Never say never” “

She’s the youngest Member of Parliament in Europe, perhaps in the world. Katerina Konecná celebrated her 23rd birthday on 20 January. Born at Nouy Jicin in 1981, she has already served as an MP in the Czech Republic for two years. Last year she was sent to represent her country in the European Parliament in the role of “observer” (the ten States due to join the EU on 1st May comprise over 150 representative, without voting rights, of which 23 are Czech). Katerina, who grew up in the years of transition from the Communist regime to the freedom following the collapse of the Berlin Wall, tackles the major international questions with the enthusiasm of her age, but also with seriousness and a perspicuity that many MEPs might envy. In 2003 she completed her studies of economics at university in Prague; apart from Czech, she speaks fluent English and says she can also get by in Russian and German. She doesn’t have much time for friends or hobbies, but, when she can, she likes going to the theatre and listening to classical music. How did you begin to get interested in politics? “As a student I was always interested in the social questions of particular concern to the young and to the right to study. We were in full political ferment at the time; there was so much yearning to construct a future for our country. My candidature to the Parliament in Prague took shape during these years, and now I sit on its foreign affairs Commission. My commitments are numerous, and to them has now been added my role as observer here in Strasbourg and in Brussels. In the European Parliament I follow not only the work in the assembly but also that of the Commission for employment and social affairs”. What are the tasks of an “observer” in the European Parliament? “We try first of all to get to know better how the Community institutions, the policies of the EU and relations between Union and member states work. Also important is the work of information gathering on issues that are particularly crucial for us, relating to enlargement and what it will involve for us: the reception of Community legislation in our national code of law, and the opportunities provided at the level of economic and social growth. Then there are all the questions of international policy. Liaison with the MEPs of other countries is essential, even if not always easy…”. What kind of Europe of the future do you have in mind? “It is not easy to put together 25 States and peoples that have different histories, traditions and cultures. A necessary prerequisite is to promote a Europe with strong institutions, also by centralizing decisions, though with all due respect for diversities. Perhaps we ought to follow the US model. However it is essential to be united today”. What do young people like you expect from Europe? What contribution could they make to continental integration? “Young people today, especially in the countries of Eastern Europe, have a need for opportunities to help them grow, to open up their horizons. They ask for freedom, peace, social justice and the elimination of all types of frontier. That means being able to study and work, to have the necessary resources and home to create their own family, to bring up their children. They may be very much influenced by what is decided in Brussels. But their position is not just passive: they have in fact a lot to give to politics, and to society, so long as they are given the chance”. How do you see the situation of the countries that will enter the European Union in a few months’ time? “There are great expectations, including those of social security, the defence of human rights, and legality. People in Eastern Europe are waiting to enter a Community in which all countries have the same dignity. We don’t want to be considered second-division countries. When I think of Europe, I have in mind so many of my fellow-citizens, men and women, who have emigrated in recent years and now live in Paris, London, Berlin, Rome and Madrid. I want to dedicate myself – I hope everyone does – to giving them a decent job and hope for the future”. Will you present yourself as a candidate to the European Parliament and become a real MEP? “Never say never. But I already have so many commitments and I’ve still two years to serve as deputy in the Czech Parliament. Sure, everything here is fascinating…”.