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
In our "YOU're Europe" project, supported by the EMI through their "Together for Europe" programme, we aimed to put the spotlight on EU citizens and European values. Approaching these topics from different angels, there will be attention to economic rights as well as to values of democracy and human rights. Moreover, as European Movement in Belgium, we are in a unique situation to have our own country presiding the Council of the EU. Therefore, we brought all of this together under the overarching umbrella of the upcoming Belgian Presidency of the EU (from 1 January to 30 June 2024). In order to establish a dialogue with citizens, we see are three elements which come into play and are linked to each of our planned events.
The European movement wants to make the European Elections visible to all voters in Belgium (and, by extension, the EU).
Together with candidates on the electoral lists, we want to show: what a campaign looks like, what is behind a campaign: how it is built up, what is the work involved, which events take place?
This project, ran exclusively on social media, wants to go beyond the publicizing of points of views and political program points. It wants to show the human and methodological aspects of running for the European Parliament.
To this aim, the EM registered a series of Hashtags that can be used:
#yourparliamenttoo
#ookuwparlement
#aussivotreparliament
Please also include the following #EMBelgium
In addition, the following tags, together with the above , can be used:
#EUelections2024
We encourage candidates to use these tags when posting content on their social media accounts, that answer to the objectives of this call, as put in italics above.
If you are a political candidate and you would like to participate in this project, please inform us of your participation, by email, on info@mouvement-europeen.be.
YOU're Europe project at the Sint-Jan Berchmans College
As part of this project, the European Movement in Belgium organised an introduction to European politics at Sint-Jan Berchmans College in Brussels on 21 May 2024. All final-year students received a lecture on European history and the institutions, with a special focus on the role of the European Parliament and the European elections. All participants were first-time voters, and at the EBB we think it is important that they exercise their democratic right with sufficient knowledge.
Our session was part of a theme day on "elections", during which they also received information on how Belgium and Belgian elections work. The day ended with a debate between politicians from all parties represented in the Flemish parliament, candidates on the various lists for the upcoming elections, including for the Flemish, Brussels and European parliament.
See the pictures of the event here below, and stay tuned about our upcoming events!
YOU're Europe!
