Brussels, 13/06/2005 (Agence Europe) - 3 new Member States have joined the European University Institute. It started its activities in 1976 by members of the European Community. The EUI has the objective of contributing, by means of post-graduate education and research activities, to the development of Europe's cultural and scientific heritage. Commissioner Ján Figel' visited the European University Institute (EUI) on 8 and 9 June and stated that the programmes proposed fitted the Commission's long-term aims for higher education and research and emphasised the role which could be played by an institution of the reputation and prestige of the EUI in the promotion and stimulation of debate about the European Constitution. He stated that “The outcome of some referenda must not halt the process of integration but rather must offer an occasion for developing a greater understanding not only of cultural issues but also the wider political view”.