Dear readers,
It is a pleasure for me to kick off this special issue of our newsletter dedicated to our annual event for young people, Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS). I strongly believe in the idea that everyone has to be heard; this is why the voice of young Europeans is as important for us as anyone else's.
As 2018 is the European Year of Cultural Heritage, we asked the students to focus on this topic. We were presented with some inspiring ideas over the two-day event on how to embrace and share our diverse and unique European culture.
Two of the winning ideas drew attention to Europe's smaller cities, which are often left out of the continent's main events and cultural activities. I believe that it is essential for the EU institutions to follow students' advice and make sure that the European project includes and provides equal opportunities to every European regardless of where they come from. Only in this way can we hear truly diverse opinions shaped by different experiences and perspectives.
A number of proposals the students made to EU-policy makers included travelling and exchange opportunities as a tool for experiencing different cultures. Many emphasised the importance of being able to learn languages so that the communication barrier between different European nations is overcome at a young age. While listening to these widely expressed ideas, I could not help thinking how vital it is for Europe to continue and even expand programmes such as Erasmus or the European Solidarity Corps. Exchange programmes for young Europeans are not only a great opportunity to study abroad, learn foreign languages or travel, they also imprint important European values, which to a great extent are the essence of Europe's future.
It has been an honour for me to organise our annual Your Europe, Your Say! youth event three times. As this year marks my last year as EESC vice-president, I have to say that after meeting hundreds of creative and enthusiastic young Europeans, I am confident in the future of our Europe. Even though Europe is facing challenges and some discontent, there is an inspiring younger generation ready to build a better future together. It is important to hear their ideas and spread their words and hopes.
Gonçalo Lobo Xavier
EESC Vice-President for Communication
Dear readers,
It is a pleasure for me to kick off this special issue of our newsletter dedicated to our annual event for young people, Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS). I strongly believe in the idea that everyone has to be heard; this is why the voice of young Europeans is as important for us as anyone else's.
As 2018 is the European Year of Cultural Heritage, we asked the students to focus on this theme. Over the two-day event, we were presented with some inspiring ideas on how to embrace and share our diverse and unique European culture.
Ewa Haczyk-Plumley (editor-in-chief)
Daniela Marangoni (dm)
Daniela De Luca (ddl)
Daniela Marangoni (dm)
Indre Anskaityte (ia)
Katerina Serifi (ks)
Agata Berdys (ab)
Katerina Serifi (ks)
European Economic and Social Committee
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