YOUR EUROPE, YOUR SAY

26. November 2015.

The European Economic and Social Committee is, for the seventh time, organizing the event "Your Europe, Your Say", which brings together young people who are from 16 to 17 years old. The event will be held in Brussels from April 28 to 30, 2016.

The goal of the "Your Europe, Your Say" event is to make it possible for students of the last but one year of secondary school in the 28 EU member states and five EU candidate states to learn more about the EU and to understand the role of the European Economic and Social Committee within the framework of the European Union. This is also a rare opportunity for students to discuss the topic of multicultural environment by presenting arguments, negotiating and seeking compromise in the debate that will be held on the model of a plenary session with provided interpreters for English and French.

The topic of the 2016 event refers to migrants in Europe, while students are invited to work together on specific aspects of the current topic, such as:

Possible measures for better integration of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in the host countries; Considering practical measures that could be taken in the field, for instance in schools, municipalities, civil society organizations, etc; The draft of concrete proposals for addressing migration issues from the perspective of young Europeans.

Apart from addressing the above challenges, students will be able to discuss and exchange views with their peers and discover a whole range of different cultures and social contexts from which the participants in the event come. In addition, they will try to influence EU decision-making procedures and will come back home with new ideas and memories that will make them further foster the idea of a more inclusive Europe.

Prior to the Brussels visit, members of the Committee will visit the selected schools to help the students of those schools engage in the debate on the further development of Europe.

The description of the event, the electronic application form, the rules and practical information can be found on the website of the European Economic and Social Committee http://www.eesc.europa.eu/?i=portal.en.events-and-activities-your-europe-your-say-2016 .

The application deadline is January 13, 2016.

Source: Resource Center and Coordination Body