This is an enduring lesson that we will all do well to remember, particularly as the debate on Europe's future begins to take shape at the European convention. The people must be informed and involved. The convention has undertaken an ambitious task. Under the declaration at Laeken it is to look at the key questions facing the Union at a time of great challenge and change in its development. It is to examine how Europe can be brought closer to its citizens, something with which we can all identify. It will examine how Europe can play a full and active part in a rapidly changing, global environment and how it can be better organised to meet these challenges.