Young Europeans demand robust climate action, holding leaders accountable for climate action as the EU votes.
Parliamentary hopefuls beam down at you from every street sign; The European elections are around the corner, and as the old guard squares off in debates, another powerful force is making its voice heard — the youth. Nyt Europa, a Danish organisation formed to promote civic engagement on national and European levels, brought together 160 young Europeans to discuss and deliberate on pressing issues as a part of their “Young Europe Votes” programme.
REVOLVE’s Emma Finnamore spoke to the participants, revealing the insights, hopes, and frustrations of youth today. Here’s what they have to say about climate action — or the glaring lack of it — on the European election agenda.
The Youth Perspective: A Unified Voice
Youth movements are perhaps the only true pan-European movements, where nationality is blurred and only a secondary identifier. The participants’ unity was one of the most striking aspects of all the conversations and despite hailing from different countries, they displayed an identity transcending national boundaries. “I think one of the powers we have is that we often see the youth more as a collective… Older adults are more fixated on ‘this is my country, and we have these goals’, and are a bit stuck in that way, where young people are more like, ‘we are fighting for this together’,” remarked a participant from Denmark. This sentiment is echoed throughout the interviews.
The participants’ unity was one of the most striking aspects of all the conversations and despite hailing from different countries, they displayed an identity transcending national boundaries.
Participants shared personal stories and experiences that highlighted the stark realities of climate inaction. Elodie from Belgium painted a vivid picture of her ideal Europe: “My vision for the future of Europe is living in a society where we actually respect the environment we live in, and where young people get more engaged in society and have a voice that is heard”. This vision is a clarion call for increased youth engagement.
A Climate Emergency Ignored
The urgency of climate change is not lost on these young Europeans. “Climate change is stronger and faster than we thought, and our actions are weaker and slower than they need to be,” stated Hjalte from Denmark. This concise yet powerful statement encapsulates the frustration felt by many.
The consensus is clear: the current political response is inadequate, and the youth are demanding more robust actions from their leaders.
Several participants pointed out systemic faults in European policy-making regarding climate action. As noted by a German interviewee, “The policy-makers and the people that kind of have the policies are forcing them to tie together when talking about lobbyism, right? You have all these big companies being like, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice if you did this thing for me which would take me out of your policies?’ And then that kind of debunks the entire policy”. This sentiment reflects a deep-seated concern about the influence of corporate lobbying on environmental legislation, often resulting in diluted and ineffective policies.
Climate change is stronger and faster than we thought, and our actions are weaker and slower than they need to be.
Participants advocated for a more egalitarian approach to policy-making, believing that while people might be inherently good, are often trapped in bad systems and led to make choices that reflect poorly on society. This perspective underscores the need for systemic change rather than mere incremental adjustments.
Frustrated by the polarized discourse often seen in media and politics, young Europeans expressed a need for collective problem-solving. “It is not Us vs. Them as the media frames it. It is Us vs. the Problems,” emphasized another participant from Germany. This approach promotes collaboration over conflict, aiming to unite diverse groups in the fight against climate change.
The Role of Protests and Movements
At the time of the 2019 election, the average age of parliamentarians was 50. Rarely ever represented in Parliament, young people are sometimes brushed off as naive by policy-makers, and rarely ever seen as stakeholders themselves. In conversation, young people noted this and spoke about active and effective participation in democracy as going beyond the ballot. Protests, grassroots movements, and non-governmental organizations emerged as crucial tools for advocating for climate action.
Rarely ever represented in Parliament, young people are sometimes brushed off as naive by policy-makers.
“The real impact at this point comes from small steps taken by NGOs and small communities,” said a participant speaking of her experience in Romania. The youth believe that politicians should serve the people, and that it is the people’s responsibility to hold them accountable through various forms of protest and activism.
Participants also offered concrete solutions to improve climate action policies. Anastasia, from the Czech Republic and Romania, highlighted the importance of effective recycling programs, citing the disparity between her home countries. “In the Czech Republic, there is a good recycling program… but in Romania, politicians can do much better for the environment,” she pointed out. She also stressed the need for stricter environmental crime regulations and better protection of natural reserves.
Anastasia also touched upon the intersection of human rights and environmental protection. “Environmental protection directly impacts the quality of life, especially in regions dependent on agriculture,” she explained. This intersectionality underscores the broader implications of environmental policies on social and economic well-being.
Holding Politicians Accountable
A recurring theme in the interviews is the need for accountability. “With awareness comes responsibility. We have the responsibility to elect people that do it and to also tell our politicians to be responsible,” remarked Linder from Germany. This call to action is a reminder that democracy is not a spectator sport. Young Europeans are urging their peers to vote and engage in political processes to ensure their voices are heard.
There is an evident clash between the younger generation’s aspirations and the older generation’s political strategies. Many young Europeans feel that the current leadership is out of touch with the environmental urgency. As a Hungarian participant expressed, “I feel like people in the European Union are more competent than the leaders in Hungary”. This sentiment reflects a broader disillusionment with national leaders and a preference for more centralized, competent governance at the EU level.
The Power of Collective Action
The power of collective action was a recurring theme. Participants believe in the strength of coming together to tackle climate issues. “We need to work together towards something instead of using all the energy to be the ‘right person’,” said Emma from Denmark. This cooperative spirit is essential for driving meaningful change and overcoming climate change’s significant challenges.
While the youth have clear ideas and strong motivations, there is a need to bridge the gap between these ideas and their implementation. Practical steps and actionable policies are necessary to turn their vision into reality.
This involves political will and the active participation of all stakeholders, including businesses, NGOs, and the public.
Potential Shifts in the European Parliament and Climate Agenda
While the youth we spoke to have Climate Action as a clear agenda, the EU elections might present a different political reality depending on the election’s outcome. REVOLVE’s Suzan Naz warns that the upcoming European elections could significantly alter the climate agenda. With the potential rise of far-right political groups, the EU’s climate goals might face new challenges. These groups, such as the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) and Identity and Democracy (ID), could introduce obstacles to cohesive environmental policies.
Their focus on the economic costs of the green transition, particularly for farmers, and opposition to phasing out fossil fuel cars could delay progress on key initiatives like the Green Deal.
Ursula von der Leyen’s potential re-election as European Commission President, amid concerns about her commitment to climate action, casts a shadow over the EU’s climate agenda.
The projected decline of the Greens, traditionally strong advocates for bold climate action, raises concerns about the continuity of environmental priorities. This shift could lead to reduced pressure on policy-makers to prioritize climate issues. However, the center-left Socialists and Democrats (S&D) and left-wing groups like The Left are expected to maintain their influence, counterbalance right-wing factions, and promote progressive environmental agendas.
Moreover, Ursula von der Leyen’s potential re-election as European Commission President, amid concerns about her commitment to climate action, casts a shadow over the EU’s climate agenda.
Her recent alliances with right-wing leaders, such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and the EPP‘s history of diluting climate legislation, like the Nature Restoration Law, may indicate a lack of ambition in climate initiatives.
Comparing Responses: Beyond the Young Europe Vote
A report from Euronews shows that first-time voters prioritize climate, equality, and security in the upcoming EU elections. This aligns closely with the sentiments expressed by the young people gathered by Nyt Europa. Both sources highlight the critical importance of climate action, with young Europeans demanding urgent measures to address the climate crisis. Additionally, both groups emphasize the need for equality, reflecting a broader desire for social justice alongside environmental sustainability.
However, while Euronews prioritizes security, the Young Europe Votes participants focused more on systemic changes and holding politicians accountable. This difference underscores the varied perspectives within the youth demographic, yet it also highlights a unified call for more responsive and responsible governance.
A Call to the Ballot Box
As the European Parliament elections approach, the message from young Europeans is clear: climate action must be a priority. The youth have spoken, but will the leaders listen? The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but are leading the charge today. For them, the time for half-measures and empty promises is over.
European politicians must listen to these young voices and heed the call for robust climate action. If they don’t, history shows that youth will always find a way to make their voices heard.
For further reading on the potential shifts in the European Parliament and its impact on the climate agenda, refer to the article “Political Upheaval Threatens EU’s Climate Ambitions.”