100.000 IN FLORENCE TO DEFEAT EUROSCEPTICISM

As in Milano in 1985 an in Maastricht in 1991, the European federalists are organizing a public mass demonstration in favour of the European unity - on the occasion of the European Council meeting in Florence, on June 21, 1996 - in order to prove to the Governments, the political class, the public opinion, the eurosceptics and the nowstronger-than-ever enemies of Europe, that young people in Europe strongly support a united Europe, democratic and capable of acting. The European Union is, facing decisive challenges. Unemployment and social exclusion are booming, nationalism and racism are in a rise, environment is systematically destroyed. The European Union is still unable to prepare its enlargement to new countries and to make its share in the building-up of a stable, democratic, fair and peaceful world order. All these issues cannot be settled neither by the nation states acting alone, nor by the European Union as it is in its present shape. Only a united and federal Europe, with democratic institutions, a

single currency, a single foreign policy can do it. In the following 2 or 3 years crucial decisions will be taken. The Governments of the 15 European Union member countries, have summoned an Intergovernmental Conference to reform the European Union institutions. At the same time they are trying to respect the Maastricht Treaty and create a European currency in 1999. These decisions will shape the future of the European Union, the whole European continent, the world as such.

Europe is close to its political unification. Should this chance be lost, it may not present itself again for decades, possibly forever. Should Europe fail in achieving a single currency in 1999 and concurrently undertake significant institutional reforms, the way to its watering down in a simple free trade area incapable of action and then to a progressive dissolution would be paved. One again, nationalism would master the European continent. The enemies of Europe have never been so strong and determined as they are today. They are pumping euro-scepticism in the public opinion. They are trying to convince European people that European unification has too high costs, that the Maastricht Treaty imposes sacrifices without giving any advantage back, that national states have to defend their own national interest despite of the rest of Europe. At the Madrid Summit in November 1995, the image of young nationalists burning the European flag and shouting their hate for Europe was broadcasted by the TV channels of a

ll the world. And this goes hand in hand with the image of the civil war in Yugoslavia, which is the evidence of Europe's impotence to play any single foreign policy. In Florence we will try to turn down this climate. Our success depends also on you!

BUSES FROM ALL AROUND EUROPE TU SUPPORT EUROPEAN UNITY

EUROPEAN FEDERATION NOW! If you believe in the United States of Europe join us in Florence. Convince your friends and the citizens of your city to come, and organize a bus. If you manage to organize a bus (full of people!) to come to Florence, we will help you in your travel expenses, wherever you come from. If youlike us to support your participation and arrange your accommodation, only a participation fee of few ECUs is requested. To apply, please address to the offices listed in the last page.

YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE THE RIGHT TO A UNITED EUROPE

Programme of the citizens demonstration on the occasion of the European Summit - Florence (Italy) June 21-22, 1996

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

h. 17.00 - 20.00: youth convention - Palazzo Affari

"Young People have the right to a United Europe" Introductions by representatives of the European federalist organization and MEPs.

- Speeches by representatives of the European Youth organizations

h. 20.00:A delegation of European Youth organizations will give an appeal to the European Council.

h. 21.00: TORCHLIGHT trough the city-centre

Evening: CONCERT - SOCIAL EVENT

SATURDAY, June 22

h. 9.30: Gathering of People and buses in Piazza Indipendenza

h. 10.30: CITIZENS MARCH/DEMONSTRATION

From Piazza Indipendenza, through the city centre, with flags and banners, to Piazza della Signoria. Route of the March: Via Ridolfi, Viale Strozzi, Via Valfonda, Piazza Adua, Piazza della Stazione, Piazza Unità d'Italia, Via Panzani, Via de' Cerretani, Piazza Duomo, Via de' Calzaioli, Piazza della Signoria.

h. 12.30: FINAL GATHERING - PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA Speeches by representatives of the European federalist organization.