‘YOUR EUROPE, YOUR FUTURE’
Youth Summit for Tomorrow’s Europe
Gala Dinner Speech by Ms Jillian van Turnhout, Vice-President
of the European Economic and Social Committee, EESC
Rome, 23 March 2007
Introduction
Dear Minister, Presidents, Vice Presidents, Commissioners and young Leaders of the Future, thank you for giving me the floor.
It is a great pleasure for me to speak here this evening at the European Youth Summit on the occasion of the EU’s 50th birthday, surrounded by leading friends and figures from European public and political life.
Together Since 1957
How wonderful to be T O G E T H E R, or as we say in Irish, le Chéile, right here in the city of cities, the ‘cradle’ of the Treaty of Rome. Commissioner Wallström’s LOGO initiative expresses so well in a simple way what was originally conceived by the idea of Europe: not only politics, or the Euro, or geographic boundaries, but most of all co-operation and solidarity.
My Work in Children’s Rights Alliance and EESC
Back in Ireland, I work for children's rights. The Alliance I manage is a coalition of over eighty non-governmental organisations, which aims to secure the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in Ireland.
So I have an Irish platform but I also have a European Platform in my role as Vice President of the European Economic and Social Committee. This Committee, which will celebrate its own 50th anniversary in 2008, serves as a bridge between Europe and civil society, representing and voicing the concerns of ‘the various economic and social components of organised civil society’. The members of the Committee play an integral part in the process of policy formation and in the preparation of decisions at EU level, many of which have an impact on children and young people.
Communicating Europe
A lot of my work is linked to communication and how the EU connects with its citizens, especially with children and young people. My views and understanding of Europe are of course formed by my previous experiences as a former President of the National Youth Council of Ireland and as a representative for WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) in the European Youth Forum for many years. Europe’s future success will depend on its ability to mobilize the enthusiasm, energy and entrepreneurial spirit of its young people.
Putting a Spring Back into Europe’s Step
Europe may be no ‘spring chicken’, and during this time for reflection and renewal we must find a formula for the future.
Just like Odysseus on his quest to return home, Europe is on a search for its own identity. According to many, Europe is suffering a mid-life crisis. People everywhere are asking whether the Union is still fit at 50? Does it need a bit of anti-wrinkle treatment or plastic surgery? Or is the best yet to come? Like the famous Beatles’ song, Europe might ask, ‘Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m 64!’
Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day
But of course, as we all know, Rome wasn’t built in a day. The Summit should not be seen as a conclusion, but rather as a fresh impetus in the process that allows for a constructive, effective and continuous contribution of youth to the future of Europe. We look forward to following this process with you all - a process that will not be over after this weekend. But let's enjoy a birthday celebration tonight and wish many happy returns to EUROPE.
Generation Why? Generation E for Europe
You’ve all heard of Generation X. Next we had Generation Y and now we have Generation E for Europe. With increased mobility and opportunities to study, work and live in Europe, yours is a generation ‘on the move’. For many of you ‘being European’ is not just a choice, but an identity. But we must be sure not to forget the needs of young people who are not currently benefiting from EU programmes.
The next two days represent an excellent opportunity for you to help shape the future of Europe for the next 50 years and send a message to Europe’s political leaders.
Food for Thought
I will leave you with the following food for thought in the form of a quote from Jeremy Rifkin’s book the ‘The European Dream’, which the President of the European Economic and Social Committee, Mr Dimitriados, used today when addressing the members of the Committee of the Regions at a meeting in Rome:
‘We Americans used to say that the American dream is worth DYING for’. The new European dream is worth LIVING FOR.
Sláinte!