An interview by David Meier
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| Europabüro Kerstin Westphal |
Kerstin Westphal has been a Member of the European Parliament and the group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats since 2009. She comes from the German state of Bavaria and is a member of the Committee on Regional Development and a substitute member of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection. Mrs Westphal is standing again as a candidate for the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) in the European elections.
Europe HOpes: Mrs Westphal, the current legislative term of the European Parliament draws to its end. In your opinion, what is the greatest accomplishment for young people (16-30 years) the EU has been able to achieve during this legislative term?
Mrs Westphal: We have worked on numerous projects aimed at securing Europe´s future for coming generations. It is difficult for me to single out one of them. The fight against climate change is surely one of the most significant topics. Many EU rules aim for further decarbonisation of our society for the benefit of future generations. However, combating high youth unemployment in many countries is more tangible to me. We must not risk the arising of a lost generation. I want a Europe that cares and does not leave anyone behind. The increase of Erasmus+ within the framework of the EU budget benefits all young people in training as it comes to mobility and their ability to live abroad.
Europe HOpes: Could this have been achieved on a purely national level or is it a case of “European added value”, i.e. an improvement that could only be realised within the framework of the EU?
Mrs Westphal: Clearly, without pan-European rules the challenge of climate change cannot be tackled! In this case only cooperation works as the problems caused by climate change do not stop at national borders. That`s exactly what we want to make anti-Europeans understand: Making borders impregnable is no solution. What we have to do is address the root causes of migration and flight such as droughts and floods which are symptoms of climate change.
Europe is strong when it acts together. This also applies to the labour market. When there is no perspective for young people in southern or eastern Europe, the EU can develop one by enabling them to work where they are urgently needed e.g. in Germany.
Europe HOpes: Which crucial opportunities for the improvement of the living conditions of young Europeans has the EU let slip during the last 5 years? What have been the reasons for that failure of exploitation?
Mrs Westphal: Many EU programmes aim at securing and enhancing a stable and sustainable economy which is a precondition for well-being and security. This is due to the fact that the EU has arisen out of an economic union. However, many young people miss feeling at home in the EU. We have to remember that we are more than a single market. European policy must also be made for those who are not able to contribute to economic growth. Young people bring above all social policy issues to the EU. That is where we can do better.
Europe HOpes: According to you, what has been the European youth`s or at least a large group of young Europeans most significant contribution toward the European project, so far? Has there been a big mistake or failure on the part of young Europeans that has caused serious damage to the European project?
Mrs Westphal: What does this ``European Youth`` look like, according to you? Attitudes regarding the EU vary significantly from one state to another. But besides that, I really appreciate and admire the high number of youth associations whose main objective is to promote understanding and appreciation of democracy, political participation and understanding between peoples. By enabling cultural exchanges among youngsters they create experiences that will stay with those people for the rest of their lives. We talk about experiences that correspond exactly to the EU´s motto “United in diversity”. The most important contribution of young people toward the European project is their common hope for well-being, security and peace for all Europeans.
Europe HOpes: Which opportunities are related to the current developments as it comes to Europes urban and rural areas? Which risks are linked to these tendencies? What can the EU do to seize these opportunities or mitigate the risks?
