The day before the EU summit in Sibiu belonged to 300 young people from across the European Union. They talked about the future of Europe, and made the politicians concrete proposals.
“We can’t predict the future, but we can shape it together”, and encouraged Marianne Thyssen, EU Commissioner for employment, social Affairs and inclusion, European young people, to paraphrase a quote by Eugene Ionesco. The Romanian-French playwright had once said that you can tell events before, after they had happened. The Meeting of the heads of state and government of the European Union, which takes place this Thursday in the Transylvanian town of Sibiu, stands under the Motto “Future of Europe“.
On the eve of the summit, 300 young people from the EU member States were present, including 40 from Germany and 30 from the host country, Romania, to talk about the current challenges and searching for solutions. “The future of Europe, especially our young people,“ says Thyssen, compared to the DW. For the EU Commission, it is important to know how the young Generation wants to make the next years and decades, what is the future vision has you.
In Hermann city, all the EU leaders stressed their interest in the perspective of young EU citizens on the current challenges, such as climate change, social injustice, globalisation or digitalisation. Similarly, the young people gave up their hope that the decision-makers in Brussels have an open ear for your concerns.
Alexandru Sasu wants to press vigorously for the protection of the environment
More wealth and yet more injustice
“It is certainly important to inform our citizens about the EU structures and mechanisms, but it is even more important to know their Worries and Fears,” said in the interview-Angela Cristea, head of the European Commission representation in Romania. The had become the EU, especially after the Brexit vote. The fact is, Cristea, European Integration has led to more prosperity, but at the same time to more injustice between the Poor and the rich. This development, however, is different from country to country. In General, for most EU citizens, the uncontrolled Migration is a major problem. The young people, in General, the climate change ready for the biggest concern.
Alexandru Sasu studied in Sibiu Ecology. He is very happy to attend this Meeting. “The fight against the consequences of climate change is a priority for us,” says Alexandru, is convinced to have at the end of this meeting about “more weapons, that is to say arguments, in order to influence the decision-makers in Brussels”.
Rachel Krauskopf proposes a EU-education Central
Rachel Sophia Kraus, the head of Germany argues for more political education in schools, and proposes the establishment of an appropriate EU-Education center. Another proposal is the extension of the Erasmus programmes for students, young people, for example, would be for those who want to go abroad for an internship or a training. The young Frankfurt also calls for a stronger European identity, but without losing the sense of national belonging from the point of view: “Because this is what makes Europe nice to identify with his country and its traditions.”
Luca Koren comes from Hannover and the student is at a Sibiu high school. He also laments the lack of political Information and education in the school. This is especially in Romania, a big Problem.
Also for Adelina Negrila and Luca Koren policy is very important
The youth meet in Hermann city, he and his fellow student, Adelina Negrila are excited also because they had the opportunity to establish many contacts and to discover common goals and problems.
The anti-European forces face
The exchange with peers for many young people a profit. For Alexandre Silva from Portugal, who has been chosen as a subject of study in European Studies. The passionate Europeans tried to inspire others to live the European idea – just now, before the European elections. “We can have a better future, but only if we make it together,” says Alexandre.
The young Portuguese designer Alexandre Silva believes in Europe
Highlight of the day, the talks with the President of Romania, Klaus Johannis, and the head of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker were as expected. This promised, the suggestions of the young people in the deliberations of the EU summit. Juncker and John called several times with emphasis on the young EU citizens in the European election on may 26. To participate in may. “The outcome of this election will affect the European policy of the next years, radically”, said the Romanian head of state. Both the politicians of Europe were in favour of wide introduction of the active right to vote for 16 years.
Only by strengthening the dialogue between the European institutions, between government and citizens, the forehead could be provided the anti-European forces, host John finally. It is now more important than ever, the confidence of the citizens and their support for the European project regain.