The full video of the 2nd session of the 2nd Catholic Youth Convention on the Future of Europe is now available on our YouTube channel. The event, entitled “Sharing our dreams on the Future of Europe”, was held on Thursday 15 June 2022 by COMECE and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. Watch the video
It featured a dialogue meeting on ‘Youth and South-East Europe’ between young participants from all over Europe and Olivér Várhelyi, EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, as well as Branislav Staničeck, Policy analyst for the European Parliamentary Research Service.
The complex reality of the countries in the region of South-East Europe, commonly referred to as “the Western Balkans”, and its aspirations to become part of the European Union, are seen by the young participants as an invitation to play their role in “writing a new page of history, a page full of hope, peace and reconciliation”.
Moreover, the question of future perspectives for peace, prosperity and stability on the European continent has regained greater relevance in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
During the dialogue, Commissioner Varhelyì shared insights in the recent and future EU policy developments with regard to the region of South-East Europe and its European prospects.
A recurring theme was the need for a new, positive narrative for the region, which can contribute to overcome difficulties and look forward with hope and in a spirit of collaboration, solidarity and fraternity. It was also emphasised the crucial role Churches and civil society organisations have to play.
On the occasion of this meeting, the youth were also called to participate in the COMECE Youth Net, a new initiative to start in September 2022.
