01.12.2021
Young people seek common solutions to the challenges of the future of the European Union in Oulu
Mirja Vehkaperä, Tytti Tuppurainen, Adalmiina Irvankoski, Armiida Hämäläinen, Daria Zaikovskaia and Maksim Marchenkov are looking for solutions for the future of the EU in a panel after working in small groups.
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Concerns and worries, especially about the situation at the borders of the European Union, but also a lot of positive faith in the future. This could sum up the discussion in the working groups, when around fifty young people from the Barents region, i.e. Sweden, Norway, Russia and Finland, gathered to discuss the future of the European Union in Oulu on Tuesday 30 November.
Discussions first took place in small groups on issues such as EU values, the rule of law, democracy, security, environmental issues and climate change. Economic issues, social justice, education, youth, digital development and Arctic issues were also raised.
Based on the small group discussions, the ideas of each group were presented at a demolition event, which anyone could follow live, even on their couch. At the demolition event and the panel that followed, young people were represented by Adalminea Irvankoski, Armiida Hämäläinen, Daria Zaikovskaia and Maksim Marchenkov. The panel was also attended by Tytti Tuppurainen, Minister of European Affairs and Ownership Steering, and Mirja Vehkaperä, Chairman of Oulu City Board.
At the end of the evening, Tuppurainen visited the Valve Culture Centre to listen to the people of Oulu's thoughts on the future of Europe. He promised to take the proposals of Barents' young people and the people of Oulu forward in the European Union.
European identity was conveyed in the discussions
Young people raised many difficult concerns. They were particularly concerned about what is happening at the Polish-Belarusian border, the availability of mental health services for young people and the employment of young people.
Adalmiina Irvankoski reminded that the voice of young people in Europe should be heard at an even lower threshold.
"Many young people who take part (in social activities) take a lot of part. Then there are young people who do not take part at all", Irvankoski said.
The representatives of the Regional Youth Regional Assembly of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region, Kosma Rönkä and Anni Koskenniemi, considered the opportunity to be very hopeful.
Rönkä, who is currently performing his military service, said: “During the day of the month, there will be very deep points and perspectives, and even from participants 3-4 years younger than myself.
The discussions in Koskenniemi left a feeling that the common European identity was strong among the speakers.
“It is extremely wonderful to see that there are common ways and ideas to improve things.”
The day, which brought together young people from the Barents region, was convened by Minister Tytti Tuppurainen. The day was also part of the programme of the Conference on the Future of Europe and was part of the Europe We We tour. The day was organised by the Prime Minister's Office, the City of Oulu, the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. At the same time, the day was also an event of the Finnish Presidency of the Barents Euro-Arctic Regional Assembly.
