The EU and MeA Young Person’s Guide to Ireland’s Presidency of the EU and Green Employment Policy, 2013

www.ecounesco.ieIrish Environmental Network

ECO-UNESCO is funded by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs with Support of the National Lottery Funds.

ECO-UNESCO is part-funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government through the Irish Environmental Network.

follow us on:

ECO-UNSCO is Ireland’s environmental education and youth organisation affiliated to the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations (WFUCA). ECO-UNESCO is a registered Irish charity (CHY 7225).

ECO-UNESCOIreland’s Environmental Education and Youth Organisation

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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On behalf of ECO-UNESCO, I would like to introduce our resource;

The EU and Me: A young person’s guide to Ireland’s Presidency of the EU and Green Employment Policy, 2013.

Young people want to engage with Europe; they want to know how the EU

operates and how they can be part of it. They also want to know about the opportunities that exist, such as those in the green economy. This project is supported by the Léargas Youth in Action fund and aims to engage young people with Ireland’s 2013 EU Presidency, with a specific focus on the European Union, youth, citizenship and green employment policy.

This resource brings together the questions posed by young people in relation to the EU Presidency, the EU and the green economy during our youth consultation phase; the outcomes of our one-day youth seminar where young people interacted with local, national and European policy makers and the recommendations that they made on that day. It is developed to make the EU, Ireland’s EU Presidency and the green economy accessible to all, and highlights some of the ideas and concerns of young people.

I hope you enjoy the resource and use it to gain further knowledge of the EU, youth employment policy and the green economy.

Elaine Nevin, National Director, ECO-UNESCO

Content

2 Welcome and ECO-UNESCO Information

3 Introducing a Young Person’s Guide to Ireland’s Presidency of the EU and Green Employment Policy, 2013

4-5 The European Union and Ireland

6-7 What was Discussed?

8-10 Questions from ECO-UNESCO’s “Young People and Europe” National Seminar

11 How to Get Involved with ECO-UNESCO

About ECO-UNESCOECO-UNESCO, established in 1986, is Ireland’s environmental education and youth organisation affiliated to the UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations (WFUCA). ECO-UNESCO runs a wide range of programmes and services aimed at increasing the knowledge, awareness and understanding of the environment in young people; protecting the environment and encouraging the personal development of young people.

Welcome to a ‘Young Person’s Guide to Ireland’s Presidency of the EU and Green Employment Policy, 2013’

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Introducing a ‘Young Person’s Guide to Ireland’s Presidency of the EU and Green Employment Policy, 2013’

The Young Person’s Guide to Ireland’s Presidency of the EU and Green Employment Policy, 2013 was developed following youth consultations, regional consultations and a national youth seminar engaging young people and policy makers with the EU, Ireland’s EU Presidency and the green economy. The seminar involved over 60 young Irish people from all over the country engaging in a structured dialogue with policy makers at a local, national and European level. The young people learned, debated and discussed what the EU means to them; Ireland’s EU Presidency and the opportunities that exist in the green economy.

The project has been divided into three stages:

Stage 1: ECO-UNESCO’s Interactive EU StandECO UNESCO hosted a series of youth-led consultations in order to develop an interactive stand for young people. Between January and March 2013, hundreds of young people nationwide recorded a series of challenging and engaging questions to put to policy makers based on the EU; Ireland’s EU Presidency and the green economy. Young people recorded these questions at the ECO-UNESCO interactive EU stand which visited Ulster, Munster, Connaught and Leinster. The questions were gathered and formed the basis of a national youth seminar.

Stage 2: ‘Young People and Europe’ National Seminar In March 2013, a national youth seminar took place in ECO-UNESCO’s headquarters in The Greenhouse, Dublin, with 60 young people representing a diverse range of Irish areas and backgrounds. Questions asked by young people at the interactive EU stand informed the content of the workshops and discussions. Through these workshops and youth led discussions, young people compiled questions for the panel of policy makers which included representatives from local, national and European government as well as representatives from government departments engaged in policy making. During a speed networking session, the young people queried and challenged the policy makers and experts on the EU, Ireland’s EU Presidency and green employment.

Stage 3: ‘The EU and Me’ ResourceThe overall aim of the seminar was to get youth conversing on the themes of the seminar and to source the most important ideas and questions that concern young people. These informed this resource, ECO-UNESCO’s ‘The EU and Me: A Young Person’s Guide to Ireland’s Presidency of the EU and Green Employment Policy, 2013’ explaining Ireland’s EU Presidency and green employment policy from a youth perspective. This resource will be distributed nationwide to young people.

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The European Union & Ireland

What is the European Union (EU)? The European Union is a unique economic and political partnership between 27 European

countries. Following the devastation of World War II, Europe wanted to avoid further conflict by creating closer unity between European countries.

In 1951: France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands signed a treaty to tie their coal and steel industries so closely together that they could never again go to war against each other.

In 1957: These six countries signed the Treaty of Rome, creating the European Economic Community (EEC, later to become the European Union) with its ‘common market’.

In 2012: The European Union won the Nobel Peace Prize for turning Europe “from a continent of war to a continent of peace” in the wake of two world wars.

At a Glance: Ireland in the European Union and its PresidencyIreland joined the EU in 1973. 2013 marks its seventh time holding the EU Presidency.

Some direct benefits of Ireland’s EU membership are:

• Trade• Infrastructure• Environment• Education• Common currency• Strengthened the role of women in the workplace• Farming support through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)

Broader Level:• Ireland has been able to impact EU policy• Ireland has had a positive influence on peace in Europe

EU Structure

The European Parliament: • Represents the EU’s citizens and is directly elected by them • Shares the budgetary power with the Council• Exerts democratic control and appoints members of the Commission

The Council of the European Union: • The Presidency of the Council is shared by member states on a rotating basis• Represents the governments of member countries • The President of the Council has a mediator role in the Council and represents the EU internationally (for example: at the United Nations)

The European Commission:• Represents the interests of the European Union as a whole• Is the ‘government’ of the EU • Submits proposals for new legislation to the Parliament and to the Council.• Negotiates international treaties

European Union Government

European Parliament

Elected by the citizens, ceremonial

head, approves directives, but cannot

initiate them (i.e., new legislation.)

European Council

Elected by the states, defines general

political direction and priorities,

approvesdirectives but does not write

them, appoints commission.

Directives

Laws which control the approval for sale

and affixation of CE Mark to medical

devices.

European Commission

Executive body, proposes legislation

consistent with Council priorities,

implements day-to-day operations,

appointed by Council, accountable

to Parliament.

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How Can Young People Feed Into the EU?

The EU’s youth policies aim to meet young people’s changing expectations while encouraging them to contribute to society. Policy work is supported by concrete action in the form of a specific programme for young people called Youth in Action. Young people can get involved in the EU through organisations like Léargas, Ireland’s national agency for Youth in Action. If you would like to get involved or find out more about the opportunities offered by the Programme visit http://ec.europa.eu/youth/youth-in-action-programme. Here, you will get a general overview of what Youth in Action can offer young people as well as some useful information on its actions, features and how to get more involved in the EU.

The Green Economy“A green economy is one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In its simplest expression, a green economy can be thought of as one which is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive.” (UNEP).

About Ireland’s EU PresidencyThe Presidency of the Council of the EU rotates among the 27 Member States every six months. Ireland held the Presidency for the seventh time from January to June 2013. The presiding Member State advances the Union’s ongoing work agenda, and has an opportunity to shape and influence EU policy and legislation. The Presidency also represents the Council in its dealings with other EU institutions (www.eu2013.ie).

Priorities for Ireland’s 2013 EU Presidency • Economic stability• Youth unemployment• Promote the digital economy• Focus on the potential of natural resources• Promote trade agreements and pursue the

enlargement agenda

Young People and Europe National Seminar Over 60 young people from all over Ireland attended ECO-UNESCO’s ‘Young People and Europe’ National Seminar in April. Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs delivered the keynote address on the day. Policy makers and experts joined the young people in activities including the European Café and speed networking sessions. The young people presented their questions and findings to the panel of experts at the end of the day.

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What was Discussed? Welcome: Councillor Mary O’Shea, Dublin City CouncilCouncillor Mary O’Shea welcomed the young people to ECO UNESCO’s ‘Young People and Europe’ seminar. She extended a very special welcome on behalf of the Lord Mayor of Dublin, not only to local Dubliners but also to everybody who made the trip from outside of the city, coming from as far as Cavan and Clare. She spoke of how inspiring it was to see young people throughout Ireland get involved in the activities and national seminar; where it wasn’t the politicians and diplomats leading the discussion, but instead, our very own young people. She encouraged the young participants to fully engage with the seminar as they are the people who are going to help shape Europe’s future. Councillor O’Shea acknowledged the many decisions facing the young people, such as whether to go on to higher education or take an apprenticeship or training, wondering about employment and if there will be jobs in this country for them. The green economy was highlighted as a key area for growth by the Government Action Plan for Jobs 2012. Councillor O’Shea concluded by encouraging all of those in attendance to read Youth Guarantee.

Opening Address: Elaine Nevin, National Director ECO-UNESCOElaine Nevin opened the seminar with a brief introduction to ECO-UNESCO, its aims and some of its youth programmes. Elaine outlined the project and highlighted its progress to date, including the youth led work on the interactive EU stand and national consultations.

The aims of the seminar were outlined to the young people:

To get youth involved in, informed and conversing about the EU, Ireland’s EU Presidency and green employment and to give youth an opportunity and platform to have their voice and opinions heard by Irish policy makers and the expert panel. Elaine explained how ECO-UNESCO will gather contributions

from young Irish citizens to form an ECO-UNESCO resource explaining Ireland’s EU Presidency from a youth perspective.

The Green Economy Explored: Mark Bennett, Dublin City Council Mark explored a green economy ecosystem and explained how all of the elements in that ecosystem work. He talked about a range of programmes that Dublin City Council are involved in to support the green economy. He spoke of development plans and policy platforms needed for good governance which are essential foundations for a smart city. He also discussed the importance of creating and supporting green businesses as well as the importance of education and training in green technology. Mark concluded by informing the young

people about how they could get involved.

Keynote Address: Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Minister Fitzgerald addressed the young people and encouraged them as the policy-makers of the future. She reminded all present that we are EU citizens and spoke of the importance of actively engaging with Europe. Minister Fitzgerald spoke on policy processes and how successful policy development depends on consultation, exchange of ideas and listening to others.

She spoke about 2013 being the European Year of Citizens, providing us with an opportunity to discuss and debate what it means to be part of the EU and what we want the future of the EU to be. The Minister reminded participants of the EU’s purpose and the many benefits membership has brought to Ireland, both economically and socially remarking that “during the time of our membership we have become a more outward-looking and confident nation”.

Minister Fitzgerald also touched on the key environmental priorities for Ireland during the Presidency. These include advancing the 7th Environment Action Programme and the EU Climate Adaptation Strategy. Minister Fitzgerald discussed the EU Youth Presidency Programme and the importance of social inclusion of young people. Young people were empowered to participate through the European Commission’s Structured Dialogue processes and events such as the EU Youth Conference. Challenges facing young people were also addressed. “Europe’s young people are in the main, thriving, there are however

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unprecedented challenges facing young people today such as youth unemployment.” Minister Fitzgerald explored green employment and the green economy as having potential to deliver jobs. The EU-wide Youth Guarantee was introduced and this led to questions from the seminar participants. Emer Costello MEP assisted with some questions asked by the young people to the Minister, in particular those relating to the Youth Guarantee.

Interactive WorkshopsThree interactive workshops took place during the EU Youth seminar. The outcomes of the workshops encouraged informed discussions and assisted the participants to devise questions for the expert panel. The workshop themes were:

Workshop 1: The EU Presidency: What Does it Mean? During this workshop, young people explored the revolving EU Presidency, Ireland in the EU and Ireland’s EU presidency. The young people began by taking on the role of a member state in the first activity. The group discussed the key features of the EU to gain a better understanding of how the EU functions. They then looked at the function of the EU Presidency. The workshop concluded with some of the achievements of Ireland’s EU Presidency 2013 being discussed.

Workshop 2: EU and Me Ireland’s EU Presidency was explored by the young people. Groups engaged in an interactive activity which explored the structure of the EU and the roles of the Commission, the Parliament and the Council in order to develop an understanding of how the EU operates. The European Youth Guarantee was introduced and discussed by the groups. The Youth Guarantee would ensure that every young person in Europe is offered a job, further education or work-focused training at a maximum of four months after leaving education or becoming unemployed. It can be implemented at European or at national level.

Workshop 3: Green Jobs: Our FutureThe concept of a green economy was explored. The groups discussed the green economy as not being one direct sector e.g. construction sector or energy sector, but made up of a mix of different sectors such as tourism, agriculture etc. The young people also discussed areas where green employment policy could address sustainable employment. The groups were introduced to the concept of sustainable employment; where a person or family’s employment situation provides a permanent and stable job, wages adequate for food, clothing, shelter, full health benefits and the opportunity for job progression. Participants took part in an activity to choose their dream job, and went on to examine how they could make that job sustainable.

EU CaféDuring the interactive EU Café the young people prepared a series of questions to put to policy makers. Questions involved the themes of the seminar, as well as questions about individual policy makers’ organisations, the role their organisation plays in Europe or the green economy and how young people can get involved in Europe and in taking action.

Speed NetworkingDuring the speed networking session the groups moved around the room to visit different policy makers. They asked questions and discussed issues presented. Each group of young people were exposed to an array of policy makers and engaged in structured dialogue. Young people presented a variety of questions to each policy maker, based on the themes of the seminar, and also presented issues that concerned young people in Ireland today.

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Presentations by Young People to Policy Makers

In their groups, young people presented a synopsis of the answers received from the panel, including what they learned throughout the day about the EU, EU citizenship, Ireland’s EU Presidency and green employment.

Closing Address: Elaine Nevin, National Director ECO-UNESCOElaine closed the day by thanking the young people and the expert panel for their

contributions to the day. She reminded the young people about the important role they play as active citizens and as young Europeans, and encouraged them to get involved by taking part in the wide range of non-formal youth programmes that are available.

Questions from ECO-UNESCO’s Young People and Europe National Seminar Exploring the EU, Green Employment and Ireland’s EU PresidencyThe expert panel at the seminar consisted of: Emer Costello MEP, Gary Dixon (Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation), Joan Flanagan (European Commission in Ireland), Walter Foley (Dublin City Council), Kevin Greene (Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government) and Paddy Hennelly (NYCI).

The following are questions posed to the expert panel by the

seminar participants:What did you do in your internship with the European Parliament? All institutions in the EU have intern opportunities that can be availed of. For this internship I worked in Brussels for 5 months. Internships are a great opportunity to see what work goes on in the European institutions as they are really strong programmes– they are designed so that you get as much learning and real transferable skills as possible. They are also a great opportunity to link in with and get to know other people from around Europe as there are people from all over Europe undertaking these internships.

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What does your current job involve? It is a very interesting job. As Education Officer in the European Commission Representation in Ireland I manage lots of educational activities. I constantly learn about new materials which teachers can in turn give to their schools and colleges. High participation and distribution of new resources are my priorities.

What work do you do as Education Officer in the European Commission Representation in Ireland? • I support teachers with information on the EU – how it works and the various institutions• We would usually do a class presentation followed by a video and an activity• I am also involved in the creation of educational resources

such as the EU passport

If the Youth Guarantee does come in, will every young person be able to apply?Yes, they will.

How can governments improve the employment percentage?Employment growth occurs when more jobs are created. Governments can support businesses by providing funding and grants, particularly to small businesses. Governments can also work with organisations providing support, education and opportunities to young people.

What is like being a young entrepreneur?It’s amazing, even if tough at times… But if you are not happy with a part of your job, you can change it. The point is YOU are your own boss.

Do you encourage young people to become entrepreneurs even in times like these? How?Recession does take its toll on the business. But now is a great time to become an entrepreneur because in times like this you find out what people really need.

Could you explain us the idea of smart and sustainable cities?Sustainable and smart cities are places that will provide jobs for now and the future. To be “sustainable” a city needs different greener and cleaner processes.

How is Dublin viewed internationally in terms of being a good place to do smart sustainable business?Dublin is considered to be a smart city in the eyes of other countries. We have 8 out of the top 10 ICT companies are based here. (Google, IBM, etc …)

What work does the EU Employment Committee do and how does it create jobs?They have a preparatory role – they look at unemployment, they carry out studies and put their findings forward. They advise the EU Council but they themselves do not have a direct role in creating jobs.

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Are young people treated better in some European countries than others?

Absolutely – one key example is the voting age. Some young people can vote earlier than others. Some young people are really aware of their rights and they have support structures. In other countries they would have less. Different countries have different ways of promoting learning.

What do Youth Employment Action do?Young people from all around Europe come together to talk about employment issues. They discuss what is working and what is not working in various countries. They assess what is wrong and give suggestions for what to do to fix this. The point is that it help support youth employment in Europe.

Do you think the EU can improve the role of youths in the EU? How do you think they can?Yes, ministers and MEPs, such as Emer Costello, are continuing to campaign for the voting age to be lowered to 16 in Ireland.

Other questions asked:What is the European Union? What are its aims and goals?

What is Ireland going to do this year with Ireland’s Presidency?

What does the EU see as important policies for the future?

Who decides what goes into EU policy?

How is Ireland represented in the EU?

Are young people’s opinions heard by the European Union?

What does “green economy” mean?

Will the green economy affect our future?

What actions are governments taking to promote greener energy?

How do we benefit from looking after the environment?

How are Ireland doing on sustainable development and the environment compared to other EU countries?

Is it expensive to create a ‘smart and sustainable’ city?

How can a young citizen get involved in the EU?

How can young people get their voice heard in Europe?

What is the EU doing to reduce the problem of youth unemployment?

Where can young people influence real change?

What are Ireland’s strengths and how do we use them?

What new laws have been passed by the EU that affects education?

Can Ireland make a difference to youth while President of the EU?

What are the advantages of the Youth Guarantee?

How can a young citizen get involved in the EU?

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How to Get Involved with ECO-UNESCO?

ClubsForm an ECO-UNESCO Club and get your friends, school or community to have fun and make a difference. Join ECO-UNESCO and hundreds of other young people across Ireland to take action on environmental issues. Contact us to find out how you can start an ECO-UNESCO Club in your neighbourhood, school or youth group. ECO-UNESCO Clubs are a growing part of the Young Environmentalist Programme, giving you the opportunity to develop an environmental action project.

Young Environmentalist AwardsTake part in ECO-UNESCO’s Young Environmentalist Award, Ireland biggest celebration of ECO-Action! ECO-UNESCO’s Young Environmentalist Awards is an all-Ireland environmental awards programme that recognises and rewards young people who raise environmental awareness and improve the environment. ECO-UNESCO’s Young Environmentalist Awards gets young people involved in taking environmental action. Thousands of young environmentalists in schools, youth groups and Youthreach centres throughout the Island of Ireland are making positive contributions to their environment and community by carrying out environmental action projects. ECO-UNESCO celebrates their green achievements through our awards programme.

Green PathwaysECO-UNESCO’s Green Pathways programme is specifically focused on increasing the employability of unemployed young people (aged 25 and under). Through employment training, specialist accredited training modules, project support and work placements the Green Pathways programme will help participants gain valuable work experience and a ‘foot in the door’ to companies and organisations they may not otherwise have access to.

Useful Links:http://ecounesco.ie/

http://www.eu2013.ie/

http://ec.europa.eu/ireland/about_the_eu/presidency/index_en.htm

http://www.leargas.ie/

ECO-UNESCOThe Greenhouse, 17 St Andrew Street, Dublin 2T. +353 (0)1 662 5491 E. info@ecounesco.ie

www.ecounesco.ie

Acknowledgements:

Published by: ECO-UNESCO

Compiled by: Sarah-Jane Tenei

Edited by: Elaine Nevin, Nora Ide McAuliffe

Design: Helen Phelan

Irish Environmental Network

ECO-UNESCO is funded by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs with Support of the National Lottery Funds.

ECO-UNESCO is part-funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government through the Irish Environmental Network.

follow us on:

ECO-UNESCOIreland’s Environmental Education and Youth Organisation

ECO-UNESCOThe Greenhouse, 17 St Andrew Street, Dublin 2T. +353 (0)1 662 5491 | E. info@ecounesco.ie |

www.ecounesco.ie

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.