President Macron, Prime Minister Costa, President Sassoli, Mesdames et Messieurs, ... https://eudebates.tv/debates/special-debates/future-of-europe/future-of-europe-eu-debates-and-citizen-engagement-are-the-key/ Ladies and Gentlemen, This is the task – and the opportunity – ahead of us all. The Conference is for all Europeans to debate a shared vision of what we want our Union to be. Of course, I am conscious that there is always scepticism and cynicism whenever Europe debates its future or launches a project of this nature.
#eudebates #EU #europe #FUTURE #vonderLeyen

So we must ensure it is not an intellectual policy exercise or a closed political compromise. We should be honest that the Conference is not a panacea or a solution to every problem. And we must listen to all voices – whether critical or complimentary – and ensure that we properly follow up on whatever is agreed.

But I do believe that this Conference is a real opportunity to bring Europeans together and to rally around a common ambition for our future just as previous generations did. And we should also not underestimate the power of good that it could do – for people individually and for society as a whole. The point is that the EU must be whatever Europeans want it to be.

Of course, the start of the Conference is not the time to predict or prescribe outcomes. But there are certain dichotomies and issues that we should attempt to resolve. For example, some feel Europe is too close and too involved in their lives. For others it is too far remote or too detached. This is an opportunity for Europeans to help find the right balance. For some, Europe is too institutional or mechanical in the way that it works.

This is an opportunity to see how we can simplify and make it more down to earth where it is needed. For some, the narrative of peace is not as compelling as for others. This is an opportunity to help build a new common purpose for all Europeans. I believe the Conference needs to talk about what makes the EU – what it is. We see how true that is when we look at the world around us – globalised but fragmented, full of contradictions and confrontations. It reminds us of the importance of a shared sense of purpose and that none of us can go it alone.

The pandemic has been traumatic for people in Europe and around the world. It will be a formative part of so many lives and of so many parts of society. And like all trauma, we need to find a way to talk about it if we want to move beyond it. And there is no better way to do that than by offering perspective, hope and an ability to change things for the better.

This is why I believe it is such an important moment for young people in particular to have their say. This pandemic stole more than just a year from them. It stole experiences and emotions that every young person needs. It stole fun and friendships that shape people forever. It stole opportunities from them to grow, to learn and take risks.