8 October, Brussels: A Network of Activistis for the European Greens

Round Table organised by the EGP Supporters’ Network*, with

representatives of the core European stakeholders – GGEP , EGP, FYEG, ENGS.

Brussels, 8 October 2009 – European Parliament, Rue Wiertz, room ASP 8 F 388, 14-17h

PROGRAMME

1. 14-14.45h: Two positions on European Citizenship

By Franziska Brantner (political scientist an MEP for Bündnis 90/Die Grünen) and Edwin Vink (political & social philosopher, University of Amsterdam).

2. 14.45-15.45h: Exchanging ideas, expectations & dreams

In national politics, party members are the activists who paste posters and knock on doors during campaigns; they are like-minded people agreeing on a political programme; they are the intermediaries between people and parliament and they are a pool for new talent.

What could European Green activists ontribute to a European political party that isn’t already done on the national level? Be a pool of activists for the  48 – 55 strong Greens/EFA Group; a source of extra hands and minds from which all parties can profit; a support desk for local and regional cross border cooperation; a platform on which best practices are shared and  borderless views developed; a laboratory for projects of European citizenship; or a meeting place for the European minded?

Tea break

3. 16.00-17.00: Towards practical agreements.

One could think of many possible activities. But which ones would actually make sense for both activists and politicians, and are feasible on the short and middle long  term? What logistical support from other European Green stakeholders would be needed and what could those stakeholders expect in return?

Admission:

If you are a member of one of Europe’s Green parties or the EGP Supporters’ Network, you are very welcome to attend. But there is a limited number of seats, so first come first served.

Please note that the European Parliament has strict admission rules. If you don’t have a permanent badge, you have to register in advance so that we can

prepare a badge. Send first and family name, birth date and address to Niels Fischer, niels.fischer@europarl.europa.eu As the admission procedure may take some time, we advise you to arrive well in advance.

For further information about the programme, please contact Lin Tabak lynn@greenyourope.eu 0031 6 4474 4236.

Background:

In March 2009 the EGP member parties decided to launch a Supporters’ Network  open to members of European Green parties and EGP Supporters who are actively engaged in  cross border and European actions, and the exchange of cross border experiences and ideas. The Network, still under construction, will be  coordinated by a team of Network members (8) and representatives of the EGP and the Green Group in the European Parliament (4).

The first team will be installed during the EGP Supporters’ Annual Conference from 13-15 November in Lille. Until then the Network is coordinated by the Heerlen Group, the initiative of grassroots Greens that has been experimenting with cross border Green action for over seven years. This Round table is part of a programme that aims at a broader involvement of all stakeholders, from grassroots members through parties to the European level.

The outcome will be presented during the EGP council in Malmö and published on the Networks’ website:  www.greenyourope.eu.