Europe United's Salzburg Convention ended successfully after three days of decisive debates and votes. The members made the final votes on the new political program which was developed over the course of the last year and worked on upcoming campaigns.

It is never easy for a non-affiliated, politically oriented organization of like-minded European citizens to expand under various practical constraints. And yet, after five years Europe United still stands and has definitely learnt from past shortcomings, to be more resilient and take a steady pace to appeal with its viewpoints and choices to citizens throughout the Union. Especially since our group of active contributors mainly consists of young adolescents in their 20ies and 30ies, who already have a heap of study or workload commitments on their hands and then still find the energy and will to work out themes as volunteers for Europe United.

Basically, the Salzburg Convention (31 April - 21 May) had four major key items. First there was a great existential moment of contemplation led by founding father Aki Paasovaara, a former Finnish official. He detailed how frustration over the bickering at the demise of the European Constitution drove him to establish the party initiative and conveyed a vision of bringing more spirited people in, to have a constructive say.

Secondly, amendments and the final version of the 2010 integrated Political Program were discussed in an orderly fashion, with sometimes tight voting outcomes, yet with a chance to amend them for the next Convention in 2011.

Thirdly, we welcomed Professor Johannes Pichler of the Austrian Institute for European Law and Policy, who talked about citizen empowerment via the European Citizen’s Initiative. Prof. Pichler, a European law expert (particularly on Article 11.4 of the Lisbon Treaty), emphasized the manifest need to involve the citizen again and communicate relevant proposals and alternatives that affect their interests. The ‘wake-up call’ effect must be a key element in inverting the long-time erosion, fragmentation and lack of determination in voicing pan-European standpoints.

Fourthly, the floor was opened to suggestions for campaigns and initiatives. Especially the Federalist Roundtable idea, involving an advanced ‘taxonomical’ speed-debate concept, was highlighted and gained broad approval. The campaign topic chosen for the short run is the abolishment of roaming fees charged by mobile operators whose services run across state boundaries in Europe. The commercial gain and transparency of these added costs is deemed excessive and divisive for cell-phone users. Some practical ideas were generated and adopted to put this campaign in motion. Further options to catalyze attention via spontaneous, user-generated text messages are looked into, along with a website format. For the long run, certain ideas were floated on improving European crisis resilience and response and the low level of interest in schools to include classes about the EU’s purpose and actual issues.

Aside from this well-packed program, the Sunday afternoon was filled with a visit of the lively and lovely birthplace of musical Wunderkind Mozart. Convention participants also had ample time to catch up with stories, launch ideas, and just fraternize while appreciating local hearty dishes and beverages from Friday evening till Sunday afternoon.