Euroscepticism has become a significant issue in Europe over the past decade. With the rise of Brexit and the economic and financial crises, trust in the European Union (EU) has been wavering. Recently, 49 young participants from Armenia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Türkiye, and Ukraine gathered in Gonio, Georgia, for the Erasmus+ youth exchange “MEUTOPIA.” This exchange aims to address Euroscepticism and promote European values among the youth.
The Rise of Euroscepticism
During the last decade, Euroscepticism gained significant ground in Europe. The Brexit vote was a clear indicator of this sentiment, prompting the EU to take the issue more seriously.
Current Statistics
- 1 in 3 Europeans votes for a Eurosceptic party.
- The level of European identity and cohesion has dwindled since the start of the European economic and financial crisis.
Impact on Society
Political polarization, electoral instability, and civil unrest have all been exacerbated by the crisis. These issues have affected political parties, voting behavior, and governing institutions.
Youth and Euroscepticism
A Different Perspective
Young people are generally less likely to be Eurosceptic than their parents, according to data from the Eurobarometer collection. However, there is a critical gap in their understanding of EU institutions, strategies, and elections.
Vulnerability to Misinformation
Recent research indicates that youth are particularly vulnerable to Euroscepticism due to a lack of knowledge about the EU’s competencies and decision-making processes, coupled with economic hardships.
Educational Initiatives
Investing in awareness-raising campaigns, especially e-campaigns, civic education, and traditional and social media communication, is crucial to reach the youth of all ages.
Anti-Immigration Policies and Their Effects
The Refugee Crisis
In light of the recent ‘refugee crisis,’ many member states have adopted anti-immigration policies and attitudes.
Social Impact
Such policy changes have led to increased discrimination, xenophobia, and right-wing populist sentiments. Member states most affected by the crisis have harshly criticized the EU for its crisis management, expressing distrust toward other member states.
The MEUTOPIA
Promoting Pro-Europeanism
The MEUTOPIA project aims to promote pro-Europeanism and make young people more aware of the EU and the importance of its integration.
Educational Objectives
- Raising Awareness: Educating youth about Euroscepticism and anti-migration policies and their disadvantages.
- Teaching Impact: Explaining the impact of these policies on society and how they differ across Europe.
- Developing Skills: Encouraging interest and skills in addressing high-level international issues.
The project promotes Europe’s common values and objectives while challenging Euroscepticism and anti-migration policies. It aims to educate youth about European integration and cooperation, fostering an understanding of common issues and EU institutions.
Project Goals and Objectives
- Raise Awareness: Highlight the disadvantages of Euroscepticism and anti-migration policies.
- Teach Impact: Educate about the societal impacts of these policies.
- Develop Skills: Foster interest and skills in international issue resolution.
- Promote Values: Uphold Europe’s common values and challenge negative sentiments.
- Educate on Integration: Provide knowledge about European integration and cooperation.
- Spread the Message: Disseminate the project’s message across participating countries.
- Inspire Future Projects: Encourage the initiation of similar projects in the future.
The Importance of Youth Engagement
Engaging youth in projects like MEUTOPIA is essential for developing the decision-makers of tomorrow. By educating them on the workings of the EU and the importance of integration, they can be better prepared to address future challenges.
The knowledge and experiences gained through such initiatives can inspire participants to implement similar projects in their communities, creating a ripple effect that promotes European values and integration on a larger scale.
You can find more moments from the youth exchange here.
Erasmus+ youth exchange “MEUTOPIA” was funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.
