At the occasion of the European Estates General (21, June 2008) Notre Europe and the European Youth Parliament-France organised, in order to celebrate the 50th birthday of the European Parliament, a "European Parliament simulation"� for youths aged from 16 to 22.

This mock parliamentary session, approximately 100 youth the Rhône-Alpes region as well as from Europe, debated, then put together a proposal on the "involvement of European citizens in sustainable development"�. This assembly's debate was instigated by a text presented by a recommendation commission made up of 10 young volunteers from the region. A month previously they had worked together to consider and put together a common review of the challenges to be taken up and the plans of action to be carried out.

On the day itself they defended their issues and considered the delegates' suggestions which were divided up in ten themed commissions (foreign affairs, regional development, climate change, culture etc.). They presented an analysis of the issues surrounding sustainable development and expanded upon the proposals so that European citizens can be more involved in promoting sustainable development.

For four hours the assembly discussed and deliberated and finally proposed a resolution, to the European and regionally elected members and to Bernard Soulage. The resolution has been used as input in creating a "shared vision for the Rhône-Alpes region in the 21st Century"�.

Activity run by:

Notre Europe (A PARIS-BASED "THINKTANK"�) and the European Youth Parliament-France (EYP)

With the support of:

• Rhône-Alpes Region,
• EUNIC Lyons, (EUROPEAN UNION OF NATIONAL INSTITUTES FOR CULTURE)
• European Parliament,
• Lyons City Council,
• Europe Direct Lyon

Text proposed by the members of the proposing Committee:

• Feyrièle Chilot,
• Thibault Clamart,
• Hidouche Jugurtha,
• Yacine Khedim,
• Dounia Laftimi,
• Solène Moulin,
• Damien Nunes,

With:

• Jean-Luc Bennhamias MEP
• Guillaume Borie PRESIDENT OF EYP, FRANCE
• Françoise Grossetête MEP
• Ivano Marchi DIRECTOR OF THE ITALIAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE, LYONS
• Gaëtane Ricard-Nihoul GENERAL SECRETARY OF NOTRE EUROPE
• Martine Roure MEP
• Bernard Soulage VICE-PRÉSIDENT TO TRANSPORT, MOVING, INFRASTRUCTURE, RHà”NEALPES REGION