#EYE2018 - 8,000 young people in the European Parliament in Strasbourg: 'A breath of fresh air for EU democracy'

European Parliament Vice Presidents Ramón Valcárcel (EPP, ES) and Rainer Wieland (EPP, DE) officially brought to a close last week two days of intense debates, exchanges of ideas and creative performances on Saturday evening in the hemicycle in Strasbourg.

ʺWith your good ideas and your determination to make Europe better, you flooded this Parliament with vitality, colour and enthusiasm and hope. You have been and are, in a word, a breath of fresh air for European democracy,ʺ said Valcárcel.

Ideas on legislative proposals

The 100 best ideas emerging from workshops, debates and meetings, in which 50 MEPs participated, will be included in the EYE2018 report and discussed during special hearings in various parliamentary committees in the autumn.

ʺI think that I speak for all the MEPs who occupy the seats in which you are seated today when I say that we are committed to work so that your ideas come to life and have a real impact on European policy,ʺ said the vice president.

ʺIn return, I ask for one thing, just one: Go and vote in the European elections. Vote for whom you wish, but do vote. Because European democracy needs you to stay alive,ʺ concluded Valcárcel.

Vice President Rainer Wieland (EPP, DE) insisted on the need for continued open dialogue. ʺLet’s listen carefully to each other. Let’s talk more with each other less at each otherʺ, he said, calling upon each and every participant to become a European ambassador for the remaining 50 weeks leading up to the European elections.”

Participatory democracy and more young candidates

Young people’s concerns about employment, security (including social media), the environment and migration challenges were at the centre of numerous debates. Many participants called for more young candidates on the voting lists for the next European elections and for their concerns to be taken into account more effectively during the campaign.

'This Time I’m Voting'

The Parliament created the platform thistimeimvoting.eu to continue the debate and motivate more young people to get involved, get informed and make their voices heard during the European elections in May 2019.

Background

The third European Youth event (EYE) is an international event for young people, by young people (aged 16 to 30). Most activities were created and put together by one of the youth organizations participating, in particular the Yo!Fest in front of the Parliament.