1. „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts“ Introduction: Mr. Erhard BUSEK, President - European Forum Alpbach, Vienna First Speech: Mr. Wolfgang HILLER, Head - Information office of the European Parliament, Vienna Second Speech: Mr. Ambassador a.D. Dr. Wolfgang WOLTE Member of the Board of Directors - Austrian Society for European Politics www.euro-info.net www.alpbach.org www.europarl.at

2. European Parliament - Information Office for Austria www.europarl.at

3. „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts “ www.euro-info.net www.alpbach.org www.europarl.at European Elections - 7th June 2009 375 Mio people from 27 Member States 751 or 736 MEPs to decide on Europe's future the challenge: voters turnout

4. „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts “ www.euro-info.net www.alpbach.org www.europarl.at The European Parliament (EP) transnational democracy part of the EUs unique institutional system a young Parliament - 50 years of age grown in size and importance

5. „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts “ www.euro-info.net www.alpbach.org www.europarl.at Political Groups in the EP

6. „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts “ www.euro-info.net www.alpbach.org www.europarl.at Eurobarometer Eurobarometer 69 - June 2008

7. „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts “ www.euro-info.net www.alpbach.org www.europarl.at Eurobarometer Special Eurobarometer 69 - March 2008

8. „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts “ www.euro-info.net www.alpbach.org www.europarl.at European Elections: equally important

9. „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts “ www.euro-info.net www.alpbach.org www.europarl.at European Elections: participation

10. „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts “ www.euro-info.net www.alpbach.org www.europarl.at Information Office in Vienna Europe on the spot Contact point Offer of Information www.europarl.at

11. „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts “ www.euro-info.net www.alpbach.org www.europarl.at Citizens’ Forum EP goes local Debate with MEPs on the future of the European Union

12. European Parliament - Information Office for Austria „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts “ www.euro-info.net www.alpbach.org www.europarl.at Kärntner Ring 5-7 1010 Wien www.europarl.at epwien@europarl.europa.eu

13. Austrian Society for European Politics www.euro-info.net

14. Founded in 1991 Politically independent Formed by the Austrian Social Partners Main sponsor: Oesterreichische Nationalbank Primary objective: Support Austria´s European integration process „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts “ www.euro-info.net www.alpbach.org www.europarl.at

15. Introduction of the Euro in Austria Enlargement of the European Union The Austrian EU-Presidencies: 1998 and 2006 Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe  The Reform Treaty of Lisbon Three Elections to the European Parliament Primary fields of attention „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts “ www.euro-info.net www.alpbach.org www.europarl.at

16. Promotion and organization of public events Preparation of information material (handouts, folders, etc) Organization of projects with schools, communities, and NGOs in Austria and neighbouring countries Conducting nation wide opinion polls Main Tasks „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts “ www.euro-info.net www.alpbach.org www.europarl.at

17. Information campaign: „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts“ Co-financed by the European Parliament European Elections 2009:  information  stressing the importance of participation European Parliament:  increase the overall awareness Specific tasks 2008 - 2009 „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts “ www.euro-info.net www.alpbach.org www.europarl.at

18. Our Project  According to our opinion survey polls, young people have a positive image of Europe Target Audience 1:The young Target Audience 1: The young - Voting age in Austria is 16 - Two Touring Exhibitions in Austria. Pannel discussion on current European topics Promoting active participation in European matters Activities including objective „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts “ www.euro-info.net www.alpbach.org www.europarl.at

19. Our Project  Opinion polls show critical positions of seniors on EU-matters Target Audience 2:Seniors Target Audience 2: Seniors - often neglected - Preparation of information material (handouts, folders, etc) Organization of events for senior citizens Emphasis on concrete advantages to the elderly emanating from EU-membership Activities including objective „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts “ www.euro-info.net www.alpbach.org www.europarl.at

20. Austrian Society for European Politics Associations Communities Face-to-face dialogue with Public Media Europe is … … not far away! … part of our daily lives! … the most succesful continental peace project! Schools Important is … „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts “ www.euro-info.net www.alpbach.org www.europarl.at

21. Austrian Society for European Politics Visit us at: www.euro-info.net Contact us at: europa@euro-info.net „The European Parliament – The voice of the citizens. European Elections 2009 – Your vote counts “ www.euro-info.net www.alpbach.org www.europarl.at