A welcome from the management of PRO EUROPE on the occasion of the Congress:

Europe is becoming one, not just economically, but also where protection of the environment is concerned. An important part of a co-operative waste policy is the implementation of producer's responsibility through recycling of packaging used on consumer goods. Under the umbrella organisation of PRO EUROPE, partner systems in 22 European countries are already using the Green Dot to symbolise that a financial contribution is being made by fillers and retailers to environmentally and economically efficient local packaging recovery systems. In addition, PRO EUROPE has concluded co-operation agreements with packaging recovery systems in both Canada and the UK.

Our Congress this year - "Green Dot 2004" - Recycling Benefits for Future Generations" clearly emphasises the contribution which the recycling of packaging materials makes towards sustainable development. Additionally, the Congress will demonstrate that in an era of globalisation, effective protection of the environment requires co-operation that straddles all borders. PRO EUROPE as the core of a European and pan-European network, puts this knowledge to use on a daily basis. In the context of this Congress, we would like to present evidence of the state of development that this successful co-operation has attained to date, and to discuss how this international alliance for sustainability can be further developed.

Acting together in a sustainable manner is to safeguard the future. The degree to which we succeed today in solving social, environmental and economic problems will be decisive for the quality of life that our children, and their children in turn, will be able to enjoy. However, the idea of sustainability can only be successful if the next generation is also prepared to accept responsibility today for its future. That is why the issue of environmental education is especially important to PRO EUROPE. It encourages children and young people to participate in societal issues and political life and propose them to actively protect their environment.

We are therefore particularly pleased to welcome over 120 young people from ten European countries to this year's Congress in Berlin. They have assembled in the "1st European Youth Eco-Parliament". These young people and their counsellors have done excellent work trough an educational process, prior to the Congress, in producing collectively a 'White Book' containing high calibre resolutions of an international standing, based on the 6th Environmental Action Programme of the European Commission. The 'White Book' will be presented to the public in a special ceremony at the end of the Congress.

In organising this congress in Berlin, it is our aim to provide a high level forum for the international exchange of information and experiences relating to the current status of packaging recycling, and the options available. At the same time, we want to support the widespread sharing of knowledge of the measures we must implement if we are to plan our future in a sustainable way. We are looking forward to an exciting, constructive and stimulating dialogue at the Congress and wish all participants a successful, pleasant and informative time whilst in Berlin!