Citizens' Dialogue in Msida with Vice-President Jyrki Katainen

If you think Erasmus is good, if you’re concerned about migration or climate change, go and vote, as this is the only way to truly make your voice heard.

Vice-President Jyrki Katainen

On 5 March, the G.F. Abela Junior College hosted a Citizens’ Dialogue with Vice-President Jyrki Katainen. The lively discussion with young participants touched upon a wide range of issues, from the upcoming European elections and the rule of law though to the circular economy and plastics to global challenges, trading with China, sustainable fishing and the protection of local fishermen, to name just a few.

The Dialogue started with a snap vote, which revealed that about 80% of the participants had already decided they would vote in the European Elections.

Vice-President Katainen praised the high level of interest and confirmed that via voting people have the power to influence the future. He gave the example of fighting climate change where the EU, through acting together, can bring about a change.

In the ensuing discussion, a participant wondered if one of the achievements of the EU - the free movement of workers - might also entail the risk of reducing opportunities for local people. Another participant wanted to know how the EU addresses the rising economic challenges posed by China.

Vice-President Katainen explained the need for reciprocity in EU–China relations. As for the free movement of workers, he underlined that the rules and conditions for all workers must be the same as only equal rules can guarantee fair competition.

Talking about the EU’s role in the world and its response to the challenges of Trump’s USA and China, a participant expressed his concerns regarding the divisions within the EU.

The Vice-President stressed the need for unity and solidarity and underlined that Europeans have a better life than ever before, with long-term peace in a borderless continent. In spite of economic growth and general well-being experienced, some European leaders do not seem to appreciate European values.

The Vice-President considered this a fundamental risk. “Unless we have shared values, Europe can’t be united”, he said.

The discussion continued with questions regarding the protection of the environment and fighting climate change. Participants wanted to know how the EU takes into account citizens’ views on the use of renewable energy and sustainable development.

Vice-President Katainen explained the need for a solid economic case in addressing climate change. He referred to the example of a circular economy, which will help not only to protect the environment but will also create jobs.

The plastic strategy, for example, aims to reduce plastic waste and encourage the re-use of plastic, which will make our economy more competitive, he added.

Further questions touched upon migration, and more specifically how to be humane without impacting unity of the EU, what the EU is doing to combat xenophobia and participants were also wondering what the EU will be like after Angela Merkel’s term as Chancellor is over.

In the context of migration, Vice-President Katainen stressed the respect of human dignity and the need to help those fleeing wars, while pointing out the necessity to separate those that do not deserve protection.  At the same time, he drew attention to the need to attract labour to our aging European societies.

In his closing words, the Vice-President reiterated his call to participants to shape Europe by voting.