Ms Katrīna Leitāne's working visit to the FR ESEC on youth

Ms Katrīna Leitāne's working visit to the FR ESEC on youth policies in the framework of an exchange programme between the EESC and national ESCs 

Recently, I was invited by the Economic, Social and Environmental Council of France (ESEC) to take part in a two-day exchange programme focused on youth policies. This was a timely opportunity for me to understand better how the French Council contributes to mainstreaming youth perspective in policy decision-making. A member of the Students and Youth Group (Mr Kenza Occansey) gave me a general overview of the youth organisations represented in the Council and their respective policy remit. 

I met representatives of all these organisations including some - not yet represented - giving me a better understanding of their activities, working patterns and relations with the French Council. I also attended interesting events: a Plenary session devoted to the adoption of an opinion on financing the independence of non-self-sufficient persons and a debate with French MEPs on the current parliamentary term and upcoming EU elections. 

This visit enabled me to identify fields of common interest, such as ways to promote the youth agenda in the EU framework and at national level, or efforts we could undertake to mainstream more effectively youth concerns across the EESC’s activities and potentially transform our Youth Group into a permanent structure. 

Another very promising area of cooperation is in our methods of communication and the tools to support youth agenda, in particular on social media. 

There is a strong demand for expertise in this field. Undoubtably, we would recommend taking part in such an exchange programme as through it, EESC Members can address a topic from a different perspective, get to know new colleagues working on the same subjects, broaden their expertise and at the same time promote the EESC’s work and opinions. It is also an effective way to raise the profile of our institution in the Member States. Therefore, - yes - I would certainly recommend this experience.