Price rocket: Within the EU, prices for basic necessities and overall living expenses have been on an almost constant rise over the last decade, exacerbating especially the difficulty of low-income households. Global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine, have fragilised the supply chains of energy and food stocks. With growing governmental debt amongst its Member States, how can the EU ensure economic stability while protecting vulnerable households?
You are hired!: Youth unemployment in the EU remains double that of the general unemployment rate, impacting over 2.8 million young people. This fuels social and economic challenges, exacerbating poverty and social exclusion. How should the EU approach youth unemployment to reduce the barriers they face?
EU's dying ecosystem: Recent assessments show that the overall state of EU biodiversity is declining, with two-thirds of protected species across Member States being at risk of dying out. Protection networks, such as Natura 2000, play a key role in the protection of our ecosystems, yet less than 8% of designated areas are effectively managed. Considering that biodiverse ecosystems provide indispensable services to life on Earth, how can the EU ensure their protection and conservation?
Safe Space: Female creators and consumers of content are exposed to a significantly higher percentage of hate and gender-based violence online than their male counterparts, contributing to self-censorship and affecting their mental well-being. How can the EU protect its citizens from gender-based violence online and make the internet a safe space for everyone?
Comput-her engineering: In a digitalising Europe, women working in Software Engineering (SE) are facing consistent barriers such as gender pay gap and unwelcoming environments. The resulting gender imbalance in the field induces a lack of perspective diversity to develop the software of tomorrow. What actions can the EU take to ensure women are welcomed into software engineering?
Home? All Owned: In recent years, housing prices in Europe have shot up drastically. In the Netherlands, the shortage of rental homes and properties to buy is one of the main concerns for citizens, especially within the international community. How can the EU tackle the problem of rising rents and support fair access to affordable accommodation for all citizens?
Building bridges, not walls: As the EU issued 3.5 million first residence permits in 2024, integration continues to be of significant importance. While successful integration can reduce discrimination, increase social cohesion and encourage cultural exchange, barriers risk fueling discrimination and polarisation. How can the EU support the integration of migrant communities that respects cultural traditions while strengthening social cohesion?
Cobblestone streets, asphalt, renewing or restoring: Over 75% of EU citizens already live in urban areas. With this share likely to exceed 80% by 2050, cities have to adapt their urban space to tackle accessibility needs and challenges arising from climate change. What should the EU do to ensure a balance between preserving cultural heritage and developing more accessible and innovative cities?
Mental breakdown: The mental health of youth across Europe is declining rapidly. Many people coping with psychological well-being issues are reluctant to seek help, as there still exists much social stigma surrounding mental health disorders. With the growing mental health crisis costing the EU billions each year, how can the EU improve its mental healthcare system, better protect mental well-being and provide support to those struggling with their mental health?