Alessia (24) participated in the “My Europe” workshop in Milan, Italy in 2012. She is currently busy with obtaining a Specialist degree in Journalism and publishing at the Faculty of Letters, Arts, history and society at the University of Parma.

Although Alessia studied ballett for 14 years, her free time is now spent mainly with reading books, writing and travel. Among her passions are film and music. She loves to meet and talk to new people, learn about new places and art that fascinates her. There are so many exciting experiences to be made. So that´s why Alessia is always trying to keep herself busy.

Her dream job is to become a famous writer some day. But before that dream turns into reality, Alessia is content with working as a journalist or editor first.

My Europe is…

“…a great opportunity. This is an opportunity to get to know young people my age, and compare myself with them because they have an experience of a life totally different from mine. This is the opportunity to meet important people and have contact with men of journalism, politics and the economy.This is the opportunity to test myself, to compete and work with an international team in a big project. But, above all, is the opportunity to do something concrete for my Europe, to make a difference, start with small steps a big change.”

If you could, what would be the first thing you would change in Europe?

“The youth unemployment. If young people are not free to choose the work they love, their lives will always be a huge sacrifice. No satisfaction, no passion, no peace, no dreams. And a man without dreams is nothing.”

 

 

Paulina (19) took part in the “My Europe” workshop in Vienna, Austria, in 2013 and became a member of the Youth Council for the Future.

Personally she is interested in reading, swimming, playing the piano and cooking. Professionally Paulina would like to become a pilot in the future.

My Europe is…

“…an organization that tries to solve issues in Europe for a better future.”

If you could, what would be the first thing you would change in Europe?

“Equality for everyone!”

Karl Maximilian is 16 years old and participated in the “My Europe” workshop in Vienna, Austria in 2013. He is a student at the Theresianische Akademie in Vienna.

His favourite activities in his free time are reading, classical music and football.

My Europe is…

“… the best way to plan, discuss and work on our future.”

If you could, what would be the first thing you would change in Europe?

“The first thing I would like to change in Europe would be the facts that the south of Europe is in a huge crisis, that women have the same salaries like men and that the Ukraine is still not part of the European Union.”

Jeannie is 18 years old and participated in the “My Europe” workshop in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2013. She goes to Kantonsschule Zurich Nord.

She´s always made a lot of music but her favourite instruments are the piano, the flute. Jeannie is also a member of a choir. She likes to read, especially classics. To balance from school Jeannie goes swimming or jogging. Her dream job would be to work for the UNO.

My Europe is…

“… a great opportunity as well for international friendship as for experiences.”

If you could, what would be the first thing you would change in Europe?

“I would make people stop to judge over others because of their gender, skin colour or sexual orientation.”

You can find all her contributions to Spotlight Europe here.

All winners from the national writing contests and the most committed students are appointed to this democratic forum that encourages participation of young Europeans in shaping the future of Europe. It functions as the voice of “My Europe” and as an advocacy group for the needs of young Europeans. All political demands issued by the council are based on the convictions of its members and in consequence truly represent the interests of the European youth. The members serve for four years and thus get the chance to develop their professional and interpersonal skills while interacting with young Europeans from all over Europe. Every two years the Youth Council for the Future publishes its European Youth Manifesto, a comprehensive summary of the most pressing concerns of the students. It offers a strong analysis of political and social issues affecting the future of Europe and provides policy advice to European decision-makers. The framework for the work of the Youth Council for the Future is defined in its charter, adopted by the member of the Council in April 2014.

Current working groups:

Human Rights, Education, Employment, Culture, Environment, Immigration, Language, Violence and Crime, Energy, Security

More info