AA

Steinmeier and Van der Bellen in Dialogue with Youth on the Future of Europe

Federal President van der Bellen and German President Steinmeier met with young people at the presidential office to talk about politics. Beforehand, they participated in a panel discussion by PolEdu, an association for political education in schools.

"If anyone can determine the future of Europe, it is you," said Federal President Alexander van der Bellen on Wednesday to the young people who had come to the presidential office.

Van der Bellen: "A miracle that the EU exists"

It is "a miracle" that the EU exists, said the Federal President, highlighting "nowadays taken for granted" achievements such as freedom of travel. "We have also become accustomed to our security being guaranteed." This can no longer be relied upon. The "mood in Europe" was again a concern for Steinmeier. "The sense of belonging to the EU is felt more strongly in those states that are not yet part of the Union," complained the German head of state Steinmeier. The "constant nagging" within and about the Union is increasingly being heard.

Young people want economic independence of the EU from the USA

At the top of the EU agenda must be economic independence from the USA, said the four young discussants afterwards. "Trump would not hate the EU if it were not strong, if it were not a thorn in his side," said Marlene Forgber from PolEdu. Europe must stop seeing itself as weak and ineffective in world politics. It is also important that Europe speaks with one voice again, said the discussion participants towards the two heads of state. Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged that the EU always manages to "reach a compromise despite 27 different opinions."

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.

  • VOL.AT
  • Vienna English News
  • Steinmeier and Van der Bellen in Dialogue with Youth on the Future of Europe