Citizens' Dialogue in Wodzisław Śląski with Krzysztof Wójcik, Programme Assistant Directorate-General Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission

Is the European Union our future? How can we influence its shape and why we often fail to see the benefits of our membership in a united Europe? Is the European Union a deafening concept created by politicians and for politicians? How young people can find a place for themselves in the UE and why is it worth it?

These are just some of the dilemmas that should be addressed in the discussion with people just entering adulthood. Exactly to them - to first time voters - we want to send our message.

One of the proven communication tools are face-to-face meetings. Answering questions, resolving doubts, treating young people as partners for discussion. Citizens' Dialogues allow these goals to be achieved.

On 16 January the Poviat Conference Center in Wodzisław Śląski hosted a Citizens' Dialogue with Mr. Krzysztof Wójcik representing Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy of the European Commission. 

At the beginning, we were a little afraid that it would be difficult to encourage young people to substantive and honest talk about the EU. Fortunately, soon it turned out, how wrong we 

were. It turned out that “first time voters” young people got actively involved in the discussion. They shared their own reflections on united Europe, its role in the contemporary world and expectations towards it.

The discussion began with the statement of Krzysztof Wójcik that the EU is like a family and we should support each other. This first sentence quickly led us to talk about EU values, the peace that the EU assures us and the EP elections.

Youth indicated that they are surprised by the low level of knowledge about the EU, which they observed both among his family members and colleagues.

The audience admitted that the positive aspects of European integration are enormous but hardly visible. In their opinion, the reason for this is “the habit” - to the possibility of traveling without borders, to the development of the country, to the citizens' rights.

In the second part of the meeting, the topic focused on the issue of education and work in the European Union, as well as multilingualism. Thanks to it, the young people had the opportunity to see the great opportunities offered to them by a united Europe.

Undoubtedly, they were positively influenced by the fact that they could personally talk to a person working in European structures. We were pleasantly surprised that young people are eager to learn languages. There were even people learning Swedish and Finnish in the audience!

Citizens' Dialogue "Your future in the European Union" ended with the most important statement - what the future of Europe will look like depends on us, we will make the decision during EP elections 2019.