Głosuj na Europę!

The upcoming European Election might be recognized in EVS environment because you are normally interested in what is going on in Europe. But as soon as I am speaking with other people the reactions start from an annoyed “There is too much to read about!” to an astonished “There is an election?”

Much has been analysed and written why so few – and with every year less – people have made their way to the polls. In general the complexity of the European construct and its therefore even more complex problems are blamed for keeping most citizens from voting. But let’s face it: An Union of 500 million people in 28 countries would be busy with a lot of challenges even without global financial crisis and troubling neighbour states.

So the representatives I will elect are not going to solve…

…the desperate search for jobs of the majority of young people?

…the increasing debts in many member states?

…the disoriented position towards our Eastern neighbours?

…how to end the refugee tragedies at our Southern borders?

…the increasing distrust between member states?

…the discussion about how democratic the whole EU actually is?

…all of these within the next five years?

But if the answer to all this questions is: “Sorry, mission impossible!” what are we voting for?

I have more and more the impression that everything is leading to the general decision between a “YES” for more Europe and a “NO” for a return to national states.

In countries like Great Britain with the noisy UKIP the “NO” seems to be quite popular nowadays. The European Union is no longer regarded as a guaranty for peace and prosperity but as huge market to abuse social welfare systems. At least right wing parties promote successfully such populist theses and are eager to prize losses above gains of Brussels.

Being a European volunteer is very much about experience advantages of youth mobility programs, open borders, language exchange, future jobs … and enjoying being part of a community!

During the last months of my EVS I have experienced deep exchange, true solidarity or just fun moments which proof that nationality does not matter for understanding.

The future is in our hands, with our votes. Let’s convince people to use their influence!