Rolf Alter’s Post

HOW TO BRING “BRUSSELS” CLOSER TO EUROPEAN CITIZENS? PARTICIPER - MITGESTALTEN - PARTICIPATE has asked the current Members of the European Parliament for their views on 12 actions which we consider promising in raising awareness, understanding and interest of citizens for what is happening in the capital of the European Union and impacts all of us. The short questionnaire aims at benefiting from the experience of the outgoing MEPs with practices such as engaging regularly with NGOs in their home countries or informing citizens on major decisions taken in the European institutions. We are also asking among others for their views on effectively mobilizing the European youth through including “Brussels” into the civic education at school or making educational visits of students to Brussels mandatory. We intend to publish the results and to follow up on the actions with the incoming MEPs. Ultimately, closing the gap between Brussels and European citizens will require a medium term strategy where all stakeholders should be involved to make their contributions in design and actions for implementation. Time for innovation and improvement is short: The next electoral campaign is only five years away. 25 DAYS TO GO FOR VOTING FOR EUROPE Rainer Geiger Houdoin Jean-Claude Mouvement Européen - Paris

https://lnkd.in/ghADZWpW. #europeana #article #useyourvote The European elections are much more than just a political action; they are a state of art to the power of collective action. As an engaged cultural professional and educator and EU Citizen, you have the unique privilege and responsibility to influence the European Union's democratic governance. Let this election be a testament to the power of cultural heritage and education in building a united, prosperous, and democratic Europe. #Vote and #Shape the future of European Democracy! Now is the moment to place culture, together with education, at the heart of recovery and revival. Europe needs your cultural beating heart! Democracy is the power of the people. It begins with each of us, and as cultural heritage professionals and educators, our engagement is essential. We advocate for policies that protect and promote cultural heritage, ensure quality education and foster an inclusive society. Our joint forces We want to encourage and empower our members to participate in the upcoming European elections. Culture and education are the living cells for strong and resilient societies. They encourage social innovation and contribute to growth, democracy and peace. Together with the innovative tools of digital transformation, they can promote mutual understanding and intercultural dialogue among citizens and countries. As cultural heritage professionals and educators, our role in shaping the future of Europe extends far beyond the preservation and sharing knowledge about our common heritage. We are the #guardians of our collective memory, the storytellers of our shared history, and the educators who inspire future generations. Cultural heritage is not just about preserving the past, it is a vital part of our present and future. It shapes our identities, influences our values, and unites us in our diversity. In this European election, your voice and action are crucial in the democratic process, a powerful tool for shaping the future. Our community plays a critical role in this process by fostering a deeper understanding of our shared values and history, strengthening the foundations of democracy. Your engagement is crucial in ensuring that culture and education continues to be a powerful force for unity and progress in Europe.

🔔 Update from our online hub as part of Your Democracy project 🔔 In the last months, we have been organizing online meetings and discussing topics of democracy with youngsters. 🗣️🌐 Check our online hub as part of your-democracy.eu to see the newest updates from the hub. “Do You Know Your Democracy?” is an innovative educational initiative dedicated to enhancing civic knowledge and engagement. Launched in 2023, the project aims to empower individuals by providing accessible, comprehensive, and engaging resources about democratic systems, processes, and values. 🏛️📚 ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: Your Democracy project is funded by the European Union 🇪🇺. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. #LearningLibrary 📖 #DigitalLearning 🌐 #Erasmus✨

📅 NEXT WEEK in Paris ”Will the next generation hate us?” OPEN INVITATION I am a big EU supporter BUT we need to face the reality that it was easier for the EU to share the wealth than it is now to lead the transitions we face and not curageous enough decisions might harm the opportunities of new generations. I will be discussing with you in an open registration event, honored to share the pannel with : 🎙️ Luka Mesec, Slovenian Minister of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunity 🎙️ Valeriya Ionan, Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation 🎙️ Chloé R., spokesperson of the French Socialist Party 🎙️ Vladimira Marcinková, Vice-Chair of the Slovak National Council Committee for European Affairs 🗣️ Join us next Thursday 21 March in Paris from 16.00 to 17.30 for a debate on what citizens think Europe has done for them ahead of the next European elections in June. Make sure to register now, in my experience with Friends of Europe open events the number of places is always less than the demand, especially as this one event will give you the chance to meet the new generation of 40 european leaders selected in the 2024 cohort. We are living in a period of multiple crises confronting our societies with critical questions and challenges: how do we recover from the spiralling negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the global energy crisis and the consequent cost of living crisis? Citizens are increasingly left to wonder if Europe is fit to face these crises. Will the newly elected members of the European Parliament and new European Commission be able to maintain and further their commitments on critical challenges, especially those appealing more to young voters, such as the green transition, housing and education? Who can be trusted the most to address citizens’ concerns? 📍 21 March, 16.00-17.30 at Hôtel de Monaco - Polish Embassy - 57, Rue Saint-Dominique 75007 Paris - Register here: https://bit.ly/4a9jycS hashtag #EYL40Paris hashtag #EYL40 hashtag #RenewedSocialContact

🔹 Empowering International Students: Your Vote Matters in the UK🔹 As an international student myself, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities we face while studying abroad. One of the most significant yet often overlooked opportunities is the power to vote in certain UK elections. I want to help you understand just how important this is and guide you through the process. Voting is more than a civic duty—it's a chance to shape the community around us. By participating in elections, we can influence decisions on education, housing, transportation, and more. Your voice can make a real difference. Here’s how I can help you get started: 1.Check Your Eligibility: If you’re from a Commonwealth country, the Republic of Ireland, or the EU (for local elections), you might be eligible to vote. 2. Register to Vote: The process is quick and easy, often just a few clicks online. 3. Stay Informed: Let’s stay updated together on local issues, attend community events, and understand the candidates and their policies. I’m here to support you in navigating this process. Let’s ensure our voices are heard and contribute to the vibrant, diverse community that the UK fosters. Together, we can make a difference. #InternationalStudents #YourVoteMatters #UKElections #StudentEmpowerment #CommunityEngagement

👩🏼🏫 How can we bring Europe closer to youth? And how can we overcome teacher shortages? 🇪🇺 These are two questions that youth and education ministers discuss today at the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council. 1/4 During an informal breakfast, ministers responsible for youth discuss how we can bring Europe closer to young people. They address the strength of meaningful youth participation in the framework of European elections and beyond, together with youth representatives. 2/4 Youth ministers exchange on the outcomes of the @EU Youth Conference in Ghent, and how to monitor the six recommendations which came out of this event. 3/4 Education ministers discuss the critical shortage of qualified teachers in all member states. They exchange views and good practices on how to attract, upskill and retain qualified teachers, in particular novice teachers, and on what could be done at EU level to support the action of member states. 4/4 Finally, education ministers hold a policy debate on the opportunities and challenges when using Artificial intelligence for education and training. #EYCS #EU2024BE

🚨 Help us with our research, fill out this survey: https://lnkd.in/eFD-P-u3! The world of the EU’s institutions can be far from accessible — not for nothing is called a Bubble! Now, whose bubble are we talking about? Whose voices are heard? Is there any representation or space for the youth inside the EU institutions? How do the youth experience the EU and the EU bubble? The average senior EU official is a 57-year-old man with at least two degrees, one of them in law. While EU institutions remain for some citizens as big steel buildings in Brussels inhabited by faceless bureaucrats, the bubble succeeds at attracting a flock of youth each year to the “heart of Europe”. How come? As we try to find answers to this question, we believe that your insights and first-hand experience would greatly benefit our research on the EU bubble, providing us with valuable information!

This evening, through the invitation of UF Malmö - Association of Foreign Affairs and the @African Students Association at Malmö University, I discussed the upcoming EU parliamentary elections and their implications on people of African descent in Europe. It was a great opportunity to highlight and promote the European Network Against Racism Aisbl (ENAR)‘s anti-racism manifesto which was launched ahead of the 2024 European Parliament Elections. The manifesto titled “A Europe for All: A Roadmap for Change” can be found here: https://lnkd.in/dZ5irUas. This 10-point manifesto calls for 5 thematic priorities and 5 changes for policy and structures namely: 1. Reviving civic space in European democracies; 2. A Europe safe for all; 3. Climate and economic justice centering the most marginalized; 4. Reconciling the use of AI with respect to fundamental rights; 5. Acknowledgement and recognition of Europe's persecutions; 6. Flagship policy and legislation for racial justice within a unified framework; 7. A strong European parliament's anti-racism and diversity intergroup; 8. A better understanding of racial inequalities as key social issues; 9. Respect and peace in election campaigns and during mandates; 10. European institutions and parties reflecting diversity of European population.

**School and Democracy** In Denmark, N.F.S. Grundtvig was a pivotal figure in the establishment of both schools and democracy. He asserted that people must be educated for democracy. Consequently, democracy became an integral part of the schools he helped create, a legacy that endures to this day. Unfortunately, some countries have not succeeded in this regard, leading to a destabilization of democratic foundations. Observing these situations should serve as a lesson. Democracy does not arise spontaneously; schools are the fertile ground where it is nurtured. I am concerned that this ground is currently unstable in many European countries, threatening democracy. We must take this moment to reflect and reconsider the role of schools. Why is Scandinavia leaning left while the rest of Europe shifts right? We earnestly hope you will join us in this educational endeavor. It all begins in school.

Of course fact checking is not enough. Especially in a political environment. I think what Nietzsche said applies to disinformation space, that there are no facts but interpretations. We should work more on informarion integrity. Also the role of OSINT organizations in creating the distrust Higgins is talking about should be acknowledged and worked on. During the Capitol attack, some OSINT companies carelessly used “surveillance” mechanisms.