EUROPEAN CONVENTION: DIALOGUE WITH CIVIL SOCIETY PROGRESSES.

Jean-Luc Dehaene outlined the preparatory programme for the two-day meeting which will be proclaimed "open days" for civil society, with space available to European organisations and networks to erect stands or stage information or debating sessions. He announced that seven "contact groups" will meet between June 10 and 18, each focusing on a shared concern of a number of organisations or networks: regional and local entities, social affairs, the environment, culture, academia, citizens' rights and development. The aim is to offer the various representatives of civil society an opportunity to speak directly to Convention members participating in this work, to initiate debates and promote the emergence of common positions in anticipation of the June 24-25 plenary session. These sessions were welcomed by delegates, clearly keen not to pass up an opportunity to have their voices heard. At their request, the Convention Vice-President agreed to the establishment of an eighth "contact group" focusing on more horizontal themes (democracy...