Blog

Education about Europe in schools often takes the form of numbers, dates and facts. No wonder, then, that enthusiasm for the European project often does not reach children and young people.

From the moment the ‘LuxLeaks scandal’ gained the attention of the media last year, the continued prevalence of tax evasion and dubious tax avoidance schemes by big transnational firms such as McDonald’s or Amazon has triggered a veritable anti-tax fraud politicking in the EU.

International trade is believed to exacerbate inequalities between Western countries and emerging countries. Some would argue that the world economy is dominated by transnational corporations which seek to maximise profits without any regards for the development needs of local populations.

The European Union maintains great attractiveness to its immediate neighbours. The prospect of joining the EU was the strongest external factor influencing reform in the former communist bloc. After 11 years of great expansion, we see the positive impact on the lives of many millions of people. Ukrainians are the latest people striving to join this community of democracy and prosperity.

The forthcoming UK general election on May 7th 2015 has led to increased discussion of a potential UK exit from the EU. If this were to occur, it could severely impact peace, prosperity and security in Northern Ireland, which would, in turn, affect the Republic of Ireland.

Health is a cornerstone of human development, at all times and in all places. Investing in health enhances economic, social and educational development, increases productivity, active participation and general well-being, and reduces costs for treatment and healthcare.

2015 is an important year in the fight for women’s rights. It marks 20 years since women around the world celebrated the Beijing Platform for Action at the United Nations’ ‘Fourth World Conference’. Yet, 20 years after Beijing, as the UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said at the opening of Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York on 9 March, not a single country around the world has achieved gender equality.

Let’s face it, as a human being we can’t do everything! There are simply too many things to do and too little time. Sadly, this also rings true in our approach to politics, with many of us, especially women, not engaging in EU discussions.

Although half of Europe’s population is women, politics does not reflect this and women are still underrepresented in decision making process at all levels. The ALDE Party Gender Equality Network empowers and trains women to become active members of liberal political parties across Europe and shows men how they can support these women.

We live in the EU - the club of countries generating more than 50% of global GDP. We have great ambitions, impressive ideas and high hopes for the future. Yet, our societies are facing some significant challenges, which are putting extra pressure on our new generation. This is reflected by the spectacular numbers of young people outside employment, education or training - 7 million. So, how can we provide better career opportunities and an enabling environment for our citizens to thrive and to realise their potential?

The Erasmus Student Network’s motto (ESN) is “students helping students”. Since its creation in 1989, ESN has held the conviction that the presence of international students enriches society: ESN sees diversity as a chance.

One cannot deny that European armed forces went through fundamental changes in the past decades. After the Cold War, several governments reformed their armed forces, justified by the change of the geopolitical situation.