Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/979340
maltatoday WEDNESDAY 9 MAY 2018 8 A united Europe led by shared social values A generation reinvigorated Opinion I n recent years we have witnessed fast moving and unpredictable events in international affairs – from the uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East to the tragic famine declared in the Horn of Africa, escalations and de-escalations in North Korea nuclear testing, the Trump presidency in the US and the Brexit vote in the UK. These all demonstrate the volatile nature of global events, highlighting the difficulties of predicting future prescriptions for the international landscape, and the importance of the European Union as a force of strength and stability in an uncertain world. The global economic crisis vividly demonstrated the interconnected nature of the world, where decisions taken in one country can have a huge impact on the lives of people in others. During a changing international landscape, it is right that we set out a vision of what Malta's place in Europe should be. Malta's future is at the heart of Europe – using our internationalist principles, leading voice and strong alliances to secure the best outcome for the Maltese people, and to help Europe play a progressive role globally. However our approach must not be to defend the status quo within Europe – we need to continue to develop Malta's leadership role to help ensure that the European Union is a multilateral body which is fit for the 21st century and that supports the creation of a wider global system which promotes sustainable development. As we celebrate Europe Day and the so- called Schuman Declaration which led to the Creation of the European Coal and Steel Community, the European project is being put to the test, and we need to continue addressing the huge disconnection between the institutions and ordinary citizens. In Malta I am determined we should increase dialogue with social partners, civil society organisations and the public to develop credible and relevant European policy by being relevant, trusted and responsive. The White paper presented by the European Commission in March sets out possible paths for the future of Europe. The Commission acknowledges the challenges we face, from globalisation to the impact of new disruptive technologies on communities and jobs, to migration, security and the rise of Eurosceptic populist parties. It also addresses the big elephant in the room that is whether Member States and their citizens are ready for further integration. I am for a strong, united EU, which respects the sovereignty of its member states. An EU with fewer romantic ideals, less nostalgic about the past, and more focused on improving the lives of all its citizens. We need an end to empire-building in Brussels. Talk of federalism and dreams of a United States of Europe are futile when election results in many Member States are pointing in the opposite direction. Citizens across our continent, from all walks of life, feel remote and distant from the Eurocrats obsessing with endless structural reform. As the EU's fastest growing economy, Malta should use its influence to help build a vision that goes beyond the day-to-day imperatives of managing multi-national relations, endless debates about institutions, and other crises as they arrive. We must forge alliances based on our values, protect our interests and advance our ideas by leading efforts on building a strong, fair and sustainable economy, promoting security, and protecting the future of our planet. The EU's greatest strength is its shared social values. To this end we must work to protect and promote cohesion policy and the European social model based on the economic dynamism we require while helping to build equality and opportunity for all. There is renewed optimism and confidence in Europe's economy backed by the creation of new jobs and positive economic data. Malta must lead in charting a new way forward, ensuring a growth strategy which boosts living standards, recognises the importance of public investment and provides stability and security. Now is the time for the European Union to address its challenges, for Malta to assert leadership and set out a bold vision for future generations, moving forward in the spirit of collaboration and unity to ensure that no member states are sidelined or left behind. Aaron Farrugia is Parliamentary Secretary for EU funds and social dialogue We need an end to empire-building in Brussels. Talk of federalism and dreams of a United States of Europe are futile when election results in many Member States are pointing in the opposite direction I couldn't help but be slightly amused by the gaping contradictions in the arguments that were thrown our way during the Vote 16 debate. 16-year-olds were either depicted as children with no proper analytical capacity who can only vote according to which way they were swayed by their families or their peers, or as unpredictable anarchists. The truth is, neither perception is correct, and such generalised arguments are symptomatic of an opposition to change and all things new. This is not to say that Vote 16 is not a challenge, but I would much rather perceive it as an opportunity. From where I stand, Vote 16 has reinvigorated youth activism to a point where I can safely say that in my five years of being active within Forum Żgħażagħ Laburisti, I have never seen such eagerness and energy within our youth ranks at a time during which political party youth branches usually experience a lull in participation and new members due to it being the year subsequent to a taxing electoral campaign. We delayed our planned recruitment campaign, because the moment the debate on the lowering of the voting age kicked off in Parliament, a new wave of 14 to 17-year-olds felt like they had new purpose in our political system and contacted us themselves. This was the natural progression from the Vote 16 debate, and one which will allow us to reap its fruits for years to come. I should also stress that this is very far off from the brainwashing tactic we have been accused of pursuing several times. This did, however, create an unprecedented challenge for Forum Żgħażagħ Laburisti: how best to accommodate this new wave of young people in our organisational structure? The answer was staring us in the face: it lied in the sheer determination and energy of our new members. We asked them what they wanted to do. We asked them what challenges they face. We asked them to plan, alongside us, the way forward we should forge together. They did not disappoint. And thus, Ġenerazzjoni Sittax was born: a safe space for our youngest members to network, discuss, develop their critical thinking skills and create the campaigns that they would like to see in place. Ġenerazzjoni Sittax operates by means of a sub-committee within the Forum Żgħażagħ Laburisti structures, which allows our youngest members to be fully integrated in the rest of our campaigns, sub-committees and activities. Thus, there was no need for any thorough restructuring or starting something new, but simply a mere accommodation of these new voters whose eagerness and enthusiasm to leave their mark has been one of Forum Żgħażagħ Laburisti's main driving forces during this term. Their contagious energy is therefore being felt across the board: in our networking events, in our policy committee, and in the planning stages of our upcoming activities and campaigns. I am so proud of the new, fresh faces of Forum Żgħażagħ Laburisti: They are determined to prove the naysayers wrong, and this sort of attitude will be the determining factor of the success of the Vote16 efforts down the line. May many others follow suit. Thus, Ġenerazzjoni Sittax is not about trying too hard to get down with the kids. It's not about uprooting structures that have been in place for years. It's simply about embracing this age group; listening to them and guiding them, but ultimately, it's mostly about trusting them and giving them a platform on which they can flourish. This is the formula that will ensure success in our pursuit of the involvement of Generation Sixteen in our political system: Don't underestimate our new, youngest voters. Let them be in control. Let them stand proud of their politics. Naomi Cachia is President of the Forum Zghazagh Laburisti (FZL) Member organisations of the National Youth Council (KNZ) have been invited to submit opinion articles on topics affecting youths today, to its member organisations. The contents of the article do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Council. Naomi Cachia Aaron Farrugia