Brussels, 04/05/2000 (Agence Europe) - At a solemn ceremony in the chambers of the European Parliament, Nicole Fontaine was presented with the motto selected out of 2,016 entries submitted by 2,500 schools from throughout the EU (see yesterday's EUROPE, page 7). Four hundred twenty young people participated in the ceremony. The motto "Unity in Diversity" was unveiled progressively, with one young person from each country attaching a piece of the puzzle behind the President of Parliament. The motto was then read in each of the different languages by a young person from each country, who also carried the national flag (the Irish girl read the Gaelic version).
Several members of the jury intervened. Italy's former Foreign Minister Susana Agnelli welcomed the young people's contribution to "a more recognisable Europe". Austria's former Chancellor Franz Vranitzky called for the motto "to help us understand" that Europe is also a "human and cultural Europe" that respects differences. "This motto can become a new symbol of Europe, along with its anthem and flag", said CSU member Ingo Friedrich, who represented Mrs Sussmuth. Luxembourg Professor Gilbert Trausch stressed the need to complete European construction, by adding "floors [the applicant states, Ed.] and a roof: a political dimension". Belgian astronaut Dirk Frimout voiced the hope that the EU would be able to respond to young people's aspirations. "You have chosen the key words, peace, liberty, union, diversity and solidarity in a sort of alliance with the Fathers of Europe", observed Jacques Delors, who added that he hoped the young people would take up the torch of European construction. Nicole Fontaine expressed her emotion over this "session that is so symbolic of what Europe represents for me" and said she hoped that if the flag reflects the unity of Europe, and its anthem the friendship between its people, the motto will become "the refrain of enthusiasm and hopes of Europeans".
The members of the jury asked that the motto proposed by the young people be changed slightly to: "Europe: Unity in Diversity". They plan to work to have approval of the motto included in the agenda of one of the upcoming European Councils, if possible the Council on 19 and 20 June in Feira.