Impetus for the future of Europe
Managing Director of Europa-Forum Wachau Theresa Edtstadler presented the paper of demands from the public participation process to the EU Commission.
Brussels (20.11.2024) The 28th Wachau European Forum, which took place under the title "Rebooting Europe" at Göttweig Abbey and Campus Krems, was a complete success. The forum provided a platform for dialogue on key European issues and concerns of the people of Lower Austria. The results and findings were summarised in a comprehensive brochure, which has now been handed over to the European Commission.
Public participation as the key to success
"With the Wachau European Forum, Lower Austria is setting standards in the involvement of citizens throughout Europe. I therefore look back with pride on the Europa-Forum Wachau 2024, which provided valuable impetus for the future of Europe under the theme 'Rebooting Europe', and I am delighted that this brochure impressively summarises the findings from the citizen participation process," says Martin Eichtinger, President of the Europa-Forum Wachau.
Erasmus+ Project: Youth Shaping Europe
As part of the Erasmus+ project, young people from ten countries - Germany, France, Portugal, Romania, Hungary, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria and Slovakia - came together for a preparatory weekend in Bratislava. This meeting offered them the opportunity to discuss current challenges facing the European Union and to contribute their own perspectives. They exchanged views with regional politicians, MEPs, ambassadors and experts from the fields of education, business and diplomacy.
Results and recommendations
The brochure summarises the results and recommendations of the working groups on key topics such as brain drain, technological sovereignty and EU enlargement. These impulses should contribute to strengthening Europe and creating new perspectives for young talents. "This dialogue enabled the young people to develop well-founded demands and shed light on the challenges facing Europe from their perspective," emphasised Eichtinger.
Accelerated EU integration of the Western Balkan states
Another key topic of the forum was the accelerated EU integration of the Western Balkan states. The participants called for an acceleration of the accession process, the strengthening of economic cooperation and clear signals from the EU to promote peace and stability in the region.
