European youth parties debate way ahead for Constitution

European youth parties have given their contribution to the debate on the future of Europe in a recent discussion held at the European Parliament.

The recent celebration of the 30th anniversary of LYMEC (European Liberal Youth) provided an occasion for a discussion on the future of Europe from a youth perspective. The debate, held in the European Parliament on 10 February, involved the main European youth parties. 

The shared vision that emerged from the discussion was that a constitution for Europe is necessary, and that the “period of reflection”, agreed by European heads of state at the June summit 2005, should be used as an opportunity to launch a new and broader debate. 

According to YEPP (Youth of the EPP), an ongoing grassroots campaign addressing all EU citizens is necessary in order to thoroughly inform them of the content of the European constitutional treaty. This new debate should not fall into the narrow national perspectives that characterised the French and Dutch referendum campaigns.

This vision was shared by JEF (Young European Federalists) who underlined, in particular, the need for a greater involvement of civil society in the debate. In their view, the constitutional treaty should not be ratified through national referenda, but through a Europe-wide referendum on the occasion of the next EP elections in 2009.

FYEG (Federation of Young European Greens) raised the question of whether the constitution itself can create a feeling of belonging. In their view, before thinking about having a constitution EU citizens should first have a shared vision of their common future, with the EU seen as a tool for the sustainability of that future. 

LYMEC (European Liberal Youth) underlined that the Constitution is not an end in itself but a tool. In their long-term perspective, the EU should become a European Federation, with a European Government and a bicameral Parliament representing, on the one hand, the European citizens and, on the other hand, the European Member States. 

Finally, ECOSY (Young European Socialists) approaching the problem from the perspective “Social Europe for all”, focussed on more and better jobs, education for all and international solidarity. 

The discussion was moderated by Dan Luca, from EURACTIV, who underlined the importance of the youth perspective to add vitality to the debate on the future of Europe. 

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