EYP Talk - Your voice on Europe's future. This is the online forum of the European Youth Parliament in the UK.

Are leaders in Europe listening?

Are leaders in Europe listening?

The panellists in this discussion are:

Alyn Smith MEP, Scotland

Alyn Smith is a Scottish National Party MEP and represents Scotland in the European Parliament. Elected in 2004 Alyn at 33 is the Scotland’s youngest MEP. He is the SNP spokesman on Europe and a member of the party’s national executive. He is also President of the Young Scots for Independence and supports lowering the voting age to 16. Alyn is a member of the Regional Development and Industry, Research and Energy Committees in the European Parliament.

Diana Wallis MEP, Yorkshire and the Humber

Diana Wallis was was first elected as an MEP in 1999. She is a Vice President of the European Parliament and the Liberal Democrats’ spokesperson on Legal Affairs and Petitions.

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previous discussion

Apathy

Posted by Michael Leyland on 04/02/2007 - 14:47

Whilst I can see where Richard is coming from on this one, I think the title of the post ‘I, personally, am apathetic’ hints at a more widescale problem which affects all modern democracies and that is the problem of apathy, particularly amongst young people. Most young people, including many of my friends, simply do not care about politics of any sort. Indeed, it is not just the EU which fails to inspire young people to get interested in politics, whether it be a European election, a general election or even a student’s union election people just do not care enough to a) take an interest and b) vote. As Alyn Smith quite rightly points out ‘democracy is a two way street’ and perhaps the true reason why the leaders in Europe are not listening is because we are not giving them anything to listen to.

I, personally, am apathetic

Posted by RichardRoyal on 03/02/2007 - 19:08

I, personally, am apathetic to the idea that discussion, dialogue and debate will lead to the leaders of Europe taking any notice of the youth of Europe, if indeed, anyone save for those who finance their parties. With scandals such as the cash for honours engulfing politics in the UK, and the continent of Europe being rife with nepotism, why should we have any faith in the political leaders? the electoral turn out for the European Parliament elections is ridiclously low, this is not an elected institution that can be classed as truly representative; and as for the commission; we have no say on its silly composition. People dont care about the EU, its not interesting enough because of it the leaders dont need to listen, they can press on with their agendas free from intervention

Are Leaders In Europe Listening?

Posted by Abladey on 01/02/2007 - 22:09

The main issue here is that,in what way is the information or our views being presented to the leaders of today?Are we presenting it in such a way that,we know it will move them to make decisions?And not any decisions but decisions that will make a difference.I personally feel that,the leaders of today aren't really taking young people seriously,but the problem lies with us young people.We need to believe in ourselves,and join forces to make a difference.Thats the only way through which we'll be able to make sure that,we put the right questions to our leaders,in the right way.

Are leaders in Europe listening?

Posted by Diana Wallis on 01/02/2007 - 14:04

I would like to ask for more noise and excitement over the small clause in the Constitutional Treaty that deals with the citizens' right of initiative. If implemented, it would allow one million citizens from several different Member States to suggest a change in European law. This right, above all, makes a reality of bringing Europe closer to its citizens. It builds on the right to petition, and goes much further, since it is a positive right that allows citizens to begin to set the agenda.

People have not waited for the Constitution to be ratified to start exercising their right of initiative. A dozen campaigns are already underway on subjects as diverse as Nuclear energy or a more effective European emergency number (would you know what number to call if you had an accident whilst on holiday in Greece?). Most famously, the "Oneseat" initiative reached a million signatures last September and has put the issue of the Parliament's two seats back on top of the agenda.

Are leaders in Europe listening?

Posted by Alyn Smith on 29/01/2007 - 13:27

Are Europe’s leader’s listening? Maybe. Should they listen? Yes. Can you make them listen? Definitely.

So who are they? If we’re talking about Tony Blair, Jacques Chirac, Angela Merkel and other national leaders then if they’re not listening, it’s up to you to make them listen. Democracy is a two way street.

Most (not all, but most) politicians like talking to the public and like hearing people’s views, even if they don’t agree. If they want you to vote for them, then you can expect them to listen to you. There are a lot of young people across Europe with a lot of votes – that’s an influential position to be in.