Young
people’s views
on
the European Parliament and EUROPARLTV
Survey
results – May 2007
Conducted by Generation Europe and Mostra
Generation Europe was invited by Mostra to work
on the survey whose goal would be to collect the views of Generation Europe’s
target audience on issues involving the European Parliament and the potential
launch of an Internet-based TV of this institution. The data which follows is
the result of an online survey conducted in April and May 2007 on www.generation-europe.eu.com.
In total, 784 respondents of 54 different
nationalities participated in our survey. They currently reside in 50
countries, mainly in Europe, with some living in the Americas, the Arab world, sub-Saharan
Africa and even China. Romanians lead the way in both respondents’ profile
categories – nationality and country of residence, while Polish, Greek,
Bulgarians and Brits are following them in the “nationality” category and
Belgium is the country of residence of many of our non-Belgian respondents.
Female respondents outnumbered the opposite sex
in our survey, with 56% to 44%; Generation Europe’s target audience, age 19-29,
constitutes 93% of all respondents. Over half of young people that participated
in our survey (55%) are between 18 and 24, with 38% aged 25-30 and 2% represent
those who haven’t turned 18 yet.
The percentage of respondents who are planning
to vote in the European parliamentary elections is extremely high – 71.40%, an
increase of 6% in comparison with the findings of “Pan-European survey of youth
opinion and European politics”, conducted in June 2004 by Generation Europe.
If the European Parliament launched a web-based
TV service for people under 30, most of our respondents would choose to watch
information on political issues (90%), coverage of European
lifestyle/travel/work opportunities (84%) and information on the European
Parliament (70%). The things that they would least want to see on EUROPARLTV
are reality shows/soap operas on EU themes. Only 1/4 of young people that
filled out our survey currently use Internet to watch television (age 18-29: M
– 32.40%, F – 20.70%). Almost half of our respondents would like to give their
own contribution to EUROPARLTV’s programming.
Over 75% or 594 respondents of the total number
of 784 answered the survey’s Open question; a number of them emphasized that
EUROPARLTV must not be used for political propaganda.
Even though content is the most important
attribute of a TV channel for me to watch it; in many occasions the format
makes the shows very boring and hard to follow. For me to be motivated to watch
a channel special attention should be put on innovating the format. […]Another
point that matters for me is the possibility of seeing shows that you wouldn't
be able to see in other TV channels. Shows created by viewers and users
expressing their position on some political issues or bringing some often
ignored issues to the surface.
Ricard (25) from Spain answering the survey’s
Open question
“My
motivation to watch EuroparlTV would be…”?
Introduction
Since 2002 Generation
Europe SA provides a communication platform for young Europeans aged 19 to 29
to discuss and promote their opinions with public and corporate policy makers.
After a series of successfully conducted surveys for various partners,
Generation Europe was invited by Mostra to work on a survey whose goal would be
to collect the views of Generation Europe’s target audience on issues involving
the European Parliament and the potential launch of an Internet-based TV channel
of this institution.
The results of this
survey, especially those regarding the attitude of respondents towards the
European Parliament, were to a certain amount different from those seen in the
“Pan-European survey of youth opinion and European politics”, conducted by
Generation Europe in June 2004, just before the election of new MEPs from 25
countries of the enlarged European Union. The average visitor to www.generation-europe.eu.com, a
young, multilingual European aged 23-24 with a university diploma, in our most recent
survey expressed more interest for the European electoral procedure, which
might lead to the conclusion that political apathy among young people in Europe
is diminishing as they explore their specific role in European politics.
Generation Europe
works with various stakeholders (industry, policy makers and civil society) to
address with them the issues that are of concern to young Europeans. Both on- and
off-line, Generation Europe engages in debates about important issues that
affect the individual and collective futures of more than 15,000 young
Europeans. These individuals are linked to the organisation and to each other
via the Generation Europe website. Generation Europe is committed to
facilitating multi-sectoral dialogue to help young Europeans shape their
future.
Generation Europe’s
database of contacts includes people from international youth organisations,
such as: AIESEC, European Movement, JA-YE, ERASMUS offices Europe-wide, ESIB,
etc. Also, in conducting surveys Generation Europe is relying on direct
contacts with European universities, where our on-line community members are
studying or teaching.
In participating in
the European Parliament’s tender for the youth component of EUROPARLTV,
Generation Europe and Mostra believed it would be interesting to gather the
opinions of and listen to the views of young people. The data which follows is
the result of an online survey conducted in April and May 2007 on www.generation-europe.eu.com.
Both organisations
wanted to better understand the views of 19 to 29 year olds on the European
Parliament and their expectations of a service such as EUROPARLTV. Generation
Europe’s National Ambassadors, along with the GE Brussels-based team, worked
hard to stimulate interest in the project, gathering 784 answers from 54 different
countries.
EUROPARLTV Respondents’ Profile:
In total, 784
respondents of 54 different nationalities participated in our survey. They
currently reside in 50 countries, mainly in Europe, with some living in the
Americas, the Arab world, sub-Saharan Africa and even China. Exactly 80% of our
respondents live in 19 European countries, of which 15 are Member States of the
EU. In the top 10 there are only EU countries, namely:
More details on this
as well as other respondents’ nationalities and countries of residence are
presented in charts 1 and 2.
Female respondents
outnumbered the opposite sex in our survey, with 56% to 44%; Generation
Europe’s target audience, age 19-29, constitutes 93% of all respondents. Over
half of young people that participated in our survey (55%) are aged between 18
and 24, with 38% aged 25-30 and 2% represent those who haven’t turned 18 yet.
More on this in charts 3 and 4.
Chart 1 
Chart 2
Chart 3
Chart 4
Part I - European Parliament
Questions asked in this part of the survey were:
·
How
much do you know about the European Parliament (EP)?
·
Do
you know your MEP?
·
I
plan to vote in the next... (…local elections/...national elections/...EP
elections)
·
Do
you think that the EP is relevant to your life?
Over 80% of
respondents are familiar with the basics regarding the European Parliament or
know more than that. On the other hand, around one third of the total number of
young people that took part in our survey has no MEP and/or never heard about
that abbreviation. The percentage of respondents who are planning to vote in
the European parliamentary elections is extremely high – 71.40%, although even
more of the survey participants intend to vote in national (88.60%) and local
elections (85.70%).
Comparing this data
with the findings of the above-mentioned “Pan-European survey of youth opinion
and European politics”, conducted in June 2004 by Generation Europe, we notice an
increase of 6% of young people planning to vote in the next elections for the European
Parliament – from 65.70% to 71.40%.
The conclusion seems
to be that among young Europeans there is little political apathy at this
moment, especially after noting that 2/3 of our respondents perceives the
European Parliament as relevant to their lives.
More information on
these issues can be found in charts 5-8.
Chart 5
Chart 6
Chart 7
Chart 8
Part II - EUROPARLTV
Questions asked in this part of the survey were:
·
If
the EP launched a web TV service for people under 30, what would you like to
see on it? Please select all that apply.
·
I
mainly use the Internet… Please select all that apply.
·
Rank
the attraction level of following UGC…
·
Would
you like to participate in providing content for EUROPARLTV?
If the European
Parliament launched a web-based TV service for people under 30, most of our
respondents would choose to watch information on political issues (90%), coverage
of European lifestyle/travel/work opportunities (84%) and information on the
European Parliament (70%). The things that they would least want to see on EUROPARLTV
are reality shows/soap operas on EU themes (a number of our respondents saw the
need to oppose this kind of potential programming also in their answers on the
Open question). Other themes that our respondents suggested for potential
broadcasting on EUROPARLTV include: scholarships/education/student exchange, EU
in the world and issues regarding minorities in the EU.
Almost all respondents
use the Internet to check their e-mails and for research/education/work.
Roughly half of them use the World Wide Web for downloading media files, buying
travel and concert tickets/on-line shopping, while only 1/4 of young people
that filled out our survey use Internet to watch television.
In terms of
User-Generated Content (UGC), “European life and travel clips” was the
favourite of five options (40% had it as a first choice with another 20% as a
second choice), followed by “Europe viewed by non-Europeans” (10% as a first
choice, 50% as a second choice). “Young Europeans interviewing MEP’s” ranked in
the middle (15% first choice, 15% second choice but 25% third choice) while the
remaining two options - “presentation of individual political manifestos” and
“an MEP goes back to school” - were rated as least interesting – the last
choice for 40% and 50% of respondents, respectively.
Finally, almost half
of our respondents would like to give their own contribution to EUROPARLTV’s
programming, while only 10% have no intention of doing that. In between are
those who would participate in providing content for EUROPARLTV if they knew
how or if there were some incentive. More details on this are presented in
charts 9-12.
Chart 9
Chart 10
Chart 11
After processing the
data coming from one specific respondents’ target group - young Europeans age 18-29
- Generation Europe’s team did a comparison of views expressed by male (M) and
female (F) members of this respondents’ population. Here are some of the
findings with the most significant percentage difference:
·
“I’m well informed
about the European Parliament”: M – 33.90%, F – 30.90%
·
“I know my MEP”:
M – 44.00%, F – 42.20%
·
“I plan to vote
in the next EP elections”: M – 75.50%, F – 69.40%
·
“The EP is
relevant to my life, because my country is represented there and EP decisions
affect local policies”: M – 67.30%, F – 64.20%
·
“If the EP
launched a web TV service for people under 30, I would like to see the coverage
of European lifestyle/travel/work opportunities”: M – 81.10%, F – 87.70%
·
“I use the
Internet to watch television”: M – 32.40%, F – 20.70%
·
“I wouldn’t know
to provide content for EUROPARLTV”: M – 19.80%, F – 23.20%
Open Question
Over 75% of
respondents - or 594 respondents of the total number of 784 - answered the
survey’s Open question, offering some interesting and creative ideas on how
they see the concept of EUROPARLTV and especially its component oriented mainly
to a younger target audience. Here we present 22 answers that managed to pass our
three rounds of selection. Some of the respondents offered their participation
in the creation of the EUROPARLTV’s youth-oriented programs, others emphasized
that this potential Internet-based television must not be used for political propaganda.
Leitmotif in a number of responses was the lack of interest of young Europeans in
watching soap operas on EU themes and/or reality shows on EUROPARLTV.
MY MOTIVATION TO WATCH EUROPARLTV
WOULD BE…
- …it's
content. It has to be truly informative and not presenting only how great
Europe is in the form of propaganda. It has to provide knowledge in an
entertaining way; such as thematic documentaries about life style and
specific problems so people can learn about Europe and its problems in the
small places. Also it should provide a level of interaction between the
people and the MEP's by offering open criticism so people can feel they
are part of the Union. Additionally I would like such a channel to promote
European culture; such as European film and music; so the people are more
aware of their local production. A practical advice is to be able to
choose what program a viewer can watch and not to have only a real time
TV. Limit the amount of political talk in the abstract sense and bring it
down to the level people understand; without being populist. That means
focus on real problems and presents the different views of the European
political parties on how to solve them. Show people how decisions made in
Brussels affect their lives so they can feel they are the Union. Alexia (26) from Greece
- ...entirely
based on the quality of the programmes offered. Namely; EUROPARLTV should
never be associated with a sort of live streaming of the parliamentary
sessions but should offer (solely) added value content - interviews;
explanations; distinguished (does not mean boring!!) commentators;
reports; programmes focused on different themes and publics (e.g. Mondays
would be EU-career Mondays; Tuesdays your-EU-comment day; Wednesdays
Learned opinion day ...) etc. But; having covered the 'What's; we also
have to focus on 'How' the worst thing would be hours and hours of
hopelessly unimaginative; non-stimulating; visually boring programme. The
solution lies with creative minds who can; I am sure; find a format for
each segment; in which the content will truly come to life and not only
inform but also entertain. Having said as much; banish every thought
related to infotainment and reality-TV as neither of them can offer
anything really worth while and should not be connected with an
institution like the EP. In short - what would motivate me to watch EUROPARLTV?
Programme quality (content and presentation excellence). Aleksandra
(27) from Slovenia
- Mainly
to get information about what happens at the European level; what
decisions are being taken and to learn more about other European countries
and views. I would be especially interested in learning why politicians
are motivated to implement certain changes; to have things explained
further so it is easier to understand and therefore to agree or disagree.
It is not always easy to form an opinion about certain issues; especially
without having all the background. It would give an opportunity for
politicians to explain why they believe what they do and maybe build trust
in people. Europe is very diverse and cultural background is also very
important when understanding how different people feel about different
issues so it would be interesting to know the position of different
Europeans on particular issues or problems; and what they would do to
solve them. Travel features about interesting places to visit in Europe
would also be very interesting. Or maybe short language programmes. Leonor (25) from Spain
- I think
the main reason would be to find out more about European Parliament
(usually news from EP is quite short; not too sophisticated). Showing MEPs
and EP informally would be another great thing to be done - I guess we all
treat them as people far away and do not really realize what they do and
who they are. I also do not think we have enough information about
legislations undertaken by European Parliament and since they affect our
everyday life it would be useful to have an immediate access to the latest
news from the heart of the legislation process. Personally I would also
see the TV as a great opportunity to find out what our representatives
REALLY during the term and reasonably take up the decision whether to
re-elect them for a second term or not. Sometimes we just have to relay on
their report which are not unbiased. Anna
(29) from Poland
- EUROPARLTV
should be an open platform for presenting the work of the EP; by showing
the impact of the Parliament's decisions in every day life of the
Europeans. As politics will never appeal to common people; and especially
to the youth; it would be a waste of time to try to trick people by
sweetening the pill by using "soap opera" for communicating;
better make it short and simple; and as clear as possible. So; building on
the format that , for instance; is used by Euro News for
covering the EP activities; and mixing it with relevant information about
the life in the EU; but also outside EU; especially in the neighbouring
countries; My motivation to watch this EUROPARLTV would be to see the
stand the MP I'll vote will have in the main debates in Brussels. Adrian (26) from Romania
- …that I
would love to get to know more about the EU. As a grown up u would like to
work in another country (that is also in the EU) and I would like to get
to know by well informed and reliable sources what each country has to
offer to its Citizens. Also I loved the idea of a television that unites
all Europe as one big country. Also as a teen soon to be 16; and
therefore; more independent I wish to get to know more my rights and the
all the possibilities I have as a citizen of a member country. Many teens
I know don’t care about politics at all...they say its not 'cool' to love
politics....but in my opinion if there was none of this our country would stand
by her own and more likely it will someday fall in a big chaos of
problems. I conclude by wishing you all a good night sleep ;) Excuse my
bad English. Simone (15) from Malta
- Our
generation is accused of being highly apolitical. I am somebody who proves
this accusation: I do not even know what MEP is. But even by somebody like
me; EUROPARLTV could be watched; provided that they inform the youth about
political issues without trying to manipulate them in a way; Indeed;
getting out of this apolitical state but nevertheless not losing our
objectivity is important for us. It is true that by nature humans tend to
support one idea when they know about it. Thus; attempting an escape from
this apolitical state is equal to getting caught in not the right opinion;
but the opinion that is presented in the most attractive way. Provision
should be to present any issue objectively. It is genuine objectivity that
can awaken the youth. We need knowledge; not speculation. It would highly
motivate me to watch EUROPARLTV to know that they do not broadcast to
manipulate us; but to show us. Esra (22) from
Turkey
- Primarily
I would watch to stay informed on latest issues in the European
Parliament; such as the Geremek affair which caused a major conflict
between the EU and the Polish government; or the whole energy discussion
vis-à-vis Russia. Furthermore I would watch EUROPARLTV out of human
interest. Who are the MEPs who take on a responsible task? What is their
background; how do they live in Brussels... all these themes are hardly
addressed by national television. To enhance interaction between youths
and MEPs; a "you-tube" element would be perfect -although one
has to wait and see whether people actually do get active in this field.
Finally; I think it would be great to have more talk show-styled debates
between MEPs on several issues. Something likes Jeremy Paxman interviewing
MEPs on hot topics; but also confrontations between European Commission
representatives and MEPs -and of course; between MEPs. Ultimo; my
motivation to watch EUROPARLTV would be the profound interest in EP. Guido (25) from The Netherlands
- …varied
and stem from many different areas. One of them would be to discover
Europe in depth as an immensely diverse and interesting socio-cultural
area; compromising a wide variety of self-defined cultural identities in
many different countries; regions; provinces and even cities. Secondly; to
keep up to date with the latest political developments in the construction
of such an important and yet challenging entity as the European Union;
where a lot has been done but still even more work still waits. Another
one would be to watch geographical features from all corners of the
European Union; with the prospect of gathering information to organise
trips; visits and exchanges in other regions. And the main and most
important goal would be to achieve a better understanding for everybody of
different European cultures; aiming to eradicate fear of diversity; which
is a cause of social tension; therefore creating a better Europe for
everybody to interact in. Horacio (27)
from Italy
- I would
watch EUROPARLTV if it was wide-ranging; focussing on the full range of
issues the European Parliament covers; plus included coverage and insights
from all EU member-states. I would also be more inclined to watch it if it
included a range of critical perspectives on the issues it deals with. It
could easily drift into an overly celebratory account of the benefits of
EU membership and the work of the parliament. This would be fine in
moderation; but would need to be counter-balanced by programmes focussing
on areas that could be improved; or where the EU is not functioning as
well as might be hoped; including even-handed analysis of the effects of
EU membership on the new member states. I think it's also important that
any channel aimed at young people shouldn't be too patronising; or go out
of its way to appear 'hip' - I think young people would prefer it to be
simple; clear; unbiased and open in its approach. Jonathan (24) from the United Kingdom
- I would
like to know more about the work of the European Parliament and - given
the possibility to actively participate via e.g. internet forums - provide
additional ideas and suggestions regarding currently topical subjects. It
would also be interesting to view presentations of the culture of each EU
country and sightseeing opportunities to help viewers decide where to
spend their vacation. Providing business information; from major market
indices and short news on selected European companies as a counterweight
to American business journalism to new major job openings and summer work
opportunities; would be useful for both poorer and wealthier countries.
Finally; invitations to selected public festivals and concerts provide a
perfect getaway for a weekend and a possibility to meet new people and
make new friends. All in all; it seems that such a web-based TV would
certainly fill the void; particularly in less-covered areas of interest.
It is a challenge for content-makers to show their talent and a promising
source of information for all others. By using modern internet technology;
it can easily be made available worldwide. Matjaz (22) from Slovenia
- My
motivation to watch EUROPARLTV would be to have first-hand actual diverse
information about events and developing processes concerning the European
Union; including national policies; environment issues; international
treaties and most important existing and emerging opportunities inside the
EU. Of course; entertaining music and sport programs would be attractive
to me; as well. In my opinion; the primary aim of EUROPARLTV should be
involving young people in Europe in initiatives that will build tomorrow
European civil society. Bearing in mind the integration processes in the
last 15 years and especially the accessions to the EU; it must be one of
the priorities of the EU. I would watch EUROPARLTV with pleasure; if it
could make Europe closer to me in different aspects like European policy
at a local and national level; different people’s views and visions for
today’s and future Europe; no matter of their age; nationality; gender and
religion. Views of non-Europeans would be essential; as well. Another
important point is the diversity of different TV programs so that anyone
could find something of interest for themselves. This aim could be
accomplished by developing an online rating system so that online users
could assess the programs; give opinions and suggestions. Users must be
encouraged to participate in EUROPARLTV blog. Finally; I would like to
finish with a well-known motto. It may seem trivial since it is the
fundamental of my Marketing major: The information must be broadcast in
the most convenient way in the most convenient time with the most
convenient tools so that it can bring best results. In other words; a
clear strategic conception about the aims of EUROPARLTV must exist so that
EUROPARLTV can most easily achieve them. Georgi (23) from Bulgaria
- To get
information that concern and interest me given from a young point of view.
I expect innovation and an interactive approach that permits at young
people to choose the thematic. I also expect a democratic change for
everyone to express and discuss political and social matters. From EUROPARLTV
I expect a global coverage of important problematic and the courage to
discuss them; like political ideology and political activism; social
transformations and their understanding; racism; unemployment; gender
relations; history and memory in modern Europe; intercultural and
antireligious dialog. Matters which personally I consider important ones.
The young public must have the chance to get in touch with and try to
understand. Finally my strongest motive is the need for modern and up to
date information in a new and fresh way. Maria (24) from Cyprus
- To
really show that EU works. Funny and useful content: how EU’s social
campaigns are being prepared (maybe a reality show with casting to an
intern in one of the project teams working on him international campaign
would be an idea!), interviews wit MEP about if they use new
media or nor; creating real challenges for them for example competition
for the best MEPs blog judged by the youth; useful information about EU
educational programmes (Socrates; Leonardo) showing real stories of
people’s to motivate others. Building community around young Europeans
(something like face book). Reality show about for example electoral
campaign. This TV should gather all the information from national and
international portals (Café Babel or Eurodesk) and continue spreading
information given there. Showing opportunities beside Europe; describing
process of cooperation between EU and non-EU countries. Presenting
interesting simple-to-prepare international cuisines (for example MEP and
reporter cooking together). Monika (23) from Poland
- Even
though I am not the type of person that would watch on-line TV; this would
be a good opportunity to start using on-line TV as a source of getting
useful information.; Regarding the fact that Macedonia is a candidate
country for the EU there is an existing demand for this kind of
information. This type of on-line TV would help in the process of
informing Macedonian people and educating them of the working principles
and practices not just of the European Parliament but of the other EU
institutions as well. According to my experience as a youth worker; I
could state that there is a surprisingly low level of knowledge regarding
EU issues; processes and practices between the youth. Responsibly; I try
to work on this local/national problem and from this aspect having this
source would be of great benefit. I would personally use it for keeping
myself up-to date with the EU issues; and professionally would promote it
as a valuable source of information and as a tool for education. Never the
less; what especially inspires me is the opportunity which this project
offers for European youth to actively take part in it. Therefore; this
kind of involvement gives me/us a chance to act not just on local but on
international level as well. Nina (21) from Macedonia
- ...to
learn more about the European Parliament and about "life in
Europe"... Armenia; my country of residence; is not part of the
European Union; but we're in the Council of Europe and New Neighbourhood
Programme; so we're gradually moving towards European integration in most
spheres. EUROPARLTV could provide Armenians with a better idea of why
exactly we're going for European integration and what being "in
Europe" truly means. EUROPARLTV would help us learn about Europe; the
legislative and administrative processes of the European Union; providing
us with comprehensible information that is otherwise bureaucratically
worded and formulated on official websites. A television channel targeting
the youth would help us answer the question "what does my generation
get from being in Europe?” I would like the EUROPARLTV to remember that
non-EU citizens (based on the EU's current definition) will be watching as
well; so that the content should not be meant only for those living within
the borders of the EU! Nazareth (26) from Armenia
- …to get
to know what happens within the European institutes on a daily basis and
to be able to hear comments and critics about decisions made. Another
motivation to watch EUROPARLTV would be to see the perspective of the
individual member countries on the discussed issues and whether the
results are really in the best interests of the EU as a whole or of
individual countries. Finally I expect from a European Parliament TV
channel that citizen of the European Union could interact more closely
with MEPs; asking them questions and telling them their complaints. This
would make people realize across Europe that most problems can be tackled
together and that different nationalities don't have to fight against each
other to get the biggest piece of the cake. EUROPARLTV should also stream
news about Europe and the world from a European point of view. It should
be another step towards creating a European identity. Pit (20) from
Luxembourg
- Even
though content is the most important of a TV channel for me to watch it;
in many occasions the format make the shows very boring and hard to
follow. For me to be motivated to watch a channel special attention should
be put on innovating the format. Some ideas would be to have contests for
groups of young people creating shows; title sequences; content... Groups
that win the contest could be invited to work with the professional team
and resources of EUROPARLTV. A TV for the young should integrate
youngsters in its production and creation. Another point that matters for
me is the possibility of seeing shows that you wouldn't be able to see in
other TV channels. Shows created by viewers and users expressing their
position on some politic issues or bringing some often ignored issues to
the surface. The channel should support these initiatives not only
accepting the content; but helping the viewers create such content;
offering access to studios; good equipment and council on TV content
creation. This would be to allow the viewers voice to be heard and
considered much more than if it was obviously amateurish. Ricard (25)
from Spain
- …to be
informed on the possibilities and potential of the European Union. I would
like to see the European Union; and its institutions seize the
opportunities of our digital era; and communicate relevant information to
EU citizens. From a platform such as EUROPARLTV; an essential and direct
link of communication could be established between the EP; the democratic
forum of the EU; and us; European citizens. This must not remain a
one-sided tool of communication. Thanks to this item; an additional zone
of interaction can be created. I would be excited to watch and listen to
programs about the EP which would come from another source of information
than mainstream channels. ; Finally; EUROPARLTV would allow me to have a
close and different look at a vital European institution. If such a way of
communicating was set in place; I would have the opportunity to discover
more about institutions and people whose decisions affect my everyday life
and environment; and get to know and understand them better. Romain
(25) from France
- If it
is a serious TV station that provides relatively unbiased information and
covers relevant areas that commercial TV stations do not cover. If it
provides adequate coverage of equality and environmental issues; and if it
provides an interactive space for young people to interact and voice their
concerns. As a Maltese citizen; I would be very interested to watch the TV
station if it also provided a space for people from all over Europe to
interact in panel discussions about anything that is topical ranging from
same-sex marriage and adoption to immigration to European values to GMOs
etc. As a European citizen; I would be interested to learn more about what
the Commission and other EU bodies are doing to make the quality of life
of EU citizens better. It would be great if young people could pass the
microphone to MEPs and drill them about their work. Should some of the
above be adopted; I am sure that it will attract the attention of young
people to the work of the EU institutions and make them become more
appealing to the pubic eye. One final point; no commercials please (other
than educations announcements) - we have way too many of those on the
commercial TV stations! Silvan (26) from Malta
- …to see
young Europeans building up a life and how they contribute with their
experience to a better idea of how they live and learn. I want to see
documentaries about themes like higher education and how EU policy works
with that regarding Lisbon objectives. By travelling throughout Europe and
working together with other Europeans I can see more and more similarities
between us. There should be more focus on what we have in common than in
what we differ from each other. I would like classes and groups of
students to show how they make use of the benefits of free travel and
education: what the EU has contributed to their vision of themselves and
the world. What would make it more powerful is that high profile EU
politicians show commitment to the youth and their visions for Europe and
their own life. Furthermore projects like those of the ACC should receive
more attention so a broader young audience can see what it likes to live
and work with other young Europeans and what they do in programs. What
would be great is that the Dutch initiative Cool Politics could get
attention so that the example is followed in the rest of Europe. That
would show we know; we care and we act! Willem (28) from The
Netherlands
- I would watch EUROPARLTV to inform myself about the issues on the
European agenda and would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about
the
