integration process. Its first successes included the creation of the Council of Europe in May 1949. The organization subsequently campaigned for direct elections to the European Parliament, for the Treaty of the European Union and also for the European Constitutional Treaty.
In 2015, the EMI consisted of 33 affiliated international organisations, 39 national councils (including the EMiB) and 3 support members.
See the EMI website: http://europeanmovement.eu
