Brussels, 02/06/2004 (Agence Europe) - French European Affairs Minister Claudie Haigneré, who fears a high rate of abstention at the European elections to be held from 10 to 13 June, has suggested to her 24 colleagues responsible for European matters that they "take the initiative of a direct call for civic mobilisation of European public opinion" (see EUROPE of 28 May, p.6, on the subject of the first barometer on European elections). There was a response from all, whether Foreign Ministers or European Affairs Ministers, and together they launched the Rallying Cry of 25. The 25 ministers recall that, during these first elections for a 25-member EU, 338 million voters will elect 732 representatives. They say to voters: "It is all of you, all you European citizens, who will form the future of our continent. It is with your vote that you give Europe a direction to take. The next elections at the European Parliament provide you with such an opportunity (…). The European Parliament is a key player in European construction (…). Over the next five years, it will take part in the decisions that determine Europe and your future (…). Europe needs a Parliament that represents your diversity and expresses your hopes, your wishes and your choices. Vote at the European elections. Do not let your future be decided without you".