18/05/2005 (Agence Europe) - The Association of Former Trainees of the European Union (ADEK International) organised an open an constructive dialogue on prospects and challenges facing the European Constitution, notably in connection with issues such as European defence. A press release indicated that participants at this event included René Leray, DG RELEX advisor, Christian Frank, president of the Institute of European Studies at the Catholic University of Leuven and Michel Theys, the president of the European journalists association. In his intervention Mr Frank highlighted culture, education, health and immigration, as well as a genuine common defence policy and institutional reform in the EU, which would lead to more effective democratic legitimacy. Mr Leray, stressed EU external action, and called for cooperation and persuasion rather than force. Further information: http://www.adek-international.org ).