What does the future hold for the next generation of Europeans?
Young people around the world are making headlines, challenging traditional structures through political activism such as school strikes, or embracing conventional ones by running for political office. In 2014, however, only 28% of 18-24-year-olds voted in the European Parliament elections, compared with 51% over 55. Inspiring young candidates from across the European political spectrum will present their ideas in a panel discussion designed to bridge the gap between the seemingly abstract politics of Brussels, the everyday challenges young people face, and - most importantly - the changes they would like to see.
This event is part of The Governance Post event series, a student-led public initiative at the Hertie School together with European Horizons, the Hertie School chapter of a global, student-led policy incubator with a mission to give young people a voice in the future of Europe and in transatlantic relations.
Panelists
Hannah Neumann, 35, is running for a seat in the EP with Bündnis 90/Die Grünen. She focuses on issues of human rights as the basis for peace and development, and on the EU’s ability to act, both domestically and internationally. Her background is in media studies and peace and conflict studies.
Vojtěch Vais, 26, is a member of TOP 09 Party from Czechia. He is a laywer by trade and his campaign focuses on fostering awareness of the European Union in Czechia, and fighting euroscepticism through education and information about the EU.
Marco Candela, 34, is an EP candidate with Podemos in Spain. He has been a member of the Madrid Assembly (Regional Parliament) for the Podemos party for the past four years. His field of expertise is public housing issues. He has worked as a human rights lawyer with the Spanish social movements against home evictions. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Economics from the University of London and a Master’s degree in Economic Development in addition to his Law degree from the Carlos III University in Madrid.
Caroline Flohr, 25, is an EP candidate for the pan-European party Volt in Germany. Running on one programme across Europe, Volt wants to reform the European federal system to make it more democratic and increase cooperation among member states in order to master challenges such as climate change and global migration. She studied Governance Economics and Development at Leiden University College in The Hague and has a small fair trade fashion brand.
Student Chairs
Katherine Tepper is a second-year candidate for the Master of International Affairs degree at the Hertie School, the president of the Hertie School chapter of European Horizons. She holds dual bachelor degrees in international relations and classical voice and opera from the University of Rochester and the Eastman School of Music, respectively, in Rochester, New York, USA.
Sophia Engel is a second-year student for the Master of Public Policy degree at the Hertie School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Malmö University and is active in the area of international cooperation on climate and sustainability.
Johannes Liebig is a first-year candidate for the Master of Public Policy degree at the Hertie School Governance and the vice president of the Hertie School chapter of European Horizons. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology, political and communication science from Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf.
