Current situation – the challenge
Europe is experiencing a phase of change in which it is being forced to reposition itself in a world of shifting goal posts and countless challenges. Young people are considered particularly important in all this, given that it concerns their future, their ideas of life and their expectations. Opportunities and chances to utilise digitalisation, internationalisation and migration whilst recognising and preventing risks and dangers must be the goal in this regard. All of which depends on a unified Europe.
Only 7% of the global population is European. How can they maintain not only their standards, but also their system of values? Which institutional prerequisites are necessary for this? Which strategies and measures could be considered conducive? After all, we are also talking about a new enthusiasm among young people for Europe. Working together, solidarity, commonality and identity are particularly important in this regard.
The lack of crisis management on the part of the European Union, an absence of plans for sensible development, excessive bureaucracy and a lack of concentration of priority topics are leading to an increase in Euro-scepticism, also amongst young Europeans. Improved communication and more information on European matters, but also a better and more open dialogue are imperative.
History – the foundation
On 7 July 1957, Forchtenstein Castle opened its doors as the first Austrian Europahaus, named after its founder ‘Karl Brunner Europahaus’, following renovations by the European Federalist Movement (EFM). Since then, Forchtenstein Castle has acted as an international meeting place and education centre for the cross-party promotion of the European unification and integration concept.
Planning, organising and implementing the events programme as well as maintaining the site itself had thus far been taken care of by EFM Steiermark or was rather founded on the personal and non-material commitment of a small number of proponents. In this way, it had thus far been possible to hold individual, topical events and ensure the basic upkeep of the castle. However, it was not possible to operate an on-going events programme, due to lack of manpower and financial resources, and only very limited structural conservation measures were possible.
Reorientation – the idea
By meeting with young people, exchanging opinions and experiencing the reality of European unification, the European Youth Forum Neumarkt is making a contribution to promote open dialogue in order to find an answer to the question: What does the future of Europe look like?
Young Europeans are encouraged to learn more about European ideas and values, experience discourse on Europe, develop and discuss new European outlooks, and demonstrate their commitment to Europe, in their own home countries in particular.
Plans – the journey
Young people from all over Europe and, of course, Austria are offered the chance to take part in a programme, extending over multiple days, which has been compiled in accordance with the European Commission, the European Parliament and a number of other institutions in support of the concept of Europe. They will be able to discuss the future of their continent, critically question the problems, develop new perspectives and be encouraged to engage with Europe.
The content should not only revolve around the issue of nationality versus European unity, but should also address questions on tolerance amongst the religions of Europe, specific forms of cultural expression and different approaches to issues such as migration. Educational opportunities (lectures, discussions, presentations, workshops etc.) are just as present in the programme as group leisure activities, cultural excursions, sports activities and social events are.
Framework – the „European Youth FOrum Neumarkt“ – EYFON
The infrastructure of Neumarkt council in particular but also the region is to be adapted in preparation of this plan, and off-site venues for workshops etc. are also to be made available. Forchtenstein Castle has been registered as a charitable organisation by Steiermark EFM, which, as the party that is responsible for the conservation of the building, will provide resources for necessary construction work and renovations.
The ‘European Youth Forum Neumarkt’ (EYFON) association is responsible for the operative supervision of the meeting and dialogue centre, where the focus is on European youths aged 14 to 25. It creates, organises and hosts various forums for around 1000 young people every year from May to October, whereby the focus is to be on Central, East and South-east Europe.
Enthusiasm for Europe – the goal
In addition to learning the importance of Europe as a community of values and the importance of enhancing integration, young people must be given the option to find a guiding principle for Europe during discussions and encounters with their contemporaries, which they identify with and can actively propagate. Upon their return to their home country, every participant is encouraged to organise an event with presentations and discussions and invite at least 20 other young people, thus creating a ‘snowball effect’ on the topic of Europe.
