Below is a news release from the youth of Union Démocratique Bretonne:

"Join the Breton Democratic Union's call

The President's words about the Breton identity of Nantes are not without ulterior motives and obviously embarrass socialist leaders, among them the mayor of Nantes.

Yet, those words, coming from the head of state, give a great importance to the Breton unity question, justifying thereby the struggle of all those who have fought for reunification.

At the same time, however, the Balladur Committee works on a reformation of local authorities and a redrawing of administrative boundaries we fear will not answer our demand of a five departments Brittany.

We want an integrally reunified Brittany endowed with the same powers as euro-regions' such as Catalonia, the Basque Country or Scotland.

Petition link:

http://3596.lapetition.be/"

Kernow X had their annual pre New Year leadership team meeting in Truro, Kernow/Cornwall to discuss plans for the organisation for the forth coming year.
A number of issues were discussed including the General Assembly of the European Free Alliance Youth (EFAy), how the group could get involved with the European elections 2009 and the Kernow X website. The team also discussed the successful rise in membership over the last year and hoped to continue to pull in politically active members in 2009 at the same rate.

It was confirmed at the meeting that Jezz Anbleydh would become the new acting National Convenor of the group, taking over from Loic Rich. Rhisiart Tal-e-bot, the National Secretary of Kernow X and EFAy President also attended the meeting and was able to update the team on recent EFAy developments.

Links:

Kernow X website

Facebook group

The President of the EFAy met with members of the leadership team of Cymru X last week (7th January 2008) in Cymru/Wales.

Cymru X, the youth group of EFA members Plaid Cymru, invited Rhisiart Tal-e-bot to Caerdydd/Cardiff for an informal meeting to talk about the role of the EFAy and Cymru X involvement. Among some of the issues discussed were the collaboration between the EFAy and Cymru X in future European youth seminars, the EFAy General Assembly and the European elections in 2009. Cymru X also invited EFAy to attend its own General Assembly, which is due to take place in April 2009 in Caerdydd/Cardiff.

Rhisiart said after the meeting:

“In a European wide organisation like the EFAy, it is extremely important to meet up personally with member organisations to discuss matters that are of common interest. Every one of our member organisations is unique and even though all our members have many shared aspirations and ideals, it is essential that each member gives its input and be kept up to date on new developments.

Cymru X is one of the EFAy’s oldest member organisations and it was a pleasure to be able to meet with some of its members in Caerdydd. In the past they have contributed significantly to the work of the EFAy and we hope that this will continue into the future. We look forward to meeting their representatives at the EFAy General Assembly later this year.”

Link:

Cymru X

Facebook group

"European Newsflash Youth", the newsletter of the EFAy is now available.

It can be accessed here.

For more information, or to be added to the newsletter mailing list, please contact Lucy Collyer on coordinator@efay.eu.

Eight EFAy members took part in the joint EFAY and FYEG youth Exchange on Regionalism and Inclusive Nationalism in Slovenia from the 23rd to the 30th of November 2008.

EFA MEP Mikel Irujo spoke about the role of regions within the EU and how improving their decision making capacities can contribute to a more democratic and more sustainable Europe.

The full final statement, produced by the participants and showing their position on regionalism and nationalism, can be found here.