Message to Europeans aims to inspire young people’s civic engagement via an innovative methodology of debate based on experiential learning activities that strengthen their civic identity, critical thinking, communication skills and promotes leadership in civic life.
Through debates, simulations, local civic initiatives, and mock trials, University students from 12 countries discussed in 5 events pan-European issues like migration crisis, populism, economic crisis, future of Europe.
The project will finish in Brussels on 19 - 21 February 2019, when young people will propose a new narrative for the European project.
DRAFT AGENDA:
Tuesday, 19 Feb 2019
09:00 - 14:00: Arrivals & lunch on your own
14:30 - 15:00: Registrations
15:00 - 18:30: Dreaming the Future of Europe
Venue: Belgian Comic Strip Museum - Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Bruxelles
Presentation of the 4 resolutions of the project that describe the new narrative of the Europe project, as seen by young people.
After 1 year of debates and input gathering from citizens in 12 countries, this will be the last chance to update their narrative with the help of Brussels based experts.
Confirmed speakers:
- Victoria Martin de la Torre, Press Officer of S&D Group, European Parliament and author of the book “Europe, a Leap into the Unknown”. Discovering the Founding Fathers of the European Union.
- Other speakers to be announced.
Wednesday, 20 Feb 2019
09:00 - 09:30: Registrations
09:30 - 13:00: Communicating the Future of Europe
Venue: Belgian Comic Strip Museum - Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Bruxelles
Based on their experience in the past year in engaging citizens on discussing European politics and policies, students will be considering the joys and sorrows of civic debate in the 21st century: how can citizens be better informed on complex EU politics and policies and held institutions accountable? How can institutions have a more dynamic, transparent and user friendly communication approach with citizens? What is the balance of telling-it-like-it-is to the public and the intricate policy-making dynamics?
This session will be led by prof. László Andor, Former European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. Students will work in groups to prepare recommendations for citizens and institutions.
13:00 - 14:30: Lunch
14:30 - 18:00: Debating the Future of Europe
Venue: Belgian Comic Strip Museum - Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Bruxelles
Following the tradition of the project, young people will duel each other with thought provoking arguments during 3 rounds of British Parliamentary style debates: it's time to bring back hard and uncomfortable truths back into the public arena and make some hard, yet informed, choices!
Since European elections season is starting soon and following debates should be on everyone’s mind and playlist, EucA member Halls of Residence from around Europe will organise debate watch parties. Students will follow online the Brussels debates and can vote.
Debate topics (tbc).
19:30 - 22:00: Dinner all together
Thursday, 21 Feb 2019
09:30 - 11:45: Deciding the Future of Europe
Venue: European Parliament
Democratic deficit? What about vision deficit? Or a communication deficit? This panel will wrap up the 2 days of the event: students will report back their communication recommendations and debate with experts the vision for the next European elections.
11:45 - 12:30: Closing remarks
12:30 - 13:30: Celebration lunch
13:30 - Free time & departures
Do you want to know more? Check the website of the project.
Applications closed
