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
We, European Citizens
The European Movement is not blind to criticism of the EU! On the contrary, we are convinced that holding a positive and critical stance is an integral part of the kind of citizenship we want to encourage. Moreover, one of our founding principles is to promote citizen participation in the EU – in all senses. Europe will be made with and for citizens: it is our common project. The future of Europe, what we should do together and how we should do it, is a matter for us to discuss. Debates on Europe should however not be limited to yes/no questions, but rather focused on questions such as why, how and when.
In our view it is essential that the public continues to acknowledge the relevance of the European project given that today’s global challenges can no longer be addressed by countries separately. We want to actively spark such debate on European policies in order to inform citizens and involve them in the European integration process. That is why we are committed to our programme We, European Citizens: within this framework we organise different types of events, often in collaboration with other organisations.
Events under We, European Citizens often vary in practical terms, but always aim at sparking debate about European integration amongst citizens. Some also have an educational nature, where our youngest citizens play a central role, such as in our 'Your Vote Counts!' campaign in 2017. We also organised several Citizens’ Consultations in local communes across Belgium in the context of the Europe-wide Conference on the Future of Europe (#COFOE). Most recently, we set up the 'YOU're Europe!' campaign, generously funded through the EMI's 'Together For Europe' programme.
Check out our latest events, and do not hesitate to contact us if you have an idea for a citizen-focused event and would like to cooperate in organising it!