MEUSAC encourages students to promote their vision for Europe

MEUSAC head Vanni Xuereb has encouraged students to promote their vision of the Europe they want to form part of, by actively participating in the discussion on the future of the European Union.

Speaking during a debate held at University’s KSU common room, Xuereb said that prior to joining the EU, there was an intense debate in Malta, but that however, the debate on European themes had practically vanished into thin air ever since.

The debate, which focused on the future of European Youth, was organised by MEUSAC in collaboration with the European Commission Representation in Malta, the European Parliament Information Office, the Kunsill Studenti Universitarji, the European Studies Organisation, and Third Eye. The event was held in the run-up to Europe Day on May 9.

“Scepticism towards the European project is the biggest challenge Europe is facing,” he said, citing the UK as an example.
“Unless the European project turns to one that excites popular sentiment, the crisis will worsen.”

He added that the growing anti-establishment sentiment was not however restricted to Europe and warned of the dangers when distrust in politicians is allowed to escalate, thereby leading either to a disenchantment with politics in general or to voters supporting extremist political groups.

Mandy Falzon, who heads the EU Funding team at MEUSAC, said that although there is some scepticism towards the European project, we, at times, tend to take many things for granted.

“As a result of the European Union’s programmes for instance, students can go to study and work abroad,” she explained.

Mark Harwood, senior lecturer at the Institute of European Studies at the University of Malta, added that the Schuman Declaration presented a plan conceived by France after the war.

“However, it is now a different story, since not all countries in Europe share the same ideals,” he said adding that he did not expect all the 28 Member States to be on the same wavelength as Germany and France were at the time.

Harwood also spoke of disincentives for University graduates to secure employment related to their studies, and of how graduates are being paid low wages within the public sector.

“The University cannot do more than it has already done to try and change this.”

Angelo Chetcuti from the European Parliament Information Office said that many people are not aware of the many positive aspects of the EU which affect their daily lives.