In April, the YES Forum hosted two CitiGenZ Shadow Cabinet sessions aimed to raise awareness about EU-related topics while sparking meaningful discussions among young people. The young people attending the Shadow Cabinet immersed themselves in an interactive role-playing game. They stepped into the shoes of European policymakers and, by discussing a variety of “hot” topics related to EU politics, policies, and values, they learned about the European institutions’ roles and political figures within the European Union.
The first session was held at the University of Esslingen. In contrast, the second was part of the MUNISS conference in Stuttgart. In both cases, one of the standout aspects of the event was the active involvement of young people, who posed insightful questions regarding European participation and its implications.
The exchange of ideas not only helped participants develop a deeper understanding of EU matters but also empowered them to think critically about how European policies affect their lives. It was inspiring to see how creatively students approached the task at hand and worked together to build consensus for policy solutions, exploring their perspectives as they did so.
Up next: Ideathon in Slovenia
In addition to the Shadow Cabinet, young people will have more opportunities to continue learning about the EU. In June, young people from France, Portugal, Ireland, Germany and Slovenia will meet in Koper (Slovenia) for the CitiGenZ Ideathon. Participants will further strengthen their involvement with European issues and share diverse perspectives to develop their recommendations for the EU.