THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF EUROPE: YOUTH SUMMIT; WALLSTROM (DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE EU COMMISSION), "YOU ARE THE FUTURE" OF THE EU (2)

” “Three are the challenges that Margot Wallström drew to the attention of the youth: democracy, immigration and identity. As to the first one, "we have to fight all the time and we must not underestimate such widespread phenomena as xenophobia and racism". Then there is the presence of foreigners: "The EU is home to many immigrants but – asked Wallström – are they welcome?", exhorting the young to oppose to the building of "urban ghettoes". Thirdly, the European identity, which "develops from the bottom up" and one strength of which are the young, by now accustomed to travelling across Europe, "thinking they are not going abroad, but just changing language". 50 years after the start of the process, however, many problems are still open, to face which "the means of the past" are no longer enough", but "new consensus, a new Treaty" are needed. This first Summit, therefore, "must not be and will not be an occasional event, but the beginning of a new dialogue between the young and the European institutions". Because "the world and the EU – concluded Wallström – need you".” “