Young European Federalists manifesto: the Breton Party takes the pledge for the 2009 European electi

The Young European Federalists have just released their manifesto for the 2009 elections, in which they ask the candidates to pledge to defend several proposals in favour of a more united and citizen-friendly Europe. The candidates may support one or several proposals and explain why.

In favour of a federal Europe (in which Brittany would be a full member), the Breton Party subscribes to every of these proposals :

- « A European economic policy to ensure growth, employment and sustainable development, especially at the benefit of the young populations » :

The Breton Party regrets the European Union's lack of competence in this matter.

- « A European Agency of energy and environment to ensure a global leadership in the struggle against climatic change and manage a European energy reserve to guarantee the EU a strategic independence » :

The Breton Party fully supports the mentioned objectives, but wishes a European Agencie with real means of action.

- « A solidarity clause to ensure the member states a protection against terrorism and natural disasters » :

This clause is foreseen by the Lisbon Treaty (article 42 al 7) that the Breton Party supports.

- « European blue helmets that allow the European Union to contribute to peacekeeping, in the frame of a real European policy for defence and security » :

In favour of a federal European defence in the long term, the Breton Party fully approves of this proposal.

- « A right of citizen initiative to let the voice of the European citizens be heard » :

The Breton Party supports this proposal, that will bring the EU close to the citizens.

- « A European civic service to promote European citizenship amongst the youths » :

The Breton Party is glad that the European Volunteer Service has been set up, and will request its extension. For the Breton Party, it is indeed necessary that the union of the citizens and especially of the young people is an everyday task.

- « The official recognition of the European symbols by every European institution »

The Breton Party had denounced in 2007 the abandonment of the European symbols by the European Council. It will do all that is possible so that these symbols get the official status they should already have.

Besides, the Breton Party will include in its programme the extension of the co-decision legislative procedure, which allows the European Parliament to be a real legislator.

For the Breton Party, Gérard Olliéric, President

Kevin Jezequel, Spokesman of the Young Bretons Movement/ Ar Vretoned Yaouank