Young People Bring European Perspectives to Jena City Hall
How do citizens perceive democracy in Europe? And what is needed to encourage people to participate more actively and experience Europe as a shared community? These are the questions addressed by the European CERV project “CITIZENS – European Perspectives: Citizens Shape the Future.” Partners from Jena, as well as from Timișoara (Romania), Izola (Slovenia), Kifissia (Greece), and Brovary (Ukraine), are participating.
In Jena, too, citizens were surveyed about their views and expectations regarding democracy and Europe. Based on this, the students developed position papers with recommendations on the topics of migration, democracy, European identity, and gender equality. Together with their teacher, Pascual Moderegger, and Dr. Oliver Thümer from the association Recht in Europa, they recently presented the results to Jena’s mayor, Dr. Thomas Nitzsche.
Among other things, the papers highlight how important civic education, clear information, and genuine opportunities for participation are for young people in particular to develop trust in democratic processes. European exchange also plays a key role: Different perspectives from the participating countries can help identify common ground, learn from one another, and strengthen European identity.
Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche welcomes the twelfth-graders’ commitment:
“Europe and democracy thrive when people get involved and contribute their perspectives. I am particularly pleased when young people not only discuss politics but also develop concrete ideas and engage in dialogue with decision-makers. That is exactly what democracy in action looks like.”
The CERV project will continue to foster exchange among the participating cities and their citizens. The findings and recommendations from the surveys and position papers will be incorporated into the ongoing discussion about the future of democracy and Europe.
Background information on the project and the respective discussion papers can be found at: citizenforyou.eu/