Euroweb06: Could you introduce us to the European Movement-France?
B. Ferrari: The MEF is the French branch of the International European Movement. This international organization is independent of governments, community institutions, and political parties. It is present not only in the 27 member states of the European Union but also in other European countries. The European Movement-France is an association that brings together men, women, and associations beyond their political affiliations who wish to commit to the construction of Europe from a federal perspective. Its aim is to develop awareness of Europe and the shared destiny of its peoples within the French populace.
Euroweb06: What are the origins of the Movement?
BF: The Movement was born in 1948 [it’s a non-profit association, created during the Hague Congress, ed. note], from forces that emerged from the Resistance which said No to war, advocated for peace, and the construction of a united Europe. Today, we walk in its footsteps. The European Movement is a place for meetings and exchanges, an organization that creates spaces for discussion, activities, and debates. We are pluralistic to better move away from preconceived ideas.
Euroweb06: What are the priority areas of the European Movement in the department?
BF: The same as those we develop at the national level under the presidency of Sylvie Goulard, who also works at the Council of State, or at the international level under the guidance of Pat Cox. It’s about making Europe accessible and credible, working so that what is no longer just an idea but a reality becomes accessible to everyone. The European Movement facilitates these exchanges with other passionate individuals, meeting residents of other member countries to discover their way of thinking, their culture. Coming out of one’s shell and questioning oneself, that is also Europe.
At a more local level, since my election, I wish for each major community to form an autonomous team, which would be linked to the Movement based on a mandate. This would bring them closer to the citizens and be attentive to them through local activities in schools, businesses, and citizen forums to raise questions and requests.
Even if all its members are committed to building a united and federal Europe, the European Movement is pluralistic and open to debate, provided it is well-argued and rigorous. We seek to provide keys to better understand Europe and the world. Our association refuses both slogans and ready-made arguments as well as expert jargon. It strives to disseminate clear information that is accessible to everyone.
Euroweb06: You just mentioned local activities, what other actions does the European Movement undertake in the Nice region?
BF: In 2008, we organized conferences with European personalities on the Lisbon Treaty or Euromediterranean. We also organized a tour of European gastronomy and another about Romanticism with poetry readings in various languages, as well as a walk around Nice called “Nice and Europe, a whole history.” To conclude the year, the European Movement University was held in Nice on November 15th and 16th, with European personalities from various backgrounds and countries, on issues such as: What’s the succession to serve the European cause? Or: How to make European elections more authentically European? However, 2009 will be a special year.
Euroweb06: The elections will take place on June 9, 2009. You must have a busy agenda for this deadline.
BF: Yes, and I hope we will have the opportunity to discuss it as soon as it is finalized. However, I would like to draw your readers’ attention to the importance of being registered on the electoral rolls, as Europeans who voted in the municipal elections must re-register if they want to participate in this election. As for the younger ones, those who may vote for the first time and who do not feel that Europe concerns them, we are aware that a lot of work remains to be done. Nevertheless, building the future, building Europe is as much a responsibility as it is a passion, a passion for sharing.
