06/08/2002 (Agence Europe) - In its contribution to the Convention, EUROMIL, the European Organisation of Military Associations represtenting 500,000 soldiers and their families in 19 European countries, including candiate countries states that, "with its increased responsibility in security and defence matters, the EU has to assume more responsibility for the European soldiers", who, "as citizens in uniform" are an integral part of European society. EUROMIL is for harmonising soldiers' rights at a European level. It believes that greater integration should not be based on the lowest common denominator or to the detriment of Europe's soldiers. (see EUROPE 1 August p 3 on the forum EUROMIL is organising in September in the Netherlands).