The future of the digital revolution

Widespread access to internet, smart phones and social media are just some of the elements of the digital revolution. In two days’ time, the European Youth Event 2014 will hold a series of ten activities branded «Digital Revolution”. This, will offer young Europeans, who  are most affected by these sweeping changes, a chance to find out how and to what extent the digital world will continue to reshape our lives.

The digital revolution is affecting everyone and everything: in areas such as research, innovation, business, as well as public communication and social relations. According to Eurostat, two-thirds of Europeans had access to the internet in 2012 and nearly 60% of them had purchased products or services online. In 2013 more than 40% of the EU population interacted online with public authorities and institutions. This is only 9% below the ambitious targets set by the European Commission in its «2020 Digital Agenda» to digitalise the EU economy and get the most out of it.

However, the extensive use of social media also raises various issues:  will Facebook, Twitter and other social networks make politics more transparent and revitalise democracy? How can the interests of US internet giants be reconciled with the need to protect people’s privacy? Will new employment opportunities arise through digital entrepreneurship and e-commerce?

At the Digital Agenda event, various experts, including researchers and government and industry representatives will share their views with participants and offer their expertise. The European Youth Event 2014 will work together with the European Young Innovators Forum (EYIF), the leading foundation for youth innovation in Europe, to prepare several of the activities.

The first confirmed speakers are Mr Björn Vöcking, head of marketing at EA Sports, and Ms Sanna Lukander, vice president of learning and book publishing at Rovio Entertainment Ltd. They will launch the debate on the impact of online games on social behaviours and discuss if games can serve as a learning tool for new generations.

EYE 2014: Finding answers to Youth Unemployment

With just over three months left before the start of the European Youth Event 2014. From May 9 to 11, 5.000 young Europeans, aged between 16 and 30 years old, will come to the European Parliament premises in Strasbourg to discuss their vision for Europe. It will also be an opportunity for them to debate European values, the future of the EU, as well as sustainability, the digital revolution and youth unemployment.

Most young people in Europe are better educated than their parents but they face much tougher competition for jobs. Even if they do manage to find work, it is usually temporary and below their educational level.
The latest figures show how much youth unemployment has risen during the crisis. While overall unemployment in Europe is about 11%, youth unemployment is more than twice as high at 23%. Greece, Spain and Portugal are in a particularly difficult situation with more than half of all people under 25 currently unemployed.
The European Youth Event 2014 aims to seek ideas for creating employment for the young and bridging the gap between what people learn and what employers need. Many important issues will be tackled: Do schools and universities educate young people well enough for them to succeed in a tough job market? Can politicians and policies truly reduce youth unemployment? Do ERASMUS and other programmes make it easier to find work abroad? Are there civil society initiatives to support young job seekers?
EYE2014 participants will seek to find answers to these questions through debates, workshops and exciting role-play games. Experienced business leaders and young entrepreneurs will actively participate in the debate, discussing the needs of today’s job market and share best practices and success stories.

EYE: what is it?

From 9-11 May 2014, Parliament will open its doors to up to 5,000 young Europeans to come and participate in the European Youth Event. They will have to be aged between 16 and 30 and come from one of the EU member states or the candidate countries.

Find out what EYE is all about

What is it? The European Parliament will open  its doors to thousands of young people from all over the EU and invite  them to meet with European decision-makers and speakers with a wide  range of professional experience to exchange ideas and perspectives on  youth-related issues, develop new, innovative ways and solutions to  crucial questions for the future and experience the rich cultural  diversity within the European Union through the staging of various  cultural performances.
When? On 9-11 May 2014, from Friday morning to Sunday noon.
Where? Strasbourg, France, inside and outside the European Parliament’s premises.
How? The EYE 2014 will include a large variety of activities run under the motto «Ideas for a better Europe» in a political, social and cultural sense.  Activities will focus on five main themes: youth unemployment, digital  revolution, future of the European Union, sustainability and European  Values.
Altogether, the three-day event will offer political  debates and workshops, roleplay games, a youth village and a festival  organised by the European Youth Forum, a concert and a street festival
Who? Young Europeans from EU member states, candidate states and neighbourhood countries aged between 16 and 30 years.

The European Youth Event is your chance to share your ideas

For three days, the European Parliament in Strasbourg will open its doors to young people from all over Europe. Young people will debate hot topics and discuss with inspiring personalities. You will have the chance to meet other young Europeans, enjoy three days of political debate and a fun-filled time!

Martin Schulz: We want to hear from you about what Europe should look like in the future

We want to hear from you on how the crisis is affecting your lives and what you believe still needs to be done. We want to hear from you about how we can restore confidence in Europe’s future and regain your trust. We want to hear from you about what Europe should look like in the future. We want to hear about your dreams and hopes for our continent and beyond.
The European Parliament will become a forum to debate issues you care about. My colleagues and I will listen to your ideas and take them on board into the next European Parliament legislature.
The EYE is your chance to make a difference to our work! The EYE is your chance to set the agenda for the next five years! The EYE is your chance to re-invent Europe from the bottom-up!
Make your voice heard – Make a difference! I look forward to meeting you, listening and acting on your ideas. Enjoy the event!
Martin Schulz President of the European Parliament