What’s land recycling? Read about this German example
The city of Flensburg got a grant from the regional government of Schleswig-Holstein so that it would avoid building on new land
Mariya Gabriel, unveiling the Youth Voices platform during the Democracy Forum, Source: European Commission
The ‘Youth Voices’ platform lets young people from across Europe share their views on the state and future of the EU
Last week, European Commissioner for Innovation, Mariya Gabriel, visited Cyprus and its capital of Nicosia to open the ‘Democracy forum’ where she unveiled a new European platform where young people can express their views on the future of the European Union.
The platform is called ‘Youth Voices’ and it quite literally offers citizens a chance to record a voice message on a variety of topics, from EU values to health or inclusion. The platform also aims to address the issue that a majority of young people in the bloc want policy-makers to listen to their opinions and implement concrete actions.
The ‘Youth Voices' initiative was a result of the European Year of Youth and is directed towards a somewhat troubling piece of data – according to a Eurobarometer survey from 2022, 72% of youth believe that decision-makers need to listen more to their demands and act on them.
At the same time, the Eurobarometer survey showed that young people are increasingly taking part in European youth organisations, with 58% doing so in the last 12 months. This is an increase of 17% compared to the last similar survey in 2019.
Furthermore, some of the topics that are most important to them include peace, international cooperation, education, healthcare and the environment. This is why they feature so prominently on the platform.
Nevertheless, as some have pointed out, the platform seems to lack an important feature – making young people’s opinions reach EU lawmakers directly, as well as ensuring a commitment from the latter to act upon them.
At the same time, Commissioner Gabriel said in a press release that empowerment, inclusion and support were some of the most important keywords of the European Year of Youth and all the initiatives it encompasses.
The goal is to preserve these traditional features in the urban landscape while finding new purpose for their existence
His name is Adrian-Dragoș Benea from Romania
Find out her vision for the next five years and what’s in store for the European Union
Gotland wants to be at the forefront of this emerging mobility technology
It’s all about preventing the habit of slowing down just for the radar
Landkreis Heilbronn will also enlist the help of sensors to identify incorrectly filled organic trash bins
Apparently, that makes it the most progressive city in that respect in all of Finland
Residents couldn’t handle the noise pollution anymore
The Old Continent gets ready for the largest festival of sports
Apparently, that makes it the most progressive city in that respect in all of Finland
The goal is to preserve these traditional features in the urban landscape while finding new purpose for their existence
Residents couldn’t handle the noise pollution anymore
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself
An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö
A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital