Europe 2018 – Youth Debate

When you look at past European Parliamentary election results, it becomes clear that the youngest generation of voters are the least likely to vote. This is a warning against the democratic validity of the EU: young voters do not feel represented in present-day Europe. It’s high time we give the floor to a younger generation so they can address how they envisage the future of Europe. After all, the future of Europe is in their hands.

In light of the election of the new Youth Representative European Affairs, IDEA (International Debate Education Association) and the National Youth Council are joining forces with the Forum on European Culture. They will organise a debate on the current state of Europe with 50 young people from all backgrounds and corners of The Netherlands.

In teams, they will debate three statements: how do they experience their freedom of movement in Europe? How European do they actually feel? And how can they be represented better on the European level? All statements will be introduced by the three candidates, who are in the running for the post of Youth Representative European Affairs. The best teams and individual debaters are awarded with a prize, not only for speaking skills, but also for originality and listening skills.

Language: Dutch