Seventeen-year-old student Adam Mokhtari was one of Ireland's representatives at Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS). He later presented the YEYS recommendations at EESC's Civil Society Week where he spoke in a session titled Charting Europe’s course - Reconnecting polarised societies through community learning and citizenship education. Adam describes what he liked about YEYS and shares his personal story to highlight why he wants a Europe where everyone feels included.
Seventeen-year-old student Adam Mokhtari was one of Ireland's representatives at Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS) . He later presented the YEYS recommendations at EESC's Civil Society Week where he spoke in a session titled Charting Europe’s course - Reconnecting polarised societies through community learning and citizenship education. Adam describes what he liked about YEYS and shares his personal story to highlight why he wants a Europe where everyone feels included.
By Adam Mokhtari
Hi, my name is Adam Mokhtari, and I had an amazing experience representing Ireland at Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS) 2025. Around 90 young people from across Europe came together to share ideas and shape the future.
One of my favourite parts was working in groups to discuss important issues and make decisions. I also really enjoyed the activity where we took turns being a listener, speaker and observer, discussing what Europe meant for each of us personally. Each of us had seven minutes to speak—it made sure everyone’s voice was heard.
At the end, we agreed on five key recommendations. They are to make governments more transparent and include young people, teach active citizenship in schools, ensure equality for all, give young people a real say in politics and create a strong climate action plan.
I was honoured to represent all YEYS participants at EESC Civil Society Week, sharing our recommendations with policymakers. It showed me that young voices matter!
The power of education
Education plays a huge role in helping young people get involved in democracy. It teaches us how to think critically, spot fake news, and take action. Without my school’s support, I wouldn’t have had this opportunity. Now, I want to encourage others to get involved too.
At YEYS, EESC President Oliver Röpke and the EU Youth Coordinator Biliana Sirakova listened to our ideas and encouraged us to keep pushing for change.
My story & why inclusion matters
I was born in Ireland, but my parents moved here in the late 90s. When they arrived, they experienced love and respect from the Irish people. My mum and dad told me that during that period, there was very little diversity in Ireland. Despite this, my parents thrived in the 90s.
I am Irish and I am European. I have Algerian heritage. Sometimes, I have felt different from others, but most of the time I feel like everyone else. I have learned a lot from different cultures, and I think that’s what makes life better. If we were all the same, it would be boring. It's all about being open to differences and understanding of others.
Unfortunately, some migrants and young people today face discrimination, hate and unfair treatment, which can be encouraged by social media. It needs to change. It makes me unhappy to see this. Some immigrants in Ireland now have a bad time, living on the streets, and they are seen as a problem. It's not easy and it is so sad.
I’ve been lucky to attend schools where everyone feels included, but not all young people have that experience. We need to make sure all young people feel accepted and that they belong, so they don’t feel left out or disconnected from society.
Building a better future
To make Ireland and the European Union more inclusive, we need better education about different cultures and what the EU does for us. This will help with understanding and improve inclusion.
We need community events to bring people together and interact in a positive way with each other. More young people need to be involved in decisions at a local level, even in youth clubs, sports clubs or school or at EU level. This will make them feel included in the things that are important to them. Show young people how to get involved.
We need support from the EU to make inclusion a priority. It was great to hear that inclusion was a priority for the EESC.
What I want for Europe
Many young people don’t know much about what the EU does for them. The EU should do more to help us get involved in politics and voting.
I want a Europe that is united, fair and welcoming—where everyone feels included, no matter their background.
YEYS showed me that young people can make a difference. Even if our ideas aren’t all accepted right away, at least they’re being heard. As an Irish young person with Algerian heritage, I feel that my voice matters—and I want others to have the same opportunity.
Education can help bring people together, fight discrimination, and give young people a voice. I’ll be taking this experience back home and encouraging others to get involved. The future is in our hands! It is our Europe and we have a say!
Adam Mokhtari is a 17-year-old student from Ireland. He attends Bremore Educate Together Secondary School in Balbriggan near Dublin. Passionate about the EU and about making societies more inclusive and successful, Adam took part in YEYS 2025 and was a YEYS representative at this year's Civil Society Week.
The 15th meeting of the EU-Moldova Civil Society Platform will took place on 24 March 2025. During the meeting, the debate focused on assessing the state of play on the implementation of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement and the progresses towards opening negotiations on the Cluster 1 Fundamentals.
We asked Javier Garat Pérez, rapporteur of the EESC opinion Civil society's vision for a European Oceans Pact, about the EESC's most important recommendations on the European Commission's initiative which sets the comprehensive vision for all ocean-related policies. What specific action is to be taken to protect the oceans from devastation and pollution, and to preserve their biodiversity? What are the greatest threats to the well-being of the oceans and what solutions does the Committee propose?
We asked Javier Garat Pérez, rapporteur of the EESC opinion Civil society's vision for a European Oceans Pact, about the EESC's most important recommendations on the European Commission's initiative which sets the comprehensive vision for all ocean-related policies. What specific action is to be taken to protect the oceans from devastation and pollution, and to preserve their biodiversity? What are the greatest threats to the well-being of the oceans and what solutions does the Committee propose?
In response to President Ursula von der Leyen's European Oceans Pact initiative, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has put forward key recommendations to promote a comprehensive and balanced approach to ocean governance. Its vision focuses on ensuring healthy and productive oceans, boosting the EU's blue economy, strengthening marine research and innovation, and safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations.
In response to President Ursula von der Leyen's European Oceans Pact initiative, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has put forward key recommendations to promote a comprehensive and balanced approach to ocean governance. Its vision focuses on ensuring healthy and productive oceans, boosting the EU's blue economy, strengthening marine research and innovation, and safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations.
Unlocking the potential of the blue economy
The EESC underscores the importance of developing a robust and competitive blue economy. This involves simplifying regulatory frameworks, ensuring strategic autonomy, promoting innovation and advancing towards decarbonisation.
To secure a prosperous future for the maritime industry, we advocate urgent investment in e-fuels, offshore renewable energy and innovative marine technologies. Additionally, establishing a strong maritime cluster with clear sustainability goals will help maintain Europe’s leadership in marine industries. This is why it is imperative to set up an ‘Industrial Alliance for Blue Economy Value Chains’ and to strengthen the EU Maritime Security Strategy.
On top of this, we recommend that existing policies such as the Common Fisheries Policy should be evaluated. Sustainable fishing should receive continuous support, while seafood dependency should be reduced. Imports should be subject to the same social and environmental standards. The EESC also urges the European Commission to develop an EU action plan for ‘blue foods’ by 2026.
Enhancing marine knowledge, research, and innovation
The EESC is pushing for more funding in marine research and innovation, stressing the need for global scientific teamwork and better technology in the maritime sector. To make this happen, we suggest setting up blue economy hubs and launching an EU Ocean Observatory.
Boosting investment and financing for ocean sustainability
We are stressing the need to mobilise significant public and private funding to support SDG 14 (Life Below Water). To this end, dedicated budget lines for ocean-related projects should be created within EU funding programmes such as Horizon Europe. The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) should also receive stronger financial backing to support competitive and decarbonised sectors.
A socially inclusive and just transition
A resilient ocean economy must ensure fair treatment for maritime workers. The EESC recommends measures to address labour shortages, encourage generational renewal, and provide vocational reskilling opportunities. Comprehensive social support systems should be in place to protect workers, particularly those who cannot transition to new roles due to technological changes.
Ensuring healthy and resilient oceans
Our oceans are under many threats from climate change, pollution, plastics and human pressures. We are therefore calling for stronger marine restoration and protection efforts, and sustainable conservation aligned with global biodiversity commitments. Achieving 'Good Environmental Status' is also crucial for economic stability and climate resilience. Additionally, we should urgently invest in green infrastructure, pollution reduction and a European Climate Adaptation Plan, while reinforcing EU leadership in global marine governance.
Ensuring a comprehensive ocean governance framework
To boost economic prosperity while respecting our planet's limits, the EESC calls for regional cooperation with local communities to keep policies aligned. It is also pushing for better international agreements, stronger EU ocean diplomacy, and dedicated maritime-focused working groups within the EU institutions.
Finally, the EESC also recommends improving maritime spatial planning (MSP) to balance different interests, such as offshore energy expansion with fisheries and aquaculture. The goal is to promote coexistence and sustainability while making sure that traditional fishing communities are both preserved and involved in decision-making.
