11 March 2022

Climate change and the environment, the EU in the world, employment, values and rights as well as education, culture and youth. These are the five topics addressed by the students who took part in "Incontriamoci a Teramo" (Let’s meet in Teramo) on 4 March 2022, the fifth appointment of the cycle of meetings promoted by the Department for European Policies to stimulate citizens – primarily youth – to participate in the Conference on the Future of Europe.

Inevitably, the crisis situation in Ukraine and the ongoing conflict have influenced the reflections of the youth met in Teramo. It is no coincidence that one of the ideas in the document drawn up at the end of the initiative calls for preventing war or clashes by all means, through dialogue and compromise. Protecting peace at all costs, without taking it for granted. The students recognise the EU's role as a peace mediator but urge it to take its international influence seriously, supporting the helpless, diplomatically and wisely. Today more than ever, the idea of a Europe that is a Union of states, intentions, consciences and goals emerges strongly. Europe as an inspiring banner, based on the values of brotherhood, freedom and mutual respect.

Among other proposals, the reduction of polluting emissions and greater investment in renewable energy, a new work approach to business as a community, education in the values of the Union to bring up true European citizens. Eventually, a proposal that is more of a profound ideal of the Europe young people want: a peace-pursuing EU, rich in work opportunities for young people, against discrimination, respectful of the environment, able to offer good education and efficient and economical health services.