Jean-Claude Trichet President of the European Central Bank Speaker at the Opening of the General Assembly Paulskirche, August 6th, 2010
	Roland Koch Minister-President of Hesse Patron of the 64th International Session of the European Youth Parliament
	Petra Roth Mayor of Frankfurt Patron of the 64th International Session of the European Youth Parliament

Greetings from the Patrons

Petra Roth

Greeting to the participants of the session:

Dear Members ofthe European Youth Parliament,

first of all I would like to cordially welcome you in the City of Frankfurt. I felt very honoured by your invitation to adopt patronage for the 64th International Session of the European Youth Parliament taking place here in Frankfurt am Main.

With your arrival in Frankfurt, an intensive period of preparation has come to an end and I am sure that you are keen to start into the active discussions. With your participation in the European Youth Parliament you show your interest for political events and your wish to take part in the shaping of our society and of Europe as a whole. I welcome your commitment and effort to frame the opinion of future generations in political decision-making. You will be able to further enhance your knowledge about Europe and European politics – institutions which sometimes seem far away, but shape our lives on a daily basis.

The City of Frankfurt feels very committed to Europe and the European Union. Our city is proud to host the European Central Bank since 1998. Beyond that over centuries Frankfurt has been an important trading centre and therefore possesses large liberal and democratic traditions.

Your General Assembly will take place in the Frankfurter Paulskirche, where in 1848 German representatives came together to form the first democratically elected pan- German parliament – one of the most important places with regard to the evolution of democracy in our country. Therefore the City of Frankfurt is often called the “cradle of German democracy” and thus represents a perfect setting for vital negotiations in yourmodel parliament and its committees. I am convinced that you will benefit from this historic atmosphere and will be able to gain many insights in democratic practices.

Your model parliament is also a good example of how intercultural exchange can create ideas and ideals – a value that is at the heart of Frankfurt’s multicultural society. Because Frankfurt is one of Germany’s most international cities with people from about 170 different nations living peacefully together. You as the members of the EYP will further enrich the city’s international character.

Therefore let me finally thank those responsible for the organization of the 64″‘ International Session of the European Youth Parliament. I wish you all an interesting, constructive and successful conferenc re in Frankfurt am Main.

Petra Roth
Mayor