In the envisioning of a Europe as a Continent of Opportunities, the participants of the FNF’s Young Liberals’ Summer School 2023 present a multifaceted approach that seeks to foster an Open Society. The presented vision is a long-term vision of Europe, whilst participants did not decide to include specific time span, it is still assumed by the participants that those changes should become a reality as soon as possible.
In the realm of Women’s political participation, strides will be made towards greater equality. Parental leaves will be transformed into a fairer system, offering parents the autonomy to divide leave equitably. The discourse on women’s issues will be elevated, shifting from divisive identity-based politics to informed and civil discussions. Knowledge will flourish as schools facilitate open debates on women’s matters, empowering younger generations. Governments’ active support for civic initiatives that bolster women’s political involvement will become a norm. Equally important is the task of informing and engaging women about their vital role in electoral and political processes.
Turning towards the LGBTQ community, Europe will embrace a more inclusive and unprejudiced stance. Open dialogue on LGBTQ rights will permeate educational institutions across the continent, promoting understanding and empathy. A harmonized European Union will arise, marked by fewer regional disparities in LGBTQ rights and the extension of marriage equality across all its territories. Strides towards accessible and equitable surrogacy rules will be taken. Grant allocations will fuel the growth of projects that drive awareness and understanding of LGBTQ issues. The safeguarding of minors will be prioritized through a comprehensive ban on conversion therapy for minors.
Migration promises a Europe where diverse cultural backgrounds converge harmoniously into ‘melting-pot’. The EU will prioritize the harmonization of immigration rules, facilitating smoother economic migration from third countries. While embracing cultural diversity, the EU will establish an annual immigration cap, carefully balancing the economic interests of Member States with the prevention of detrimental “brain drain” from third countries.
Societal integrity takes precedence as disparities among Member States and within them are addressed comprehensively. This vision aspires to establish economic security across the entire Union, minimizing regional economic and infrastructure gaps among and within Member States. The Open Society extends its arms to embrace handicapped individuals, manifesting inclusivity not just in rhetoric but also in tangible accessibility improvements to public infrastructure. Governments’ financial support for civic initiatives geared towards enhancing societal integrity will proliferate, sparking meaningful change from within.
In the grand amalgamation of the Young Liberal’s Vision on Europe as a Continent of Opportunities – Towards Open Society, these interconnected themes weave together to create a future where equality under the law, understanding, diversity, and inclusion reign supreme. The dream of a Europe founded on shared values and collective progress is vividly depicted, beckoning nations and individuals to forge a path towards an open, harmonious, and prosperous future.
Riga, August 19-20, 2023
Young Liberals’ Summer School 2023 was co-organized by Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and Attīstībai Youth.
