Brussels, 18/05/2015 (Agence Europe) - Strengthening democratic and civic values in young people using modern, attention-grabbing means is crucial if our youth are not to lose interest in political life or, worse, become radicalised by extremist movements. The low turnout in local, regional and European elections is worrying and, with this in mind, youth ministers held a public debate on Monday 18 May on the political involvement of young people.
Ministers discussed the conclusions of the European Youth Conference in Riga on 25-26 March as part of the structured dialogue. These conclusions suggest ways to win back young people's confidence in European values.
“We will try to keep our word to young people. … The task that awaits us is on different levels: eliminating technical obstacles, communication problems (…) and above all listening to young people and hearing what they have to say”, stated Latvian Education Minister Marite Seile (our translation).
Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Commissioner Tibor Navracsics underlined how essential it is to encourage young people to take part in European political life and said that more had to be done. European funds will be used to promote teacher and youth organisation mobility, increase volunteering and develop joint projects, he promised.
During the debate, ministers spoke about the obstacles to the involvement of young people in civic life: out-of-date, unattractive and off-putting communication tools, poor social inclusion for the most disadvantaged young people, and the widespread feeling among young people that they are not listened to were among those highlighted. Interactive means of communication have to be used that young people like and use, such as social networks, and educators have to become genuine links between young people and political decision-makers. The role of youth work is key to building and strengthening active citizenship and civic values and more has to be invested in developing youth work bodies and activities, with the support of the Erasmus+ programme and across sectors, most ministers felt.
Several member states provided examples of initiatives which they have put into action in schools and also in non-formal bodies so as to encourage young people to become more involved in the democratic process. Luxembourg has already indicated that it will continue the debate on the involvement of young people in civic life over the course of the next six months when it will hold the presidency of the European Council, and it expects a resolution to be adopted. (Isabelle Lamberty)