On January 10th, 2023, the European Commissioner Dombrovskis will be hosting a dialogue with young people to hear their concerns, perspectives, and proposals for addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today. These challenges, as you probably know, include:
- sky-high energy costs;
- inflation;
- Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.
As the next generation, it is essential that young people have a say in shaping the policies that will impact their future. In order to build a fair, more inclusive, and sustainable future for all, it is necessary to listen to the voices and ideas of young people.
That is why the European Commission has defined the European Year of Youth 2022 as an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of young people to society and encourage their active participation in the economic and political life of the EU.
Let’s take a closer look at what the challenges and the event will be like!
Current Challenges
One of the major challenges we face today is the sky-high cost of energy, which can have serious impacts on individuals, families, and communities.
The price of energy in the EU has reached record levels in 2022 due to a combination of factors, to name a few:
- the increase in global wholesale energy prices;
- the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international demand;
- the Russian invasion of Ukraine;
- adverse climate conditions;
In 2022, the price of gas in EU has increased also as a consequence of Russia’s Suspension of gas deliveries.
Inflation is another ongoing concern, as it can erode the value of people’s savings and make it difficult for them to afford the goods and services they need.
Finally, we cannot forget the ongoing aggression of Russia against Ukraine, which has resulted in a devastating conflict with far-reaching consequences.
The Role of Young People in Addressing These Challenges
As young people, it is crucial that we have a say in shaping the policies that will impact our future. During the dialogue with Commissioner Dombrovskis, this questions will be discussing:
- How can we support EU citizens in coping with the immediate effects of the energy crisis and inflation?
- How can we build a fair, more inclusive, and sustainable future for the next generation?
- How can we defend our fundamental values while strengthening cooperation with like-minded countries?
The dialogue will be live-streamed from 14:30 to 16:30 on January 10th. All young people can join and participate in this important conversation.
It is only by coming together and sharing our ideas that we can hope to address these challenges and build a better future for all.
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