Next Generation Europe

FABIAN POLICY REPORT

NEXT GENERATION EUROPE

How the case for the EU can be re-made and re-energised. New YouGov polling showing a pro-European majority among Britain’s young people, with responses and analysis from Kira Huju, Peter Kellner, Emma Reynolds MP, Ulrich Storck, Ed Wallis and many others About the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is a non-profit German political foundation committed to the advancement of public policy issues in the spirit of the basic values of social democracy through education, research, and international cooperation. The foundation, headquartered in Bonn and Berlin, was founded in 1925 and is named after Friedrich Ebert, Germany’s first democratically elected president. Today, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung has six adult education centres and 13 regional offices throughout Germany, maintains branch offices in over 90 countries and carries out activities in more than 100 countries.

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Contents EDITORIAL 2 Generation why? The EU was founded on a ‘never again’ spirit following the second world Ulrich Storck and Ed Wallis war, yet the arguments the first generation of European leaders made 6 It’s my economy, stupid for closer integration resonate less and less as time goes by. A growing Peter Kellner proportion of the electorate are too young to remember the fall of the Berlin Wall, let alone the despair of post-war Europe. For a new genera- 8 The digital age of European politics tion, the EU is a way of life rather than a political project. Emma Reynolds This is a double-edged sword for pro-Europeans. New polling con- 9 The bigger picture ducted by YouGov for the Fabian Society and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Kira Huju shows that 18-to-34-year-olds are instinctively and culturally more pro-European than other groups having grown up with the benefits of 10 Our Europe? cross-continental co-operation. Yet there is also a fear that this will not Yiannis Baboulias translate politically and the next generation will not take a stand for 11 With arms outstretched the EU in the increasingly anti-EU climate in Britain. The task for EU Pauline Gessant advocates is therefore to involve them and harden their soft support. This policy report investigates how to do this, featuring a range 12 Politicise, personalise, regionalise of young British and non-British authors responding to different Johanna Uekermann, Judith Klose and aspects of the polling. Kira Huju, for example, points to the different Matthias Ecke attitudes of Finnish and British young people towards the EU; Brhmie 14 Unemployment and immigration: Balaram explores the challenges and opportunities of free movement a recipe for Euroscepticism? of labour; and Yiannis Baboulias considers the consequences of the Brhmie Balaram eurozone crisis. Elsewhere, the Labour party’s shadow Europe minister Emma Reynolds MP and Peter Kellner, president of YouGov, analyse 16 case study the results of the poll and show how social democrats can make a The Youth Secure Streets Project positive case for Europe during a time of huge economic and social Lydia Finnegan pressures for the young. The report concludes with two case studies 17 case study which demonstrate the practical ways cross-continental co-operation The European Youth Parliament can benefit young people’s lives: The Youth Secure Streets Project and Gillian O’Halloran the European Youth Parliament.

[email protected] Grateful acknowledgement is www.fabians.org.uk made to the office of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung in London for the General Secretary, support of this publication Andrew Harrop Deputy General Secretary, Like all publications of the Fabian Marcus Roberts Society, this report represents not the collective views of the Society, Report Editors, Sofie Jenkinson, but only the views of the individual Ed Wallis fabian society writers. The responsibility of the Printed by DG3, London E14 9TE 11 Dartmouth Street Society is limited to approving Designed by Soapbox, London SW1H 9BN its publications as worthy of www.soapbox.co.uk 020 7227 4900 (main) consideration within the labour 020 7976 7153 (fax) movement.

1 / Next Generation Europe Generation why? Our new polling shows there is a pro-European majority amongst Britain’s next generation, yet this tends to manifest itself culturally rather than politically. Ulrich Storck and Ed Wallis explore how to turn Europe into a political cause for Britain’s young people

Ulrich Storck is Ed Wallis is the Director of Head of FES London Editorial at the Fabian Society

he eu, we are constantly told, is in crisis: How can the case for Europe be re-made voters aged under 35 said they would vote T economically and politically. This era of and re-energised? Can Britain’s political ‘yes’ to EU membership in a referendum. In crisis has hit the left particularly hard, with relationship with Europe become more contrast, among the over-60s, 66 per cent the economic turmoil – originally heralded constructive? want to leave the EU. as the opportunity for a ‘progressive mo- A new YouGov poll, commissioned by Young people are often written off as ment’ which would tame the ravages of the Fabian Society and Friedrich Ebert apathetic and are rarely a target group for capitalism – morphing into a crisis of debt Stiftung, suggests that one route towards political strategists, due to their higher and fiscal imbalance. Electoral defeats for changing the conversation on Europe is to propensity to sit on their hands rather than centre-left parties across the continent have focus on the fact there is a pro-European actively participate in democratic decision- ensued; even the recent optimism which majority amongst Britain’s next generation. making. A recent Guardian study into the po- greeted the election of Francois Hollande 18–34-year-olds have grown up with the litical attitudes of Britain’s young described in France faded quickly as he struggles with benefits of cross-continental co-operation; “the desolate atomisation of what we might record poll lows, a worsening economy and yet this tends to manifest itself in a cultural dub ‘generation self’”; turnout at the 2010 rising unemployment. cosmopolitanism rather than expressing general election among 18–24-year-olds This presents a profound challenge for itself politically. Our poll offers some clues was 44 per cent, well below the national the pro-European left in the UK, which on how advocates might harden this soft figure of 65 per cent. However, it is clear that David Cameron’s pledge – bold or reckless, support. a strong democratic spirit exists in young depending on where you stand – to hold an There is a stark generational divide on people, often operating outside traditional ‘in-out’ referendum on the EU if he wins the the basic question of whether Britain should party political structures. This has stirred next election has made much more urgent. remain in the EU. Over half (62 per cent) of in opposition to the government’s austerity

2 / Fabian Policy Report If there was a referendum on whether or Below is a list of specific areas. For each one do not Britain should remain a member of the you think co-operating with other countries in the European Union (EU), how would you vote?* European Union has benefited Britain or whether Britain would have been better off acting alone?** Would vote for Britain to remain a member of the European Union Cooperating has benefitted Britain Would vote for Britain to leave the Britain would have been better off working alone European Union

Tackling climate change

Over- 18–34 60s Over- 18–34 60s

38% 62% 66% 34% 29% 71% 53% 47% * Excludes those who answered ‘don’t know’ and ‘would not vote’

Fighting terrorism and international crime Standards of workers’ rights

Over- Over- 18–34 60s 18–34 60s

30% 70% 41% 59% 42% 58% 68% 33%

Relations with countries outside International trade and protection the European Union against unfair competition

Over- Over- 18–34 60s 18–34 60s

48% 52% 67% 31% 34% 65% 52% 48%

** Excludes those who answered ‘neither’ and ‘don’t know’

3 / Next Generation Europe Generally speaking, which, if any, of the following do you think MOST benefit you personally from Britain’s membership of the European Union (EU)? Please select up to two.

0 The freedom to Social and employment Making it easier & Being able to Being able to live travel in all 27 EU rights like holiday pay cheaper to do business in work in all 27 EU or study in all 27 countries and limits on working other EU countries countries EU countries hours programme through the likes of UK Uncut, found this convincing, with 26 per cent countries and has made the countries richer been harnessed on specific issues by 38 unconvincing. Here the generations clearly and more prosperous as a consequence’, Degrees, and been mobilised through the diverge, with under-35s in favour by 48 to 15 with 31 per cent unconvinced. But – Occupy movement’s powerful campaign per cent and those over 60 years of age, 38 perhaps surprisingly given the scale of youth against the inequitable and unsustainable to 32 per cent against. The Guardian’s study unemployment and the crisis raising severe nature of global capitalism. of young voters claimed they were shifting questions as to whether the European So if young people are both broadly EU rightwards and that “the left’s defining value economy is capable of delivering long-term sympathetic and capable of being politically of solidarity is in considerably shorter sup- prosperity for young people – under-35s engaged, how can we turn Europe into a ply among the young than the old”. This is were much more supportive: 44–19 per cent political cause? To discover what might strong evidence in the opposite direction. in favour, compared to over-60s who were resonate, as Peter Kellner outlines on page 43–29 per cent against. 6, we tested some of the big arguments However, by far the most resonant that have been advanced in favour of the In times of argument – across all ages but amongst the European Union since its formation, asking economic insecurity the young in particular – was the freedom that whether people found them convincing or Britain’s partnership with Europe bestows unconvincing to see what resonates most pro-EU argument can’t on us. 60 per cent of all respondents were with the new generation. convinced by the argument that the Europe- First, we found residual support across all rely on grand narratives an Union ‘has given people the freedom to age groups for Europe’s foundational idea travel, work and live in other EU countries’, that European co-operation could win the and unifying visions. with only 12 per cent unconvinced. This was peace: 41 per cent of people found it con- Instead, it needs to spell even more pronounced for 18–34-year-olds vincing that ‘The EU has helped keep peace (60 to 7 per cent) but still strong among the in western Europe since the second world out the practical benefits over-60s (61 to 16 per cent). This finding war’, compared to 25 per cent who found was borne out when we asked people to it unconvincing. Second, we tested Jacques of the EU pick the areas where they felt they benefited Delors’ idea of a social Europe, which was the most, personally, from the EU, with so crucial to shifting the mainstream British Perhaps understandably given the ongo- freedom to travel by far the most popular left away from a soft sceptic position to being financial turbulence in the eurozone, with under-35s (46 per cent). The next most come EU enthusiasts in the 1980s: ‘The EU economic arguments for co-operation popular answer was social and employment has agreed common standards of workers’ found fewer takers, though the overall rights with 18 per cent. rights, consumer protection and played an balance was still just about positive. 34 per But it’s not just the personal benefits – important role in guaranteeing the social cent were convinced that ‘The European Britain’s young seem to display a realism rights of individual citizens’. 40 per cent Union has helped free trade between EU that their generation will have to live in

4 / Fabian Policy Report Total 18–34 Over-60s

Lower mobile European exchange Something else Not applicable, I do not Don’t know telephone roaming programmes for personally benefit from Britain’s charges within the EU university students membership of the EU a multipolar world of global powers. We doubt that across all age groups, immigra- narratives and unifying visions. Instead, it asked whether, if Britain left the EU, it tion is of great concern. Policy-makers need needs to spell out the practical benefits of would be able to punch above its weight to get on top of this issue, both in policy the EU. This means addressing the inse- internationally or would end up isolated in terms but also politically, by recognising the curities of young people around job losses a world of big power blocs like the US, EU strength of feeling it engenders. The Labour and immigration, whilst at the same time and China. Under-35s thought by 40 to 34 party is beginning to understand this, with demonstrating what the EU brings to their per cent that Britain would become isolated, recent interventions by Ed Miliband and day-to-day lives. For young people this whereas over-60s felt by 47 to 29 per cent shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper ac- is, as our poll shows, freedom to travel, that Britain would be able to punch above cepting Labour underestimated the impact work and study in the EU. Having never its weight on its own. Under-35s were of the free movement of labour on some known anything different, it is important also more doubtful whether Britain would native workers and proposing a range of to highlight the costs of losing these be able to have its cake and eat it too if it measures – from minimum wage enforce- benefits, which some young people may left the EU: they were more likely to agree ment to making the benefit system more take for granted. This might be the way for that for Britain to get any EU benefits from based around domestic contribution – to campaigners to counter some of negative the outside, Britain would have to pay into help make the European labour market feel arguments advanced against the EU. In the budget and comply with regulations less insecure. addition, advocates should point out the without having any say in their formulation This poll also shows how important it is financial and non-financial consequences (44 per cent); whereas over-60s tended to that policy-makers don’t disregard young of exiting the EU – not in abstract, national think Britain would be able to negotiate people just because they don’t turn up to level terms, but in ways that resonate with some of the benefits without the drawbacks vote as reliably as other age groups. If Britain the detail of young people’s lives. In doing of being full members (42 per cent). does withdraw from the EU, future genera- so, pro-Europeans will find that, in young However, the freedom of movement tions in Britain will bear the consequences. people, they have a strong constituency on and migration from EU member states is Their pro-European preferences should their side in the forthcoming battle to pre- frequently linked to job losses in British po- therefore be taken into account by policy- serve Britain’s role at the heart of Europe. F litical debate, as Brhmie Balaram discusses makers when making crucial decisions on page 14. Not surprisingly therefore, by a about Britain’s future. Moreover, young For the full polling results visit margin of 60 to 25 per cent, all age groups people can become politically engaged; www.fabians.org.uk/publications. All figures, said they would be happy for their ability policy-makers should not write them off, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov to work in other countries to be restricted but bestow their concerns and demands Plc. Total sample size was 1,767 adults. if it meant that other EU citizens could not with the same importance and legitimacy as Fieldwork was undertaken between 29th–30th come to Britain so easily. Although to a those of other age groups. November 2012. The survey was carried out lesser extent, this sentiment was shared by In times of economic insecurity the online. The figures have been weighted and are under-35s (47 to 38 per cent). There is no pro-EU argument can’t rely on grand representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

5 / Next Generation Europe It’s my economy, stupid While the older generations may look to Europe and find it wanting, the younger generation can clearly identify its positive impact on their lives. Peter Kellner takes a detailed look at the differences that matter in the YouGov polling

Peter Kellner is President of YouGov

he in-house slogan of Bill Clinton’s intrinsically international matters such as Freedom of travel comes top on both T1992 election campaign is worth reviv- climate change, trade and terrorism, and sides of the generation gap; indeed, the ing. 21 years later and 3,000 miles away, weakest in relation to people who act at proportion saying the argument is convinc- “It’s the economy, stupid” applies to the more specific locations: exercising workers’ ing is much the same among the under-35s way young Britons think about Europe. If rights, running farms, working in the City of and the over-60s. At the other ends of the anything, the screw should be tightened London and arriving as immigrants at our scale, it doesn’t much matter how old you further: “It’s my economy, stupid”. borders. But in every case, the under-35s are are; just one-in-three reckon that ‘We are Polls used to show a clear majority, usu- more likely than the over-60s to favour co- all Europeans together…’ and need to rec- ally around three-to-two in favour of Britain operation, while the over-60s are far more ognise our common bonds. leaving the European Union. Recently, likely to prefer going it alone. So where are the generation gap dif- the gap has closed. But within that overall That said, even the under-35s tend to ferences that explains why younger adults picture, a clear generation gap has emerged, reject co-operation in three areas where are more pro-EU than their parents’ with those under 35 consistently in favour the EU holds sway – farming (subject to generation? Two stand out: workers’ rights of remaining in the EU and those over 60 the common agricultural policy), bank and free trade. On both, the under-35s consistently in favour of withdrawal. regulation (think of the row over limiting find the arguments convincing rather than Why has this generation gap opened up? bankers’ bonuses) and immigration (with unconvincing by more than two-to-one, YouGov set out to answer this question in the EU’s freedom of movement rules, about while clear pluralities of the over-60s find a special survey for the Fabian Society and to be extended to Romania and Bulgaria). the arguments unconvincing. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. To be sure, co-operation is seen as vital on In short, the way to promote continued First, we tested a series of issues that af- climate change and terrorism; but, rightly or British membership of the EU is to stress its fect Britain’s relations with other countries. wrongly, these issues are marginal to most practical advantages. That’s not to say we In each case we asked whether Britain people’s lives, even the under-35s. should ignore the benefits of almost seven would do better co-operating within the So, what does sway people? The answer decades of peace, or our common bonds as EU or acting alone. How the views of the starts to emerge when we move from issues inhabitants of the same continent. Some under-35s compare with the over-60s is set to arguments. We tested seven different people are inspired by these propositions. out in Table 1. statements that different people make in But hard economic reality matters more. The hierarchy is a familiar one: the case favour of Britain remaining in the EU. The For many people, the point is that this for co-operation is seen as strongest on results are in Table 2. reality is personal. It is not simply an ab-

6 / Fabian Policy Report Table 1

Below is a list of specific areas. For each one do you think Co-operation better Better alone co-operating with other countries in the European Union has 18–34 60+ 18–34 60+ benefited Britain or whether Britain would have been better off acting alone? %

Tackling climate change 45 31 18 35

Fighting terrorism and international crime 46 48 20 33

International trade and protection against unfair competition 44 37 23 41

Standards of workers’ rights 40 28 29 58

Relations with countries outside the European Union 36 26 33 56

Farming and agriculture 26 14 42 71

Regulating banks and financial institutions 20 17 47 64

Immigration 17 10 51 76

Table 2

Very/fairly Convincing Very/fairly unconvincing How convincing or unconvincing do you find the following statements in 18–34 60+ 18–34 60+ favour of the European Union (EU)? %

It has given people the freedom to travel, work and live in other EU countries 60 61 7 16

The EU has agreed common standards of workers’ rights, consumer protection and 48 32 15 38 played an important role in guaranteeing the social rights of individual citizens

Co-operation between EU countries is the best way to tackle the big issues of our 49 41 18 30 time, like climate change, the global financial crisis and international terrorism

The EU has helped keep peace in western Europe since the second world war 47 44 17 29

The EU gives individual countries greater bargaining power together in their 45 32 18 36 global negotiations

The European Union has helped free trade between EU countries and has made 44 29 19 43 the countries richer and more prosperous as a consequence

We are all Europeans together as much as we are British, Swedish, German or 32 33 35 37 Spanish. It is important that these common bonds are recognised

stract notion involving national statistics. 43 per cent of the over-60s could identify Half a century ago, the big argument for Perhaps the most telling pair of generation any advantages; the other 57 per cent said Europe coming together was to escape the gap numbers in our survey came when we “none” (51 per cent) or “don’t know” (6 shadow of war and to build a stable peace. asked people to identify which features of per cent). The responses of the under-35s Those days are now gone. The EU stands or EU membership benefited them person- were very different: As many as 72 per falls according to its ability to improve peo- ally. Not surprisingly, freedom of travel cent could identify at least one practical ple’s daily lives. And whereas the over-60s’ comes top, followed by such employment advantage for them personally; only 28 per verdict on this is broadly negative, among rights as working hours and holiday pay. cent could not (“none”: 19 per cent, “don’t the under-35s it is clearly positive. F But the really striking finding is that only know”: 9 per cent).

7 / Next Generation Europe seek to reform the EU so that it continues To be successful and attract greater to best serve their needs. public support, the EU must be outward- One explanation for young people’s looking and wary of any retreat towards the support for the EU is their increased supposed reassurance of protectionism. internationalism, which makes them more Some commentators might argue that receptive to the principle of co-operation as people get older, they tend to move with other countries. Without doubt, to the right politically and therefore The digital age of increasing globalisation and the impact of become more Eurosceptic. The YouGov the digital revolution have played a role in polling certainly finds the highest levels of European politics shaping these attitudes. It is therefore no Eurosceptiscism in the oldest age groups. There is a risk the EU will become surprise that young people, who have lived However, the fundamental changes that their lives exclusively in the digital era, are have taken place in recent decades with overly introspective in the wake of the most pro-European. Indeed, the gap regard to access to communications and the eurozone crisis. To retain and today between the experience of a young information constitute a major genera- build on young people’s support, it person growing up and the experience tional shift. The digital era has dramati- needs to remain outward-looking, their parents had growing up a generation cally modified the terms of debate and ago is perhaps as great as at any time in altered how young people view the world writes Emma Reynolds history. and their own country. Without doubt, the immediate inter-connectedness Young people clearly now available through social media has changed the way people communicate ro-europeans should be buoyed believe that the EU is one but also the way young people regard the Pby findings of the Fabian Society/ of the best tools the UK challenges that we face. FES polling into attitudes to the EU, and These trends are deep rooted and so it the Labour party should be particularly has for tackling global would seem wrong to assume, as has been encouraged. challenges done in the past, that with age this group is According to the poll, young people are likely to become more Eurosceptic. Perhaps more likely to support Britain’s member- the logic which applied to previous genera- ship of the EU than older age groups. They Today, young people are more likely to tions is no longer relevant. are also overwhelmingly supportive of see policy challenges as extending beyond Only time will tell if this is truly the case, some of the EU’s founding key principles, national borders and as a result see the EU but if the current age group do not become such as the freedom to travel, work and as more important than older age groups. more Eurosceptic, it will have a significant live anywhere across the Union. Moreover, This is certainly supported by evidence bearing on the tone of public debate about they believe that the UK is better equipped from the poll which shows that young Britain’s future in the EU. to tackle global challenges as a member of people clearly believe that the EU is one The political power of young people is the EU. of the best tools the UK has for tackling often weakened because they tend to turn These findings show that the supposed global challenges such as climate change, out to vote in fewer numbers. It is therefore evils of Britain’s EU membership – often terrorism and international trade. important that Labour and the wider pro- emphasised by sections of the media and But it is not enough to simply be in European movement continue to engage the Conservative party – are not how most favour of the status quo or allow our younger age groups in the debate on the young people in the UK see it. Although pro-Europeanism to blind us to some of EU. Simply because they may not vote in the eurozone crisis has reinforced existing the weaknesses in the way the EU works large numbers is not an excuse to disregard Eurosceptic attitudes among some of the today. We must be confident in asserting what should be a key constituency for British public, this does not appear to have that we are on the right side of the argu- promoting Britain’s membership of the EU. had a significant effect on young people’s ment in believing that Britain’s future lies In order to achieve this, we need to view of the EU. at the heart of an effective, progressive and highlight the type of EU which young As a result, polls like this one under- reformed EU. people see as being of benefit to the UK mine the argument that Labour should There is a clear danger that in the wake and to their lives. We must also continue to simply seek to mimic the policy of the of the eurozone crisis and in the struggle advocate a reformed, progressive EU that Conservatives and UKIP towards Europe. to return it to stability, the EU will become is outward-looking and capable of tackling To do so would be a betrayal of young overly inward-looking. Whilst restoring global challenges. people, who clearly enjoy the benefits of economic stability and prosperity must Retaining and building on young peo- EU membership and whose future will be remain the short-term priority of the EU, ple’s support for Britain’s membership of determined by the decisions we take today. it is clear that the EU must also focus on the EU will, in time, strongly benefit the Instead we must identify the reasons why some of the pressing, external challenges pro-European case. F younger people are more pro-European, facing Europe. Without doing so, one of the ask what we can do to solidify this support most influential factors in young people’s Emma Reynolds MP is Shadow Europe and look at the ways in which we should support for the EU could be lost. Minister

8 / Fabian Policy Report to bypass this intermediary step in their heads. What we need is not more small print and figures, but a glance at the bigger picture. As products of a competitive society, we have been conditioned to strive to outdo our peers. What the European Union offers in this ‘war of all against all’ is The bigger picture an alternative approach – an approach that puts a premium on co-operation in the face What the next generation of common challenges. needs, argues Kira Huju, is a reason to fight Young Britons have, without conscious consent, inherited a

his is what we are told: half a century heroically obstinate T ago, Europe tore itself apart as a clash island mentality of interests and ideologies ravaged the continent. Out of the ashes of this trauma, so the myth goes, emerged the European I have the dubious honour of chairing Union. Since 1945, the Union has been a pro-European youth organisation in working to mend the bloody wounds of a country in which the obsession with © European Parliament/Pietro Naj-Oleari our collective conscience and to safeguard economic cost-benefit calculations verges our peace and prosperity in the spirit of on a public health issue. UKIP have turned speaking for an entire generation of Finns, conciliation and compromise. Here is the anecdotal, out of context scandalisation I dare claim that the Finnish youth has paradox: it is this very absence of conflict of British spending on an ever-abstract internalised the great cause to a larger and convictions that threatens European Brussels into our generation’s opium for extent. By the time I was let out of high unity today. We are the generation without the people. Young Britons have, without school, I could lose my political temper in a cause. conscious consent, inherited a heroically English, make fun of Merkel in German, As Chair of the Young European Move- obstinate island mentality. Even in the lib- inform myself about the rise of Sweden’s ment London I have prepared myself for eral corridors of London universities, far-right through Swedish news, and read questions like ’What’s in it for me?’, by students plan trips ’to Europe’. I am in Sarkozy’s popularity ratings in French. I learning an exhausting refrain of figures the intrusive habit of asking them where had sat an entire class on the politics of the on the EU’s benefits. Yet I have tired of they were thinking of travelling from, in EU – a class which virtually every student reciting that the European single market that case. specialising in the social sciences was has increased the continent’s overall GDP Again, we need to ensure that the young expected to complete in high school. Such by 2.2 per cent, and nor would I want to are conscious of their ties with a broader a mindset is anathema to most Britons, hear such figures myself if I was still on my community. Although a consoling 62 per but it is easier to devote oneself to a cause personal quest for a cause. I would walk cent of British youth would not vote to when one knows of its existence. Herein right past such obsessive pragmatism. leave the Union, they do not quite seem to lies the key to a more mentally present What we need is a European Union that understand why: a tragic 19 per cent cannot Europe: our generation must be given the grants our causeless generation an identity name a single way in which membership bigger picture. and a reason to fight. benefits them, according to the Fabian/FES Somewhat ironically, the EU already Allow me to sketch out some con- polling. This represents an embarrassing constitutes a great cause in Britain – British tours of the grand European cause. The public relations disaster on the part of the pro-Europeanism manifests all the char- European Union exists today as a tool Union. The youth, quite literally, have the acteristics of counterculture. That is what for us to take charge of globalised and world to gain from the EU: their freedom chairing a pro-European organisation here supranational processes. It exists because to study and work abroad has never been feels like: rebellion. This sense of nearly somebody must pioneer action against more grounded in reality, with the Erasmus foolhardy determination needs to be redis- climate change, top the charts in develop- programme having funded nearly 3 million covered across Europe. Earlier generations ment aid and spearhead negotiations for cultural epiphanies since 1987. It is also us grew up campaigning for peace or rising up an arms ban treaty. The European Union who pay the bill if international efforts on against dictatorship. They each had their is valuable for the youth of today as an environmental protection, immigration, or grand narrative to harbour. Why should intermediary between the national and financial regulation founder. our generation settle for anything less? F the global. We are cosmopolitan by virtue Perhaps the tragedy is a national of being European. Yet the perceived petti- one: not all countries breed offspring as Kira Huju is Chair of the Young European ness of European bureaucracy leads many self-contained as Britain. At the risk of Movement London

9 / Next Generation Europe disruption in my life. The only bureaucracy this brought upon me came from bills and bank cards and not much else. Back in Athens I have (or used to have, pre-crisis) friends who had moved from Germany, France, Britain, you name it. And this is all too natural to us. We expect to be able to Our Europe? just cross borders, both literally and meta- phorically, without much fuss. The idea To build support for the EU, we of isolation, geographical or otherwise, is need to make a better Europe writes unsettling. Many of us, even without our Yiannis Baboulias direct knowledge, depend financially on the freedoms the EU provides us with. This is a millenial-specific mindset.

t’s a strange time to be arguing for Young people must Iincreased and consistent support for the grand European project, the EU. If any- support policy change on thing, we risk sounding irrelevant or even a European level, as pro- worse, blinkered ideologues. The latest country caught in the euro- austerity governments look zone crisis – Cyprus – will have to impose likely to start toppling one

a bank levy on deposits over €100,000 and © Julien Lagarde the price looks likely to be as high as 30 per after the other within the cent, a move that will destroy confidence next few years Even disaffected Britons who see no in other crisis-hit countries. As austerity benefit in the single market must realise deepens, those countries increasingly walk There is a common theme in the reac- that the EU was designed to be a safeguard the rope of fascism as extremist parties rise, tions you get from people in my age group for democracy and peace in Europe. Isola- and banks run amok. when it comes to the EU and the possibil- tion is never the answer when this is the For many affected by the crisis it seems ity of our country (be it Britain or Greece) target. British involvement in the Euro- like the EU is nothing more than a face- abandoning it and exiting. I would pin it pean commons that departs from the usual less, unaccountable body of bureaucrats, down as a sense of dread. Millennials have cherry-picking attitude the Tory leadership that works against all but a few chosen barely had any experiences outside this is trying to spin, could set the path for the industries like banking. context: we grew up with the idea that we UK to become a leader instead of an ‘out- Despite the financial mayhem taking could study, work and live anywhere in Eu- sider’. And it could lead, within the decade, place in the south and images of riots and rope. How did we come to the point where to the formation of a solid anti-austerity long queues outside soup kitchens in the we’re seriously debating the possibility of front inside the EU, after the Tories’ likely media – and while here in London, food individual countries giving it up? defeat in 2015. banks have become a necessity for way The main question is: do we want to The British pro-EU youth has to fight more Britons than we feel comfortable leave the EU or do we want to leave this a battle on two fronts. On the one side admitting – this poll for the Fabian Society/ EU? Turning our backs on the current Labour, likely to win the 2015 election, FES shows that under-35s are, in their ma- corporatocracy seems like a compelling needs to be pushed, through a build up jority, positive towards the UK’s future in argument, but where would that leave Brit- of pressure, into adopting a daring and the EU. How did this come about? ain, Greece, Cyprus or any other country strong position in EU matters and forego As someone who sits comfortably in the that might decide to take the step first? the populist Tory spin. By doing this the middle of that age group, I feel that what The case has been made before that in a UK could reclaim the leading role it lost in this generation has figured out is a simple world of giants, we can’t remain dwarves the last three years. And on the other hand, truth that our parents haven’t: we feel that for much longer. young people must support policy change the EU has been hijacked. Like many of The problem is that for many people it on a European level, as pro-austerity gov- the institutions initially founded to make often feels like that there is no real incen- ernments look likely to start toppling one life better for millions, the EU has been tive for engaging with the EU. This leads after the other within the next few years. taken over by vested interests, turning down a dangerous path where the EU may A daring leadership that will adopt this what should be a hug in to a strangling slip away from our hands, to the hands approach can be sure to find allies in those embrace. But still we move around in it. of banks and lobbies. The support young who want to reform the EU. F I am writing this from London, where Britons show for the EU could be a catalyst I’ve lived, studied and worked for five years in the long term for a better, more account- Yiannis Baboulias is a Greek now. At times, I left for months. A full year able Europe. Reforming the EU will require investigative journalist writing on finance, at one point. But this has brought minimal us to stick with it and see it through. politics and pop culture

10 / Fabian Policy Report parliament reflect the political choices sations) represents a great opportunity for expressed by the voters. The mobilisation citizens to take part in the shaping of the of transnational parties would give more EU legislation. political significance to European parlia- Direct participation should not, how- mentary elections and also offer citizens ever, be limited to consultation. Participa- the chance to become active at European tion is sometimes limited to inviting the levels by pushing forward their issues on public to respond to pre-established policy With arms the European agenda. agendas, following the institutions’ objec- This participation of EU citizens through tives rather than engaging the citizens outstretched their representatives in the European in a two-way conversation in which the parliament shouldn’t be neglected. In the public and institutions can work together With a year to go before the past, the European parliament has acted in to define their priorities. European elections, Pauline Gessant several areas of specific interest for young That’s why the young people should looks at the progress the European people (anti-counterfeiting trade agree- seize the opportunity offered by the Euro- Union has made in opening its ment (ACTA) regulation, costs of roaming pean Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) introduced by arms to its citizens services) and shown that it can have a real the Lisbon treaty. The ECI is one of the first impact on the decision-making process. supranational democratic tools in world his- And so, EU citizens can influence EU poli- tory. It allows the EU’s one million citizens cies by lobbying candidates and members to submit any appropriate proposal on mat- of the European parliament. ters they consider a legal act of the Union espite the best efforts of European is required. This innovation has even been Dpoliticians – and the foundational Transnational parties noticed by The New York Times, which ran a statement of the European Union treaty headline “Europe Turns Ear Toward Voice of that “every citizen shall have the right to would give more political the People” in July 2010. The ECI opens up participate in the democratic life of the significance to European the possibility for citizens to become active Union” – it’s still said that the EU suffers in a novel way. This new popular right cre- from a democratic deficit. If we are to parliamentary elections ates a direct link between citizens and the move toward a new stage of representative institutions, allowing citizens direct access democracy and generate greater legitimacy Nevertheless it’s dangerous to see the to the decision-making process at EU level for the EU, we must develop the European direct election of the European parliament and offers the first transnational way for political life. To do this, we need a real Euro- as the only answer. Further mechanisms political agenda setting. pean political party system, true European must be incorporated at a European level in Through ECI, civil society can make elections and better participatory tools. order to meet the demands for democratic European parties and institutions sit up The introduction of real party democracy participation: obligatory consultation at and listen to important issues which are in Europe, including Europe-wide political all stages of policy formation, full rights being ignored. The ECI can thus help to programmes and candidates standing for to information, including the right to pose develop a European common public space election as representatives of European questions to the institutions, and rights to and bridge the gap between the European political parties, will make European po- initiate policy suggestions and legislation. Union and its citizens. Some of the cur- litical life more open and inclusive, as well Some European programmes such as rent proposals through the ECI have been as subject to greater transparency and ‘Europe for Citizens’ and ‘Youth in Action’ launched by young people, such as ‘Frater- public scrutiny. Such European political are devoted to active European citizenship nity 2020’ which wants to enhance EU ex- parties should run in European elections, and so should be better funded, through change programmes – like Erasmus or the presenting their visions and proposals on a different distribution of the budget and/ European Voluntary Service (EVS) – or the European issues and putting forward their or from an increase in the EU budget from ‘Single Communication Tariff Act’, which candidates for the presidency of the future taxes such as financial or carbon taxes, asks for one unique all-inclusive, monthly European commission. Such changes in as they support a wide range of activities flat-rate communication tariff within the the behaviour of European parties do not and organisations promoting active Euro- boundaries of the European Union. require treaty reform but will allow a wide pean citizenship. 2013 is the European Year of Citizens – a discussion of European affairs and will Besides, the commission already year dedicated to the rights of people in force the European parties to present their provides several ways to participate in Europe. One year before the European positive vision of a European future that EU-wide debates, above all through its elections, this provides a particularly timely includes the needs and demands of the website, ‘Your voice in Europe’, which is opportunity to raise awareness about the younger generation. an open door to the EC consultations. The possibilities of European democracy and Only if MEPs and the president of consultation of the economic and social foster new ways of participating in and the commission are elected on the basis committee and the committee of regions contributing to EU policy making. F of a clear European campaign and not and also the so-called civil society and in- particular national interest, will the Euro- terest groups (first and foremost the Youth Pauline Gessant is President of the Young pean elections and the resulting European Forum which represents 97 youth organi- European Federalists (JEF)

11 / Next Generation Europe © Franzi Richter Politicise, personalise, regionalise It’s not lack of information that stops young people voting in European elections, but the absence of political alternatives say Johanna Uekermann, Judith Klose and Matthias Ecke

Johanna Uekermann is Deputy Chairman of the youth organisation of the Social Democratic Party of Germany – Jusos

12 / Fabian Policy Report Johanna Uekermann photo re young people eager to shape the lack of information, but from the absence filiation is lost. Maybe a personalised elec- Afuture of Europe? If you look at the of political alternatives. European elections tion system on the basis of proportional turnout of the recent European elections are not controversial enough. Despite the representation as in Germany could be the answer is no. Only 29 per cent of people power of the European parliament, major an alternative. The current situation is aged 24 or younger voted in European elec- national policymakers still treat European not satisfactory: in most of the member tions in 2009. elections as ‘second order elections’. The states the country as a whole is the only This isn’t just a phenomenon particular only political controversies are national; they constituency, so it is up to national parties to European elections: young people vote do not argue over the future development of how they set up their election list. We need less often than their older fellow citizens the Union as such. How should we shape a level playing field in the electoral law for for all kinds of elections. In Germany, European social and economic policy? What the European election when it comes to national election turnout figures show that is the EU’s role in the world? What should election lists. 80 per cent of the voters in the age group our common asylum policy look like? On Jusos – the youth organisation of the between 60 and 70 exercise their voting these questions, conflict is often barely German SPD – join a common European rights, while only roughly 60 per cent aged perceptible; there are only nuanced differ- youth campaign, as part of the Young Eu- 25 and under do so. In Britain the voting ences, far away from the antagonistic nar- ropean Socialists, our European umbrella turnout of young people is even lower. In ratives parties tend to tell during national organisation. We all need a platform with 2010, only 44 per cent of voters between 18 election campaigns. The Party of European common goals and themes that are im- and 24 took part in the general election. The Socialists (PES) did not even present its own portant for all European young people; a portion of women in this age is yet smaller: candidate for the president of the European platform that shows the political alterna- 39 per cent. commission in 2009. This message sounds tive in Europe and creates a high visibility But turnout in national elections is, in like: ‘Don’t bother voting, there is no choice among young voters. With our three pillars general, always higher than in European anyway…’. ‘employment, democratic economy and ones. In 2009 this applied to all countries inclusive democracy’ all young socialists will and is becoming more severe. While 63 per focus on topics that are directly connected cent of people voted in the first European In times of financial to the real lives of young people. We will elections 1979 only 43 per cent voted, on crisis, austerity seemed show the European perspective in each case average, in 2009. and the difference to the other parties. If In light of these trends, one might expect the only political solution we all work together and for specific goals young people to abstain disproportionally we can set the media and political agenda. from voting in European elections. But this in Europe – no matter The European campaign also includes a call presumption does not stand up to close for young candidates. Young people need to scrutiny: the age gap is in fact smaller in Eu- how it affects the poor identify with their elected representatives. ropean elections, since the drop in turnout is and the young Otherwise the gap between them and the relatively sharper among older voters. political elite will grow. Young European Given these numbers, we see that the Socialists will start a pre-campaign that says problem of young people abstaining is more More controversy is the way to get more “We want young MEPs!”. or less derived from the general problem of participation. In the words of a resolution Another example is the European neglect faced by the European parliament adopted during the recent Congress of ‘Rise Up’ campaign Jusos started in 2012. in its elections. But why do people ignore Young European Socialists that means ‘Be- Together with 11 partner organisations European elections so widely? ing the alternative, acting towards it!’ We especially from countries hit hard by the Some say it’s because people don’t suggest a threefold approach. financial crisis like Spain and Italy we as know what’s at stake. They don’t grasp the First, politicise! Let everyone know there young political activists called for a ‘Europe importance of European elections. They is an alternative direction. Make the Euro- of jobs, democracy and ecology’. In times don’t know the influence the European pean election more political, show clear dif- of financial crisis, austerity seemed the only Union has or how the decisions of the Eu- ferences and escalate conflicts. Don’t worry: political solution in Europe – no matter how ropean parliament, in particular, affect their cooperation within the parliament will still it affects the poor and the young. With ‘Rise everyday lives. Legislation is undoubtedly be possible even after a tough campaign. Up’ we try to show a political alternative. Europeanised: around half of our national Second, personalise! Present an alterna- The priority in Europe for us is the fight laws are shaped or changed by decisions in tive for the president of the commission. against unemployment, the preservation of Brussels. However, people lack knowledge Make them connected to a pan-European a high level of welfare and the decrease of about the European parliament, and the campaign for an alternative Europe. Don’t greenhouse gas emissions. Democracy and way the European institutions work. In this bother with nationalist sentiments. Present the will of European people must count view, what is necessary is a Europe-wide the candidate as a strong proponent of your more than decisions of the markets, rating information campaign, more media cover- respective political view. agencies and finance. age and a general increase in awareness for Third, regionalise! Make local MEPs Jusos shows the European public that European issues in national debate. and candidates more visible and locally Germany is not the same as Angela Merkel. We reject this analysis. We think that accountable. We question the notion of a With voting you can change politics and its European elections not only suffer from a cross-European list where any regional af- effect on your life. F

13 / Next Generation Europe Unemployment and immigration: a recipe for Euroscepticism?

With youth unemployment high, might young Brits become more susceptible to Euroscepticism, if pulling out of the EU is seen as the only way to regain control of our borders? Brhmie Balaram outlines the alternative policy responses

Brhmie Balaram is a researcher at IPPR @BrhmieB

14 / Fabian Policy Report arlier this year, David Cameron of whether these young people would be pressure in markets which are, at present, Epledged to hold an ‘in-out referendum’ justified in making such a compromise. particularly unkind to young people. With on Europe if the Conservatives win the The impact of European immigration on the eurozone crisis still barely held at bay, it election in 2015. This may appease an older youth unemployment in the UK has been can be expected that young people will con- generation of Tory voters who fear the UK hotly debated since the number of Poles tinue to face higher rates of labour market has surrendered its sovereignty to Brussels, migrating to the UK in 2004 vastly exceeded turnover and may be forced to spend time particularly over its borders, but Britain’s estimates. The likes of MigrationWatch have moving between jobs before they can settle youth remain unconvinced an exit would be inferred that a correlation between rising into a stable career. Rather than resort to best for the nation. immigration and youth unemployment is closing borders – which might exacerbate As the Fabian/FES YouGov poll shows, “more than a coincidence.” There is specu- the problem by stifling growth and job there is a clear generational divide when lation that eastern Europeans are actually creation – there are other labour market it comes to the question of Europe, with causing displacement of young Brits in the interventions that governments at both a young people much more likely to vote ‘yes’ labour market. national and EU-level can pursue. to EU membership in a referendum. On the home front, Labour recently Growing resentment over EU im- announced that one of its priorities will be migration may in part explain why older The government should enforcing the national minimum wage. respondents are nearly twice as likely to be respect that young people Not only will this prevent employers from Eurosceptics as their younger counterparts. exploiting vulnerable migrants, but it will Older people are also more sceptical about are committed to a help to maintain a level of fairness between free movement, a central tenet of belong- migrants and natives. Considering that there ing to the EU. Another YouGov poll for relationship with the EU hasn’t been a single prosecution of employ- The Sunday Times asked whether the British ers paying below the minimum wage for the government should act to restrict the right There is no evidence to support this last two years, it seems apparent that govern- of Bulgarian and Romanian citizens to come claim – reduced immigration would do ment should be doing more on this issue. and live in the UK, even if it means breaking little to help young unemployed people At an EU-level, common standards EU laws. On this question, an overwhelm- find work (and indeed might harm their on workers’ rights could be expanded to ing three-quarters of young people between chances by limiting growth still further). encompass provisions which regulate the the ages of 18–24 disagreed, but only a third However, the presence of high levels of hyper-flexibility of the labour market. In of people over the age of 60 felt similarly. youth unemployment alongside high addition to the existing laws on holiday pay Free movement to live and work in an- levels of relatively-unskilled migration and limitations to working hours that have other country is understood by young Brits from Europe does suggest that something served British people well, the EU could do to be a positive extension of membership to is going wrong in the UK labour market. more to rein in exploitative practices, such the EU, and is certainly a benefit more rec- Youth unemployment in the UK is more as the use of zero-hour contracts. The pre- ognisable to individuals than free trade or likely to be explained by a changing focus cariousness of work is more acute for young collective bargaining in global negotiations. of back-to-work support in the unemploy- people on zero-hour contracts because But it can also stoke fears about competi- ment benefits system, an increasingly while they are expected to be available to tion for jobs and undercutting of wages. The difficult transition from education to work, work, they aren’t guaranteed any hours. thinktank British Future has suggested that and ‘credentialism’ (employers requiring This may explain in part why migrants are differences in people’s attitudes towards higher qualifications than necessary to willing to accept jobs that young natives immigration reflect general economic screen for successful candidates) than it is aren’t. Employers should instead be encour- insecurity, with particular groups such as by immigration. Furthermore, if we were aged to offer steadier work, even if part time the white working class and older people to assume that eastern European immigra- and/or temporary, if it means young people more likely to feel economically insecure tion affected the employment prospects of can feel more secure within their job. and consequently concerned about im- young British workers, we would be hard Euroscepticism might be seen by politi- migration. With youth unemployment high pressed to account for the steep rises in cians as an easy way to win over UKIP sup- (at about 21 per cent for those aged 16–24), youth unemployment in other ‘old’ EU porters and reassure some older voters in the concern now is that young Brits might countries, such as Spain and Greece, which particular. But the perspective of young Brits become more susceptible to anti-immigrant have not experienced very high levels of also matters here, as they will be the ones sentiment and Euroscepticism, if pulling out migration from eastern Europe, as well as dealing with the long-term consequences of of the EU is seen as the only way to regain the converse in Germany – a country with decisions made in the coming years about control of our borders. relatively low levels of youth unemploy- the UK’s membership of the EU. The gov- The tide of young optimism about the EU ment alongside high migration from Poland ernment should respect that young people does appear to be faltering. When polled, and other countries. are committed to a relationship with the EU, almost half (47 per cent) of 18–34-year-olds The truth is youth unemployment isn’t and should seek to strengthen this commit- said they would be happy for their ability to confined to the UK, but is an EU-wide ment through European co-operation that work in other countries to be restricted if it problem. In certain countries, such as Spain works in their best interests rather than meant that other EU citizens could not come and Italy, free movement to work elsewhere undermining it by scaremongering about to Britain so easily. This raises the question on the continent has alleviated some of the immigration. F

15 / Next Generation Europe a substantial proportion of its allocation offering advice to young people on mov- domestically. Some is retained by the ing away from gangs. commission to address shared priorities. Using the design work of the young This forms part of annual programmes of people with the support of the council, work that public bodies or not for profit leaflets were produced offering advice Case study organisations can bid for in partnership to parents on how to spot the signs of with other organisations in the EU. gang involvement and a separate leaflet for professionals to show local services The Youth Secure The Youth Secure Streets Project to which at risk young people can be Streets Project (YUS) referred. The young people appeared Inclusion and the Municipality of Cordo- on two radio stations, Avenues FM Transnational and European ba in Spain were approached by Progetti and Reprezent FM talking about their Sociali, a not for profit social enterprise campaign and one had an interview with social projects done by bodies like in Italy, to participate in an anti-violence BBC London. For all their hard work, the Inclusion are not just an academic project. It was part of a programme run young people were afforded a number exercise. By learning from each by the Justice Directorate at the commis- of recreational opportunities they might other we may be able to offer sion called ‘Daphne’, the overall aim of not otherwise have, including an activities weekend in the countryside. some answers to severe social which is to prevent and combat violence against children and women. As the project developed, although the problems affecting all member Informed by an initial evidence cultural and social circumstances differed states, writes Lydia Finnegan review of best practice in tackling youth greatly across the three European cities, violence, there were two main elements the activities and issues arising were very to the project. The first was the establish- similar. Young people did engage enthu- ment of a task force of local residents and siastically in the campaign, local people orking on european funded pro- interested organisations to address local – including local authorities – did commit W jects, and transnational work in concerns and to develop a strategy for ad- to developing a local strategy. particular, offers an opportunity to step dressing them. The second was working back and take a different view of issues with local young people in developing an The added value of the and how to tackle them. These projects anti-violence campaign for their peers. transnational dimension are more flexible than mainstream fund- Inclusion worked with Westminster city The project fulfilled its specific tasks but ing can generally be and offer opportuni- council and the campaign became inte- its impact was much broader than that. ties to try new things or do things in a grated into a wider co-ordinated strategy Between us we have now established a different way. The transnational element the council were already working on to body of practice in this field which can be encourages the cross-fertilisation of tackle youth violence. Youth violence in used by any organisation in any member ideas and good practice. Pescara and Cordoba is a relatively new state. Our shared experiences offer phenomenon on an altogether differ- help to organisations working in differ- Inclusion across borders ent scale. The three projects, however, ent countries and different social and The Centre for Economic and Social offered a broad set of circumstances – economic circumstances. Final reports Inclusion (Inclusion) is a not for profit inner-city, urban and rural – in which to and recommendations for all Daphne organisation working to promote social engage local disadvantaged youth. projects are available on the Daphne justice and tackle disadvantage. A sig- The UK arm of the project saw website and will be referred to over time nificant number of Inclusion’s projects Inclusion staff working with a group of as practice is developed in this particular are European collaborations, which seek young people living on housing estates field. Strategically, the Justice Directorate to test new social policy interventions to in Westminster, mainly in the south uses these experiences to help shape its help the most disadvantaged. Inclusion of the borough. Some had very chal- policy priorities and programme design. runs a transnational network of organi- lenging behaviours; others did not. The The relevance and importance of this sations called the European Offender unifying issue was that they all lived in type of work was brought home to us Employment Forum, which works in the parts of the borough with relatively high mid-way through this project when a 16 offender employment field and has led levels of social deprivation. They were year old, who lived on the estate where or participated in transnational partner- given the opportunity to learn new skills we were working, was stabbed to death. ships for many years. through sessions with graphic designers, The work that we do on these projects The European commission proposes communications professionals, a film is not simply an academic exercise. By overall strategies, policy priorities, and production team and an audio produc- learning from each other we may be able the overall budget for the EU approxi- tion company, and to grow in confidence to offer some answers to severe social mately every seven years – this is hap- from socialising with new people and problems affecting all member states. F pening now and the UK is negotiating making new friends. The products were hard to limit the size of the budget. Each a range of materials spreading the anti Lydia Finnegan is International Research member state receives and administers violence message, including a website and Policy Adviser at Inclusion

16 / Fabian Policy Report include young people that may not yet and that in fact is probably much more care about politics, that do not feel that beneficial to have a devil’s advocate to it affects them nor believe that they can ensure discussions are grounded in have an influence. realistic and genuinely implementable Since I joined the EYP eight years ideas. This exchange is probably one Case study ago, inclusivity has become one of the of the most valuable benefits that the organisation’s core objectives. Costs are EYP and similar organisations offer. brought down to a minimum and often From a personal point of view, it was, The European completely subsidised; EYP alumni and still remains, fascinating to hear Youth Parliament travel to schools; and conferences are the completely contrasting viewpoints hosted in the local language to include that different delegates hold and, how Former European Youth Parliament and encourage more people to take richly culture and upbringing can part, without the pressure of French/ shape opinion. President Gillian O’Halloran English linguistic ability (the EYP’s looks at how it and other working languages). The whole point of What are the real implications of youth organisations can help the project is to get people involved; to all this youth participation at the young people feel capable and make young people across Europe feel societal level? comfortable speaking their minds that there is a facility in which they can Well, imagine living in a country share opinions and ideas, in which they where all citizens felt capable of and can challenge and be challenged, with compelled to engage in the decisions which they can better understand their that shaped their society, where people argely uninterested in and oblivi- neighbours, who ultimately are very knew how best to address the apparent Lous to politics, the youth of today similar and often like minded. Crucially, failings of their predecessors and the are viewed as an apathetic and thank- by integrating more groups in society at mechanisms of how to rectify such mis- less bunch. It is only when negotiations youth level, we exponentially increase takes. Imagine if all tiers of society were have broken down, or seem impossible the probability of acquiring greater and equally represented politically, if those in the first instance, that young people more balanced representations in the that needed a voice had ample support, appear to act: democracy in the Arab future of national politics. encouragement and know-how in states and gun control in the US are These organisations often look to representing their needs and obtaining causes that have recently gathered expand their reach and encourage youth satisfactory justice. We don’t live in mass crowds. But although many wait who may otherwise be unaware of such that society, and realistically we never until boiling point, there are also youth platforms and/or less likely to participate will. Yet the knowledge that there is a initiatives providing platforms on which in them. But changing the perceptions of growing number of interested youths young people can express opinions and whole sectors of society is a mammoth who will evolve into conscientious vot- discuss ideas. task and requires co-operation with ers (and possibly leaders) means that The European Youth Parliament schools, which often battle for sufficient injustices like those we are so familiar (EYP) is one such body that has been contact time for curriculum education, with today may diminish. promoting political awareness and cross- let alone extra curricular endeavours. Being apolitical, the EYP asks par- cultural understanding for more than 25 While we continue to brainstorm how ticipants to speak for themselves, to years. As a non-partisan and independ- best to tackle this challenge and attract represent their own views without a ent educational project that is tailored new attention, word of mouth still seems political agenda. It has made me and my specifically to the needs of the young most effective to share the enthusiasm, contemporaries feel that we can access European citizen, the EYP encourages as was the case with me. and influence national and international independent thinking and socio-political political institutions with hard work and initiative in young people and facilitates What can the European Youth little resistance. No matter how the EYP the learning of crucial social and profes- Parliament do for young people? or any other organisation chooses to sional skills. The EYP aims for consensus-based do so, it is vital that young people feel decision-making. To continually reach capable and comfortable speaking their What are the European Youth consensus and try to better understand minds and are aware that there are Parliament’s core objectives? others’ perspectives and explain one’s welcoming platforms from which to do The EYP provides an excellent platform own more accurately is an important so. There remains however a worrying for those that know about it and choose skill, which invites creativity and majority of young people that do not to get involved. It seems understand- concentration as well as compromise. know about or care to engage in political able that people who may already have Interestingly, it forces delegates to listen activity; the EYP continues to play its exposure via school and family ties to to what others have to say and indeed part in changing that. F politics, would access such an idea- to justify their own proposals with facts. sharing platform. It therefore remains of You do not need to be pro-Europe to Gillian O’Halloran is the former President great importance to expand this pool to enjoy and participate in this platform, of the European Youth Parliament

17 / Next Generation Europe 18 / Fabian Policy Report