Governance and citizenship

The mayors of 20 European capital cities have signed an open letter urging European citizens to vote in favour the EU constitution.

 

The open letter is an initiative of the mayors of Rome and Paris, Walter Veltroni and Bertrand Delanoë. Other signatories include the mayors of Berlin, London, Vienna, Madrid, Brussels, Amsetrdam....

 

Open letter of the European Mayors for a Yes-vote for Europe

 

"Over the last few years the European Institutions have worked hard to respond to the challenges of achieving a more democratic Europe, closer to its citizens.

The Constitution represents an uneasy compromise that must not be rejected without taking responsibility for the consequences.

Ten Member States have already said 'yes" to the Constitution either by parliamentary vote or by popular referendum because they believe, above all, that the European Union must continue.

Recent scepticism and anti-Constitution attitudes come - very often - from prejudice and worries about the difficult economic situation Europe is living.

A great Europe is an alliance of peoples who face common problems and crucial challenges. In the context of globalisation, the EU is the only actor which is able to promote the conditions for a social market economy.

 

The European Constitution, even if one may criticize single articles, embodies undeniable democratic values and achievements and represents more than 50 years of peace and cooperation among countries and communities.

We can pursue the far-seeing ideals of the founding fathers of Europe embraced by the Constitution.

We wish European citizens - trough a responsible vote - will be the links of a long chain preserving this common patrimony.

 

By publishing this open letter for a 'yes vote for Europe", as Mayors of the European capitals, we want to express the engagement of our cities towards the European project and the European common values."

Job Cohen, Mayor of Amsterdam
Dora Bakoyannis, Mayor of Athens
Klaus Wowereit, Mayor of Berlin
Freddy Thielemans, Mayor of Brussels
Gabor Demszky, Mayor of Budapest
Lars Engberg, Mayor of Copenhagen
Michael Conaghan, Mayor of Dublin
Eva-Riitta Siitonen, Mayor of Helsinki
Paul Borg Olivier, Mayor of La Valletta
Danica Simsic, Mayor of Ljubljana
Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London
Paul Helminger, Mayor of Luxembourg
Alberto Ruiz Gallardon, Mayor of Madrid
Michael Zampelas, Mayor of Nicosia
Bertrand Delanoë, Mayor of Paris
Aivars Aksenoks Mayor of Riga
Walter Veltroni, Mayor of Rome and CEMR vice president
Tonis Palts, Mayor of Tallinn
Michael Häupl, Mayor of Wien and CEMR president
Artûras Zuokas, Mayor of Vilnius