Young Fine Gael President Jamie Malone joined 22 youth political leaders from across Europe in Vienna this weekend to endorse a landmark declaration setting out the priorities of Europe’s largest centre-right youth movement ahead of a pivotal period for the European Union.
The declaration, entitled “This Is Our Continent: A Europe That Acts and Keeps Its Promise”, was adopted at the Youth of the European People’s Party (YEPP) Conference of Presidents and calls for renewed European leadership focused on security, competitiveness, innovation, democratic resilience and European enlargement.
Representing youth political organisations from across the European Union and beyond, participants came together to demonstrate the power of international cooperation and the importance of ensuring that young people have a meaningful voice in shaping the future of Europe.
Young Fine Gael President Jamie Malone said:
“At a time when democracy is facing challenges both within Europe and across the world, it is more important than ever that young people engage in politics and help shape the decisions that will define our future. The YEPP Conference of Presidents brought together young leaders from across our continent, united by a belief that Europe must remain ambitious, outward-looking and confident in its values.
What was particularly powerful was seeing youth organisations from both EU Member States and candidate countries, including those from Ukraine and the Western Balkans, come together around a shared vision for Europe’s future. These young leaders represent countries at different stages of the European journey, but all share a commitment to democracy, freedom and European cooperation. The challenges facing Europe do not stop at the EU’s borders, and neither should the conversations about how we address them.”
He continued:
“The declaration adopted in Vienna highlights many of the issues that matter most to young Europeans today: strengthening European competitiveness, defending democracy, enhancing security, supporting innovation and delivering on the promise of European enlargement. What was striking was despite coming from every corner of our continent, the challenges we face are similar and we are better placed to address them together.”
Looking ahead to Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union which begins in July, Young Fine Gael will continue to facilitate discussion and engagement on Europe’s future at their annual Summer School, taking place in Dundalk, on 10th-12th July.
The Summer School will bring together policymakers, academics, elected representatives and international guests to discuss the key issues that will shape Ireland’s approach to the European agenda, including European Competitiveness, Defence & Security, and European Enlargement.
Confirmed speakers include Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, and Minister for Defence Helen McEntee TD, MEP Regina Doherty, Paula Butterly TD, Joe Neville TD, former Minister Richard Bruton, Mark FitzGerald, Professor Kenneth McDonagh, and international representatives from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, with further speakers to be announced.
Malone added:
“As Ireland prepares for its next Presidency of the Council of the European Union, it is essential that young people are active participants in the conversations that will help shape that Presidency. Ireland will have a unique opportunity to help set the direction of the European Union at a pivotal moment for our continent, and with that comes a responsibility to ensure that young people are contributing to those discussions.
Our Summer School will provide an opportunity for young members to engage directly with decision-makers and experts on some of the most significant challenges and opportunities facing Europe. From competitiveness and innovation to defence, security and enlargement, these are issues that will define Europe’s future and will feature prominently during Ireland’s Presidency.
Young Fine Gael is proud to play its part in strengthening youth participation in politics, both at home and internationally. The future of Europe will be determined by those willing to engage with it, and young people must have a seat at that table.”