Rentrée

Last Monday, September 1st, was not only the start of a new month, but also the end of the summer break, and the return back to school and work of many people all around Europe, and also in Belgium. It happened exactly the same to the European Union institutions: there was a special European Summit of Heads of State and Heads of Government to discuss the situation in Georgia (without any concrete results), and the European Parliament held, for the first time ever, a session in Brussels. So, in a way, it was a historical week (and in the other, it wasn't). I also went back to my jogging sessions, which, somehow, can also be seen as a historical event... my body hurt for two days, but now I feel fine and plan to keep running as regularly as possible. The work in the European Youth Forum also went back to cruising speed, and this weekend the Bureau met and started the preparations for the General Assembly in November. This means that several friends were in town, but also that soon the electoral campaign will start, new leaders will be elected, and a cycle will come to its end. The same thing will happen in the USA, where the two political parties held their conventions, confirmed their candidates and launched their campaigns. Here and there, everyone is talking about change; and it makes sense, because we all need change. At least from time to time. So, November will be time for changes, both at the European Youth Forum, and in the USA. And if everything goes well, I will be experiencing both. That roadtrip to the Grand Canyon might be just around the corner! And it was about time! For now, it will be Spain: first Madrid, and then Mollina. Paco's: here we come again!