EPP-CoR members and EPP-CoR Young Elected Politicians met to discuss the valuable role of youths in shaping policies and how youths are working to make their local communities a better place during an #EPPLocalDialogue organized as part of the European Week of Regions and Cities.
Olgierd Geblewicz, President of the EPP-CoR Group and President of West Pomerania Region shared his experience of how youths and experienced politicians can bring about change. "When I became councillor I was young but I was full of ideas, energy and determination. My city was facing growing unemployment. We managed to join my energy with the wisdom and experience of my older friends. Now my city is dynamic with a strong industry and modern businesses like e-commerce."
Lídia Pereira, President of YEPP and MEP EPP Group said "We need youth engagement at all levels of society. We must bring forward young candidates and make sure that more young candidates are elected to renew European politics through a new generation." She stressed the need to use youths and transform their engagement online into interest in politics.
Rozália Biró, EPP Women President, Chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Chamber of Deputies in the Romanian Parliament said "Young people have a key role in our society and achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls is a priority for us. We need more young women to have decision taking positions. It is key to have a real dialogue with youths at local level and help them find the opportunities that they are looking for."
Jelena Drenjanin, EPP-CoR 1st Vice-President spoke on the need to make it possible for young people to engage in politics. "If we want youths to engage in politics, we must rethink politics and change the environment. Local and regional leaders have the opportunity to do this and listen to their voices, opinions and policies. The way to make the EU stronger is by working together with youth."
Radim Sršeň, Deputy Minister for Regional Development, Mayor of Dolní Studénky, EPP-CoR Member said "I was once the youngest mayor in my region. I believe that young people should get engaged in politics and help their community by being part of the local government. We need the young generation to be engaged and transform the rural areas of Europe."
Speaking on the role of think tanks in engaging youths, Anna Nalyvayko, Project officer from the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies said "Nearly all policy decisions have an impact on youths. But they are often excluded from political, economic and social decision-making process. We try to be that bridge and to integrate youth perspectives."
Young local and regional leaders making a difference in their communities
Athanasios Moras Regional councillor, Region of Attica and EPP-CoR YEP said "We need to focus on education, so that young people develop their political thought and recognize the value of democracy and institutions. In this way, politics will be appealing to young people again." He went on to mention a series of project he is working on to make the green and digital transition a reality in Attica.
Tomáš Pavelka, Mayor of Obec Mořice and EPP-CoR YEP said "The beauty of politics in municipalities and regions is that you are close to people and you can see results quickly. I would encourage all youth: you can easily start working for your community and improve the place where you are living."
Youths playing an active role to rebuild Ukraine
Karina Mikelsone, Deputy Chairman of Adazi Municipal Council and EPP-CoR YEP spoke about the role of young people to support Ukraine in EU membership "We feel that #Ukraine is on the same path as Latvia in 2004. We want to support them and today my municipality will sign a memorandum with Slobozhanske in Ukraine to share our experience in preparing for EU accession.
Iryna Shatokhina, Vice-Chairwoman of EDS spoke about the impact of the war in Ukraine on youths. "Youths normally have a lot of dreams but our plans have been crushed by the Russian aggression in Ukraine. We the young people will be next generation to work hard to rebuild our country as an EU member state. I am proud to be the voice of young Ukrainians at European level."