The European Youth Parliament members interviewed by Euronews are between 16 and 23 years old and are preparing to vote in the upcoming EU elections for the first time. Climate change, equality, and security are among the top priorities for these politically engaged young voters. Concerns about climate change are shared by many, with Kevin Van Hevel from Belgium expressing a desire to leave a healthy world for future generations. Gabriel Georgiou from Cyprus also emphasizes the importance of addressing the climate emergency, which keeps him awake at night. Sofie Ingrid Stor from the Czech Republic calls for a focus on the Paris climate agreements, as many countries are currently ignoring them.
In addition to climate change, the Russia-Ukraine war is another significant concern for young voters. Niko Juntunen from Finland warns of the increasing aggressiveness of Russia and the potential impact on Europe. Cyberbullying is also highlighted as a serious issue by Maria Politi from Greece, who believes that the EU Parliament should address this problem immediately. With many young people spending a significant amount of time online, the importance of raising awareness about online threats and their impact on mental health is emphasized.
The European Youth Parliament (EYP) is an organization recognized and partially funded by the EU with around 30,000 members across European countries. EYP aims to increase youth political engagement by discussing and making proposals on various topics such as finance, security, and climate. The resolutions put forward by the Youth Parliament are submitted to the EU, with efforts being made to address discrimination and social issues faced by marginalized communities. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done in addressing issues such as unemployment and discrimination based on gender, race, and sexual orientation.
The upcoming EU elections are crucial for increasing voter turnout, especially among younger generations. The final phase of the campaign is expected to feature international stars like Taylor Swift, Rosalía, and Måneskin in an effort to mobilize young voters. It is hoped that the participation of popular artists will draw more attention to the elections and encourage greater involvement from the youth. Overall, the views and priorities of the European Youth Parliament members highlight the importance of addressing climate change, security threats, and social issues in the upcoming elections.
