Youth Brunch: Youths discuss the Future of Europe

A group of young people came together to exchange their views and suggestions on the future of the European Union at a business brunch hosted by Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta and the National Youth Council – KNŻ.

Present for this discussion were President of KNŻ Liam Axisa, who also chaired the discussion, CEO of SEM Mandy Falzon and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Carmelo Abela. The participants were divided into small groups around different tables where they had an intra-table discussion on the following topics within the context of the future Europe: environment, security and migration, EU international relations, connectivity among youths in Member States and Rule of Law.

This was then followed by an open discussion between the participants on different tables during which they discussed the future of the European Union’s relationship with Russia, and security and defence of the Union’s borders. Other topics that were touched upon include the freedom of the media and youth activism.

 A common sentiment expressed among the youths present was that diplomacy and negotiations should always be at the forefront of the European Union’s foreign policy. This is especially within the context of the Union’s relationship with Russia. As Russia is Europe’s neighbour and significant efforts need to be undertaken to not jeopardise any future relations. Minister Abela concurred with the youths on their points and emphasised that diplomacy must always prevail.

On this point, youths added that there must a distinction between Russia and the regime of its President. The European Union should focus on sanctions that target Putin, and those closest to him, whilst ensuring that the Russian community is rallied against their regime and in turn brought closer to the EU. This would ensure that Europe’s relationship with Russia is preserved and continues to thrive in the future.

On the topics of security and defence, youths present had different opinions on the approach that the European Union should take. Some youths felt that the EU should develop its own European Army, to ensure strategic autonomy and move away from dependence on the United States of America for defence. However, others expressed that by building a European Army, the European Union would be contradicting its core values of peace and unity.

In light of the increasing number of Ukrainians seeking refuge in the neighbouring Member States, those present expressed that they wish for the EU to seek a long-term strategy on all types of migration. Such a long-term strategy would provide a harmonised plan for all Member States that takes into consideration the integration of migrants into European cultures and economy. Minister Abela here added that such a long-term strategy is difficult to achieve at a Union level due to the diverging views and realities of the different Member States.

Separate from the European Union’s external matters, participants presented their suggestions on internal matters such as the media. Young people present expressed that they would like to see a reform of the media across Europe. Such a reform would seek to make media across Europe independent and autonomous, free from any intervention of states.

Youths present also expressed their concerns that their voices are at times ignored by decision makers. Going forward, young people want to see that their voices are not dismissed, and that awareness is increased on initiatives that allow young people to voice their opinions. CEO of SEM Mandy Falzon, stressed that young Europeans have an important role to play in shaping the future of the Europe and that their voices deserve to be heard at all levels of the Union.

Minister Abela concluded the discussion by thanking those present for their inspiring interventions and as the leaders of the present and the future he encouraged them to continue voicing their ideas and suggestions to shape a better future for themselves and for Europe.

Gallery