European civil dialogue: Young people demand from French and German government rapid strengthening of the EU

On 15th May, young people from 15 EU nations presented their manifesto on the future of the EU to the French Minister for European Affairs, Nathalie Loiseau, and the German states Minister for Foreign Affairs, Michael Roth, on the European Citizens Dialogue in Berlin. The young people – who come from a variety of educational and cultural backgrounds – developed their vision in two workshops in the spring. One year before the elections to the European Parliament, this agenda encourages young people to take their future into their own hands and use their right to vote in 2019.

French Minister for European Affairs Nathalie Loiseau welcomed the exchange with young people: “At a time when Member States are working to rebuild the European project, it is essential to re-establish links with citizens. Too often, Europeans have the impression that the shaping of Europe is taking place behind closed doors. In these citizens’ dialogues, Europeans can express their priorities and expectations from Europe. The debates that are taking place across Europe and the joint online consultation will also create an unprecedented European public space: 450 million citizens will discuss the same issues of the future at the same time. I was very happy to come to Berlin and talk to young people about Europe alongside my counterpart Michael Roth. ”

The German states Minister for Europe at the Federal Foreign Office Michael Roth added: “Today we had a committed discussion with young Europeans who represented their ideas for the future of Europe with great energy and enthusiasm. The European project thrives on this commitment of its citizens. As a politician, I have always been committed to a real dialogue with the citizens, and I believe that in this spirit we had a successful civil dialogue, together with my French counterpart, Nathalie Loiseau. ”

The young people are calling on the politicians to act quickly.  The manifesto they presented includes clear recommendations to that effect. The authors call for the introduction of a civil service for all citizens of the European Union. The civil service in one’s home country or in other EU countries should help young people to strengthen their own professional prospects by building knowledge, skills and orientation as well as networks for their future. In addition, the authors demand an EU citizens’ assembly. The discussion forum could better reflect diversity within the EU than is currently the case in the European Parliament. The proposal for the introduction of transnational lists for the European elections, which has already been discussed in public, is also reflected in the manifesto. In addition, the young authors recommend the introduction of an annual European Week. In addition to EU-wide exchange programs as well as social discussion and cultural events, the topic of Europe will be the focus of attention during this week, especially in schools and universities. In order to strengthen social awareness of Europe, EU Commissioners, EU staff and parliamentarians would also have to actively seek direct contact with pupils, students and citizens.

We thank the REWE Group and the Handelsblatt for the good cooperation in the implementation of the preparatory workshops and the final civil dialogue.

Source: Press release of REWE Group Corporate Communications

The manifesto of the participants on their visions for strengthening Europe can be found here.