Iimage  feel sorry for Margot Wallstrom, she has an impossible task -  to make the EU popular with citizens in all its 27 member states.

As the EU’s Communications Commissioner, she has just published an updated communications strategy to make the EU more appealing and easily understood.

One of the proposals  is to get both MEPs and member states to agree on communication priorities each year – until now Brussels’ approach to communication has been piecemeal and fragmented.

According to Ms Wallstrom, common issues for next year could include climate change, energy, communicating the new Reform Treaty and mobilising voters for the 2009 elections.

Her recommendations also urge member states to do more to teach our young people about the European Union.

Being half-Greek, I am in support of the EU, I regard myself as European and encourage my sons to feel the same way. At the same time, we enjoy the Britishness of our lives here, and I believe each country should maintain its identity and culture.

Margot Wallstrom has had her present job for three years, promoting the good works of the EU, yet nobody in this country celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Rome Treaty in May. Certainly nobody in my area, and nothing springs to mind from the national press.

However, I do enjoy Margot’s blog, and believe she genuinely wants a dialogue with EU citizens. It is personalised too and touches on many key EU issues. This is an extract taken from one of her recent posts about the EU treaty. She clearly does follow the comments, so do add your views too.

Will the new European Treaty mean big changes for Britain?  Let’s kick away the Euro Myths: Britain will NOT lose its seat on the Security Council, there will be NO US-style President and the Treaty will NOT give the EU any powers to cap Wayne Rooney’s wages!

I want a debate about the EU. I want British people to know more about Europe. I want them to know what the EU does and what benefits it brings.  Because that will smash the biggest myth:   that the EU is some kind of plot to destroy British national identity.

It is not only the Brits who love their nation and their independence.  Everybody does!  Do people in Sweden, where I come from, want to see their proud country disappear?  Of course not!

What is the EU then?  It is 27 countries who have agreed to work together.  No more, no less.  It’s like a big family where there are sometimes arguments but, in the end, everybody needs to stick together.

When Britain joined there were 9 members, now there are 27 countries and 500 million people.  So the way things are decided needs to change.  That’s why the EU needs a new Treaty.  It’s that simple.  No plots, no secret plans.

An EU that works well is in Britain’s interests. It already brings many benefits.  Think of all the people working for British companies trading with the continent. Of the millions travelling and living abroad. It’s thanks to the EU that there are cheap air fares. That mobile phone charges abroad have just been cut.

With new rules we can work together even better to tackle climate change or to protect consumers, for example.

Should there be a referendum in the UK? Frankly, that’s none of my business. You haven’t had any on past Treaty changes, but it’s up to the UK. Some Member States use referendums, others prefer votes in Parliament. Both are equally valid.

Britain is hugely respected in Europe. For its long record in standing up to fascism and extremism.  For its recent leadership on climate change and world poverty. For its economic progress and vibrant culture.   We want Britain fully on board in the EU as, together, we shape Europe’s future.

To sum up – the new Treaty: Good for Europe. Good for Britain.