Cassola speaks on Europe's development

Alternattiva Demokratika's spokesman for European Affairs, Arnold Cassola spoke on the importance of civil society in Europe's democratic development when he addressed a seminar with the theme Maltese Civil Society In An Enlarged European Union.

Prof. Cassola also stressed the importance of civil society in the building of a more democratic Europe.

"It was very positive that civil society was represented in the convention convened to discuss the new European constitution. The EU needs to be more in touch with its citizens and civil society organisations fulfil an important role in bridging the gap.

"Civil society's participation contributes to the creation of a European public space which is indispensable for Europe's political development," Prof. Cassola said.

AD chairman Harry Vassallo spoke of his experience in the MEUSAC core group in the final negotiations phase of Malta's application for EU membership.

"The process was an invaluable political development despite the pressures of time and political confrontation," he said.