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
Our History
“dreams and ideals for a continent ravaged by wars”
Our origins
The European Movement (International) was founded in 1948 by the pioneers of Europe such as Churchill, Adenauer and de Gasperi. Politicians and idealists gathered at the Congress in The Hague with the ambitious goal of preserving Europe. This historic congress was one of the initiatives taken to banish war and division from our continent once and for all and to ensure peace, stability and cooperation.
The European Movement in Belgium since 1949
The Belgian Council of the European Movement, founded in 1949 under the inspiration of presidents like Paul Henri Spaak and Jean Rey has been very successful for years. However, a difficult financial situation and the election of the European Parliament by universal suffrage in 1979 (which seemed to some to be the ideal relay between the Community and its citizens) brought the EMB to scuttlement. At the beginning of the 1980s, the association was dissolved in a context where the European idea had progressed well and where its function of encouraging the Belgian authorities and people to adopt a pro-European attitude was less necessary. Nevertheless, in 1992, following the Danish and French referenda on the Maastricht Treaty, the European Movement in Belgium was relaunched by a few personalities like our late honorary president Willy De Clercq, after the observation of the existence of a growing gap between European integration and public opinion.
Today
Today it is again not easy for organizations such as the European Movement to survive financially. Yet Europe is in crisis. Current events bear witness to the population's desire for more democracy, transparency and participation. At the same time, while the EU struggles to cope with many problems, the 'eurosceptics' present Europe as the cause of all these ills. As the Danish and French referendums alerted our organization in 1992, the financial crisis, the refugee crisis and the consequences of the British referendum to leave the EU ('Brexit') are having a similar effect. In this context, the action and the philosophy of the European Movement seem absolutely relevant and necessary to us.