1. Needs and expectations of young people

2. Europe, also this dream is ancient, built in battles in the red fields desired and yawned when there was hunger. From the fertilized ruins finally comes out a flower, That wasn’t stamped on at once, its perfume is spreading out. While dynasties crashed down, an idea was born That the darkness of past would fall never more. The old Europe mixed up reason and folly, Often paying thirty silver coins To buy meat and blood, to play dies Over Christ’s dress. Old Europe demolished the world And after rebuilt it. And maybe Tomorrow the door of past regret will be left half open. On this destruction let stand a common house And the new commandment: “NEVER MORE”. Oliver Friggieri Europe

3. United in diversity The European Union (EU) is a family of democratic European countries, committed to working together for peace and prosperity. It is not a State intended to replace existing States, nor is it just an organisation for international cooperation. The EU is, in fact, unique. Its member states have set up common institutions to which they delegate some of their sovereignty so that decisions on specific matters of joint interest can be made democratically at European level. The historical roots of the European Union lie in the Second World War. The idea was born because Europeans were determined to prevent such killing and destruction ever happening again.

4. In the early years, the cooperation was between six countries and mainly about trade and the economy. Now the EU embraces 25 countries and 450 million people, and it deals with a wide range of issues of direct importance for our everyday life. Europe is a continent with many different traditions and languages, but also with shared values such as democracy, freedom and social justice. The EU defends these values. It fosters cooperation among the peoples of Europe, promoting unity while preserving diversity and ensuring that decisions are taken as close as possible to the citizens. In the increasingly interdependent world of the 21st century, it is more necessary than ever for every European citizen to work together with people from other countries in a spirit of curiosity, openness and solidarity.

5. There are a lot of initiatives that the European Union has launched. In the economical, scientific, cultural and education range, where, for example, there are a lot of projects for the young people : 1.The project LINGUA promotes the knowledge of different languages spoken in the members countries; 2.The project ERASMUS has the purpose to allow the university students to study in a European university, with the help of a grant 3.The project SOCRATES that icreases the mobility of teachers and pupils through Europe.

6. “The idea of the European unification reminds all the efforts accomplished during the history by philosophers and writers to identify that nucleus of concepts and European feelings. The definition was primarily cultural, based on a common patrimony of values, a lived heritage also out of the limit of the dominant political system and often as a state of mind, in solitude and in silence. The life of the spirit was going to prepare the souls for the European union: the romantic epoch that started to organize the feelings in modern systems of action. For this itinerary there is always the democratic ideal, inherited from the ancient Greeks and stressed by the Romans. In the past, the European continent was the scene of many bloody wars because every country wanted to submit the others. We wonder about role of the young people? Where were they? Submitted to the rulings’ decisions, or fighting in an army for the defence of their country? Young people must always be the active part in society. Our problems influence the “great” decisions, European young people are called to face together their needs and problems with the new big family ”Europe”.

7. The world of mediation among the young people’s dreams, needs and expectation and the reality of the European commission was undertaken from the commissioner for the instruction and the culture: Viviane Reding as this interview declares. Interview with Viviane Reding Commissioner responsible for education and culture Why a White Paper on youth now? In a sense this White Paper marks both beginning and an end. It finalises a broad- based process of consultation of young people in Europe. At the same time, it is the initiative that I hope will give new impetus to youth policies at Community level and at every level of public administration. When the Prodi Commission was appointed, I decided that we had to give young people a say, which is exactly what we did with tens of thousands of people over the course of a whole year. This White Paper is, in large measure, the result of their ideas and input.White Paper With this White Paper the Commission challenged the Member States to improve cooperation to mainstream young people's concerns into the whole range of different policy areas. We have offered a particular working method and a set of priorities, such as volunteering, mobility and citizenship. It goes without saying that young people will continue to be closely involved in this new form of cooperation.

8. Are the young people who were consulted during preparation of the White Paper representative of European youth? Or are they an elite already won over to the European cause? I insisted that young people from every background be included in the consultation process and I believe we have succeeded in doing that. It was my impression, during the meetings in which I participated, that the young people present saw themselves as representing their generation. In addition, the White Paper has not censored the views of young people but explicitly includes the lukewarm reactions of some young people to the way Europe is being built. Obviously, this White Paper does not set out to reinvent the wheel. However, I do believe that what is lacking at present, given the range of players involved, is a shared overview of youth-related policies. I would also like to point out that I am proud of the success of the Youth programme, which each year enables 100 000 young people to get involved in a project-based transnational experience.

9. Many find that school is not responsive to the needs of society, that it is undemocratic, is inaccessible to some sections of the youth population and does not offer enough possibilities for lifelong learning. Personally I do not agree with all these criticisms and I believe the Member States are making serious efforts to make their education systems more responsive. They are strengthening consultation at European level and establishing common goals for educational reform and a strategy for lifelong learning. With the Second Chance Schools pilot project, the European Commission, in partnership with Member States and regions, is succeeding in integrating young people who have dropped out of the conventional education system. Reducing the number of such young people leaving school without recognised qualifications is one of the priorities of Member States. Although this question is being dealt with by education ministers, there is still room for cooperation between education ministers, youth ministers and young people themselves. The White Paper opens up this possibility. Young people call for improvements to the education system. They want schools to teach them skills for learning, for becoming responsible citizens and for getting started in working life. But how can education be adapted to the situation of less-favoured young people, who often leave school early? School is the principal channel through which young people participate in society, as confirmed by the Eurobarometer poll that we commissioned in the run-up to the release of the White Paper. At the same time, young people are often highly critical of the education systems that they pass through.

10. The White Paper is presented as a starting point. What actions does the Commission foresee to continue this dialogue, to strengthen participation and to lead to specific policy developments? I see my role as that of an ally of young people. I believe we need to have confidence in them, giving them the challenge of making a stronger commitment to influence the decisions that have an impact on their daily life. In practical terms, the White Paper proposes the widespread use of national and regional youth councils, open to young people from every background, not just those whose backgrounds and qualifications predispose them to membership of formal representation bodies. At Community level, the White Paper calls for a revitalisation of the European Youth Forum and suggests stronger representation for young people in the Economic and Social Committee. Whether for employment assistance, working conditions or health care, young people want stronger European legislation that addresses their difficulties. What actions does the White Paper put forward? For the most part the response must be national, particularly in the social sphere. The White Paper must not be seen as a prelude to legislative proposals, but as a tool, a work method enabling national or local authorities to take account of young people's concerns in policies that affect them directly.

11. How will the European Union and the Member States divide the work? Political responsibility for youth policy resides essentially with Member States. In some countries, it is even largely the remit of regional authorities. The Member States are the first to acknowledge the lack of youth participation in society. The White Paper is not about pushing decisions up to Community level, but about making the most of best practice to promote youth participation in Europe. Viviane Reding

12. Between 9 May and 14 June 2005 a Standard Eurobarometer was carried out in all the European Union Member States. The results of this standard Eurobarometer are rather positive insofar as the relations between Europe and its young citizens are concerned. A general analysis indeed shows that Young Europeans are generally optimistic: not only about their quality of life and their personal situation but also about the future of the European Union. Support for the EU is widespread: 63% of Europeans aged 15 to 24 regard their country’s membership to the European Union as a good thing, 67% feel that their country has benefited from its membership to the EU and 56% have a positive image of the European Union2. In fact when it comes to Europe, young people who are still studying form the most optimistic segment of the European population. For numerous reasons, chiefly related to people’s attained level of education and economic status, older people tend to be less positive.Yet at the same time the outcome of the referenda on the proposed European Constitution and ongoing debates on the future of Europe highlight young people’s concerns as to the development of the European Union. These concerns need to be understood. Eurobarometer

13. This need for a better understanding of citizens’ concerns was recently highlighted in the Commission’s communication on a “Plan D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate”. This communication underlines the importance of listening to and examining the needs and expectations of citizens – including the young – in order to propose sustainable policy actions and priorities. In this context and in line with its above quoted communication, the European Commission is organising a youth week known as “Youth takes the floor” which will feature a major conference. This event should give young people the opportunity to debate on how the European Union should develop and make recommendations as to how policies could be better tailored to their needs and expectations. In preparation of this event it seemed useful to analyse in more details the 2005 Standard Eurobarometer in order to better understand young people’s concerns and expectation on Europe.

14. This is the purpose of the present paper.This analysis was prepared by TNS Opinion & Social and undertaken on behalf of the European Commission, Directorate-General for Education and Culture. It is divided into the three following themes that mirror issues that will be discussed during the “Youth takes the floor” conference: Which Europe for tomorrow – the Youth Perspective Active Citizenship through Participation The Lisbon Process: The Youth Pact and the Youth Programme The results presented in this report are averages for citizens aged 15 to 24 living in the 25 Member States, broken down by two age groups, those aged 15 to 19 and those aged 20 to 24. Comparisons between the 15 ‘old’ Member States and the 10 new Member States are also made throughout the report. Unfortunately, the number of respondents aged 15 to 24 included in the survey samples is too small to compare the results at the national level.

15. The recent enlargement of the EU has provided millions of young Europeans with the opportunity to travel, work and study throughout the European Union, a possibility that, not too long ago, was unimaginable. For young people, the EU means first and foremost the freedom to travel, study and work within the European Union.

16. The idea of a European political union is well received among young Europeans. To young Europeans, the EU means more than the right to move around freely. For the majority of young Europeans, the Union should also have a political role. In the ten new Member States this opinion is held by more than 3 out of 4 young people.

17. The desire for a more important role of the European Union in the daily life of young Europeans is widespread. The favourable attitudes of young Europeans towards the European Union are not short- term. In fact, many would like the EU to play a more important role in their daily life in the future.

18. Only around four out of ten young Europeans feel that their voice counts in the European Union. These results show how important it is to communicate to young Europeans that the European Union listens to their concerns.

19. Could you tell me what should be, for you, the three actions that the EU should follow in priority?” (The table below presents the three most quoted actions)

20. Two out of three young citizens of the European Union are currently afraid of the transfer of jobs to other Member Countries which have lower production costs. This concern is more widespread among young Europeans living in the 15 ‘old’ Member States than it is among young Europeans in the 10 new Member States. Despite their positive attitudes, the construction of Europe creates feelings of uncertainty for many young Europeans.

21. Although two-thirds of young Europeans feel attached to Europe, this is no more pronounced than it is for the EU population as a whole.

23. It is a document containing proposals for Community action. It presents detailed and policy for discussion and decision. When a White Paper has been received by the Council of Ministers, it may become the action programme for the Union in the Area concerned. The White Paper on youth policy published in the second semester of 2001,fits in with this will. Its objective is to deepen the community cooperation to the benefit and with the involvement of young people as a specific and essential element of a policy which is resolutely directed towards the future. The White paper covers not only the situation of young people but also studies their concerns and desires. It represent an answer to the expectation of young people,but also to the demands of the member states and the European Parliament White Paper indietro

24. To speak about my needs and expectations about the European Union is very difficult, because I’m as a small star in a big sky. Certainly as a young member of the European Union I wish an improvement at economic and school level. There’s the need of a greater introduction of young people in the work and in the school : there aren’t many opportunities of work both in Italy and in other countries. Then I would a greater economic development and new funds of financing in the research. I would new alliances between the member states of the European Union with the purpose of a greater collaboration for the less industrialized countries and for an improvement in the quality and in the style of life. To approach the young people to the policy congresses and meetings at international level have to be organized. The young people have to participate to the politic and social life with the helping of the school, too. Ruggiero Giada

25. The young people of the countries that are members of the UE have a lot of expectations. Thanks to the union of different countries the young people live in a world without limits that can offer them a lot of opportunities. The working world is vaster because the needs are greater and will need more workers. Maybe the unemployment can be reduced. Trips are facilitated because there aren’t any customs that can impede the movement ; the young people can meet others and in this way they are motivated to learn English, and learning will be a primary need. Different cultures will live together in a pacific way. The cultural exchanges will be constructive because the world will be united by the diversity. Every young will know what it means to live in a big place without borders. I believe that is a wealth to share every thing with other young people different from me, but with the same needs. Every young can travel aware that in every place he can stay as at home. After the foundation of the UE, the European borders changed and this is the starting point to create a big confederation among countries. The UE is considered a fantastic presupposition to start changing the present and bettering it. Elisa La Preziosa

26. When the European Union was born, collaboration among member states enhanced its importance and its power. Young people understand from European history that collaboration, comprehension and, why not, love among people win linguistic and cultural barriers and change Italians, British, French,… in Europeans, as the European motto says: ”United in diversity”. Young people trust Europe and Europe returns this trust of European youth, with White Paper and conferences. For that Youth feel nearer to an institution we believe in. Personally, being accepted and taken in consideration, is for young people a need and an expectation very important. For that I hope that Europe succeeds in improving the present and the future, while aiming at a goal: everybody feels to be part of Europe. Silvia Del Gigante

27. In Utopia by Thomas More there is an island where live the pacifist inhabitants that follow sane pleasure, admit different cults, honour the God in various ways, understand and accept these differences. Is the work of the European Union only a ‘Utopia’? This work was born from various reflections: we tried to treat in the best way this theme, even facing difficulties because it’s too vast. We discovered events, conferences and operative figures that deal with young people’s problems. I have always thought that the adults, when they speak about the young People, judge them in a negative way and they haven’t never considered our wish to participate to the social life. I hope that these works won’t remain only an abstract theory and an apparent interest but will be translated in realty. Coreno Rosamaria

28. Need and expectation of young people Presentation realized thanks to the active collaboration of: Coreno Rosamaria Del Gigante Silvia La Preziosa Elisa Ruggiero Giada