Today, because of the global financial crisis, the future of united Europe does not seem so bright like it was some years ago. There are less talks about integration and there are more discussions about independence and rejection of the single European currency – Euro. In these tough times for united Europe, we, representatives from different countries, have to be strong and to support each other. Each of us has a way to be heard by joining a group of people who share your ideas. AEGEE, European Students’ Forum, is one of the most recognized youth communities which bring together young people from all over Europe.
What is the situation are we facing now? Dreams of united Europe are melting in the current problems. Huge debts of some countries are making them vulnerable and dependent on the others that cannot provide equal opportunities for all inhabitants of EU. The current economic system where most of the production factories moved to Asia is creating problems on the regional job markets. High rate of youth unemployment does not allow young people to get a job and to apply their knowledge in practice. Existing vacancies require people with relevant work experience. The unfair cycle of “I cannot get job because I don’t have experience” vs. “I don’t have experience because I don’t have a job” is spreading around Europe.
Europe’s well-known capital is seeking for cheap labor force and other resources. Business does not have a heart; their only love is for profit and effectiveness. Sure, it is important to have an open and highly competitive market but everything should be reasonable. There is a huge social impact behind it. Advantages of cheap goods today will create many problems tomorrow. Low salaries, lack of job opportunities, huge debts and social instability are consequences of wrong political and economic decisions. Today many people do not have the confidence in their future since there are not many stable jobs. They cannot have many children because they do not have enough money to raise them. The present system of granting credits creates much more problems than it helps. Once loan debtors lose their jobs they cannot pay for the credits. And this is only a small part of all existing problems.
Today the importance of international youth organizations as AEGEE increases more than ever. This is a way to support European integration by supporting youth rights and needs, promoting common projects and organising cultural exchanges. I hope AEGEE will keep its position as one of the most recognized youth organisations in Europe and continue to work on projects that help resolve the critical problems of European Union and neighborhood countries.
Today each of us can support AEGEE by taking an active role in the life of our antennae and working on projects at European level. The more active members we have, the more we can change for the better inspired by our common ideas. Europe is calling us. And today our support is very important. Like never before.
Written by Ekaterina Malysheva, AEGEE-Valencia