” “"Improving information" and "increasing the level of civic participation": with these priorities, the EU Commission launched a note, just before the summer holidays, expressing the need to "drive the young to be fully involved in the democratic life of their countries and of Europe". The document comes after the White Book, "A new impetus for the European youth", dated 2003, which the EU intends to fully implement in close relationship with the EU member states, the youth organisations, the schools and the universities. Ján Figel’, EU Commissioner for education, training and culture, explains: "The young account for one quarter of the EU population; it is essential therefore to make the most of their potentials now that the EU is trying to become one of the most dynamic knowledge-based areas in the world". After making incidentally reference to the Lisbon Strategy, the commissioner adds: "They are called to face fierce challenges now that Europe is trying to adapt to the ever-changing and fluctuating reality of a global economy", while we have to work "so that they become an active part of society". In this sense, "the young must contribute to all the policies developed for them". (to be continued)” “
