Brussels, 13/07/2001 (Agence Europe) - In the framework of its contribution to the Laeken declaration on the debate over the future of the European Union, whose rapporteur are the Austrian Anne-Marie Sigmund (President of the group of diverse activities) and the German Renate Hornung-Draus, the Economic and Social Committee is organising on 19 July a public hearing aimed at gathering the opinions of the civil society organisations and organisation networks. The hearing will take place in the framework of the ad hoc "future of Europe" group, formed on 10 July by the Committee Bureau and the President of the French trade unionists Roger Briesch (see above). A questionnaire has been passed on the participants on the different aspects of European integration. The ad hoc group will draft a resolution, which will be adopted during the Committee's plenary session in September, to be presented to the Belgian Presidency before the Gent special summit. Information: Patrick Feve, Committee in Brussels. Tel: 02 546 97 57. E-mail: patrick.feve@esc.eu.int.