Press Release
25/06/2003EPP-ED Study Days Copenhagen - Opening session - Photos available
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Hans-Gert Poettering MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament opened the Study Days, devoted to the Convention on the Future of Europe, by referring to the presentation of the Robert Schuman Medal to Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Prime Minister of Denmark, Bendt Bendtsen, Bertel Haarder and Per Stig Møller during the reception where the Group was warmly welcomed. He mentioned the good co-operation with his friend from Denmark, the former Prime Minister of Denmark Mr. Poul Schlüter who was also MEP from 1994-1999 and Vice-President of the European Parliament from 1994-1997. Hans-Gert Poettering also welcomed Mr. Knud Erik Kirkegaard, Group Chairman of Det Konservative Folkeparti, Gitte Seeberg Deputy Group Chairman of Det Konservative Folkeparti running as top candidate for 2004 EU elections. Hans-Gert Poettering hopes to see a 100% increase in the Danish delegation following next year's EU elections.
Bendt Bendtsen, Deputy Prime Minister of Denmark and Chairman of Det Konservative Folkeparti, formally opened the Study Days in Copenhagen. According to Mr. Bendtsen it is necessary and important to pay attention to every detail of the Intergovernmental Conference starting its work in October which will create new set of rules for European co-operation. Mr. Bendtsen stated that he himself and his party will do their utmost to ensure Denmark plays its role within the framework of the new Treaty. The opinion polls in Denmark show a 60% support before the referendum on joining the EURO zone and the Liberal-Conservative coalition government looks forward to a bright future-said Mr. Bendtsen.
Mr. Christian Foldberg Rovsing MEP, Head of Danish Delegation in the EPP-ED Group, called the help of the EPP-ED Group to the Danish Conservatives as an unprecedented. This support shows even small delegations in the EPP-ED Group are considered equally and seriously. Mr. Rovsing spoke about challenges concerning the EU Convention and stated that we still do not know what will happen to enlargement toward the Balkan countries and also mentioned difficulties in the field of research (clean and safe water) where he is active in the European Parliament.
Hans-Gert Poettering pointed to the fact that the EU Convention is the tool for reform and it was the EPP-ED Group which called for this Convention. A Convention is better than a meeting behind closed doors, reiterated the Chairman of the strongest Group in the European Parliament.
Hans-Gert Poettering concluded by thanking colleagues, among others colleagues from the future Member States, for making the Convention process a success.
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