In this interview, Catherine Lalumière, former French Junior Minister for European Affairs, discusses the issues surrounding the ‘People’s Europe’ and the measures taken to bring Community Europe closer to its citizens.

The European Council, held at Fontainebleau on 25 and 26 June 1984, decides on the changes to be made to the Decision of 21 April 1970 on own resources and agrees on a correction mechanism designed to resolve budgetary imbalances.

The European Council, which took place in Brussels on 29 and 30 March 1985, approved the first initiatives contained in the report on 'a People's Europe'.

The Milan European Council of 28 and 29 June 1985 approves the proposals set out in the second report of the Ad Hoc Committee on a People's Europe, known as the Adonnino Committee, including those concerning the adoption of the flag and anthem of the European Community and the establishment of ‘Europe Day' (see point 9: ‘Strengthening of the Community's image and identity').