Finns highlight climate change, EU’s shared values, young people and security at ‘We are Europe’ series of events

NordenBladet — In autumn 2021 and at the start of 2022, Finnish ministers toured Finland to listen to people’s ideas and hopes for the future of Europe. The discussions highlighted a variety of concrete issues where citizens consider EU cooperation to bring added value and where they wanted to see action from the EU. The EU is widely seen as valuable both as a significant economic operator and as a community of values and security.Finns want the EU to take concrete action to combat climate change, to assume a stronger role in guaranteeing security, and to develop a common migration and asylum policy. A unifying theme raised in the discussions was the importance of strengthening the EU’s resilience to crises. The common values of the EU, such as democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights, equality and minority rights, featured prominently in many of the discussions. Participants stressed that the EU must actively promote and defend these values both within its borders and in external relations. Solutions to the challenges we face today, such as climate change, digitalisation, migration and security, must be in line with the EU’s shared values.Finns considered it important to raise awareness about the tools for participating and exerting influence that exist within the EU and to further lower the threshold for participating in EU affairs. Participants also hoped for more consideration on what matters should be decided on at the national level (e.g. forest policy) and which areas would benefit from deeper EU cooperation. Young people in particular felt that they were willing to exert influence and hoped that their natural channels and means of participation could be better utilised. The opportunities provided by the EU for young people to study and work in the Union were considered very important.The atmosphere of the discussion events was positive. Many attendees welcomed the opportunity to participate in the discussion on the future of the EU. The citizens’ dialogues raised a wide variety of different opinions and perspectives. There was also some variation in how easily citizens could be reached and in how enthusiastic they were about participating, and in the nature and themes of events. The “We are Europe” series of events is part of the Conference on the Future of Europe. A total of 19 events have been organised around the country, from Helsinki to Utsjoki. Each discussion has been attended by a government minister, with altogether 12 ministers taking part. The events have been open to the public, and they have been marketed through cooperation partners and in traditional and social media. The events have been organised in cooperation with a variety of partners, such as cities.The aim has been to put citizens and their views at the centre of the events and to ensure that many different perspectives are heard. Around 2,000 Finns have attended the events, either in person or via remote connections. The citizens’ messages will be passed on as part of an EU-level debate on what kind of Europe we want to build.