At its Federal Assembly on 25th/26th May 2012, the European Movement International (EMI) adopted a Initiates file downloadresolution calling to lower the voting age of citizens to 16 years for the next European Elections. “We need the participation of young people in European politics. Giving them the responsibility of the right to vote will make sure that they can fully take part in political discourses”, said EMI President Jo Leinen.

Democratic participation is a key issue for a close relationship between the citizens and the European Union. Making sure that they are involved as early as possible is an important part of building a culture of democratic participation and intergenerational dialogue.

“We also need to give these young people the right tools to take their voting decisions. We therefore also need strengthened citizenship education in schools. The European Union should together with the Member States build up school programmes accordingly”, said Jo Leinen.

Download EMI Resolution: Lowering the active right to vote, Voting@16
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Editor’s Note: The European Movement International (EMI) is one of the largest pan and pro-European civil society organisation with currently more than 70 Member Organisations, bringing together representatives from European associations, political parties, enterprises and trade unions.

For more information, please contact the secretariat: +32 (0)2 508 30 88, email: Opens window for sending emailsecretariat(at)europeanmovement.eu