In view of the upcoming EU elections in 2024, Ms Isilda GOMES (PES/PT) organised an EU Local Dialogue on youth and elections. The event titled: "Young People & Europe: Knock the Vote for European Progress" managed to engage young individuals in discussions about the future of Europe.
The participants explored various themes relevant to European policy areas, including democracy, social justice, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity. The aim was to empower young voices and encourage their active participation in shaping European policies and decision-making processes at regional and local levels.
The format of the event included interactive panel discussions, Q&A and networking opportunities.
The event focused on increasing awareness among participants about European issues and policies, strengthened networks among young people, and a renewed sense of commitment to building a more inclusive, democratic, and prosperous European Union.
The debate underscored a prevailing concern regarding the disengagement of young people from traditional political structures and their increasing participation in activism on specific issues like climate change, discrimination, and poverty.
A significant theme was the need for political parties to adapt their strategies to better appeal to young voters. Suggestions included lowering the voting age to 16, enhancing the role of young people in political agenda setting, supporting young candidates, and reforming communication strategies to be more inclusive and understandable across a broader audience.
Housing was highlighted as a critical issue, with many calling for it to be recognized as a social right. The complexity of addressing housing market challenges was acknowledged, alongside the need for significant investments in renewable energy to foster an autonomous European energy system and ensure a just transition to sustainable practices.
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