Political renewal in Europe has been necessary for a long time. European youth are in a privileged position to affect great change but young people need to have the courage to step forward and be responsible citizens.
This was the prime focus of a conference hosted by ALDE and PD, entitled ‘Young People and Political Renewal in Europe’. Youth organisations collectively discussed how to get youth more politically involved on a European scale and how to distance Maltese youth from the polarised local political scene.
There is low awareness of what is going on in the EU amongst Maltese youth. The local climate is polarised, and people vote for MEPs based on the party they belong to, not the policies of the European Parliamentary group. To get youth engaged the policies addressed to them need to be repackaged and made relatable to them. This way young people can feel more involved in issues concerning them and make informed decisions, rather than voting for MEPs based on local issues.
However, even voting every 5 years is blatantly not enough. Participation should be continuous and active so as to bring about positive change and improvement. Youths need to take responsibility. People need to learn to identify themselves from their beliefs and create a distinction as far as identity goes. Ideas should be based on their own merits and be put forward proudly.
We need to take responsibility and be the ones to change the world, rather than wait for the world to change itself.
