Brussels, 26/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - About 260 young people and policy-makers took part in the EU Youth Conference in Riga on 23-26 February under the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the EU. The aim of the conference was to discuss pathways to youth empowerment for political participation in EU member states, a subject high on the agenda of the trio of Italian, Latvian and Luxembourg presidencies in the youth policy area.
The Latvian Minister for Education and Science, Mârîte Seile explained, “The energy, enthusiasm and creativity of young people form a dynamic force, which can contribute greatly to the growth of Europe. However, only 28% of young people with the right to vote participated in last year's European Parliament elections”. According to the Minister, this is the perfect moment to mobilise young people and stakeholders and reverse the situation, as well as encourage young people to take more of an interest in the European Union's political action. The Minister added, “ Empowering young citizens to become involved in political and decision-making processes benefits democracy, and we should address any barriers that exist in both formal and informal youth engagement”.
Conclusions were adopted at the end of the event. These will be presented to ministers responsible for this subject at the next Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council on 15 May in Brussels. (Isabelle Lamberty)