“YOUTH & THE EURO CRISIS”
Europe is being shocked by economic crisis. The engines of European countries are being stopped, debts are growing, and investors are becoming more suspicious. What is the symbol of successful economic and political integration of EU countries? The shadow of economic issues slowly turns into more aggressive political and ideological dilemmas of European Union which come to the stage. Being the voice of European youth, the European Youth Forum and the Party Political Youth Organizations held their joint Board meeting 3 February in Brussels choosing the topic “Youth and The Euro Crisis”. EDS was represented by Chairman Juraj Antal, Vice-chairwoman Ingrid Hopp, Vice-chairman Alexandros Politis, Secretary General Samuli Kauranne, Deputy Secretary General Dace Spelmane, and Policy Director Gintarė Narkevičiūtė.
The afternoon joint meeting was opened by welcoming speech of Jerzy Buzek. The president of European Parliament (ret.) encouraged representatives to build visions of growth and make original proposals for European institutions and look back to the roots of European integration at the same time. As one of the first speakers, Chairman Juraj Antal stated the opinion of EDS that the future of Europe is a knowledge-based society. He also stressed that direct elections of President of European Commission are a priority for EDS. At the same time he stressed that the crisis in Europe has brought the rise of populism, left right and centre in many European Countries.
Talking on behalf of EDS, Gintarė Narkevičiūtė interacted on the thematic discussion on the crisis in Europe of public finance and sovereign debt as well as discussion about the crisis and European governance issues. She underlined that only through being an active part of economic and political union, can we create a strong and trustworthy union for both: members and partners at the global area.
Continuing the active participation, Alexandros Politis gave a speech at the second thematic discussion on the Euro crisis and on the rise “monetary” populism, and their impact on democracy in Europe. Vice-chairman Politis marked that the danger of populism is higher in economically problematic countries, underlining that there is a lack of knowledge in the financial sector. Furthermore, majority of EU citizens are familiar with most of the factors which affect the decisions of particular institutions and heads of governments. As the political structure in European Union is not as clear as it could be, people are susceptible to populist attacks which sell hope by attracting the sentiments of society.
EDS would like to thank the President of the European Youth Forum, Peter Matjasic and the board of EYF for organising this event that was important for the networking of actors of the European party political youth.
EDS is a member association of