A Floor to Stand on: With a recent citizens' initiative calling upon the European Commission to present a proposal for universal basic income (UBI) and countries such as Finland already conducting experiments assessing the modelʼs effectiveness, how can European states best incorporate the UBI into their future economies?
No Water, No Life: Despite existing EU legislation on water management, nuclear and industrial waste still threaten vital water sources. What further measures can the EU take to tackle corruption and illegal behaviour in the field of water management, while promoting sustainable economic growth?
Age of Consent: With 12 million girls marrying before 18 each year worldwide, many European countries still allow minors to marry. How should European States address this matter in line with the United Nationʼs Sustainable Development Goal of the elimination of child marriage by 2030?
The Birds and the Bees: Approximately 22% of young people1 rate their relationship and sex education as ʻbadʼ or ʻvery badʼ. In addition, there is a rise in anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment across Europe, which decreases access to inclusive resources and safe spaces. What steps should European countries take to ensure young people are best prepared for having healthy, safe and fulfilling relationships, romantic and sexual, throughout their lives?
Law-Abiding Union: Considering recent allegations of breaches of the rule of law in various European states, how should the EU respond to issues regarding national legal systems and further develop the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity in its legal framework?
Clouds above the Rainbow: Despite the increasing awareness and visibility of transgender individuals and identities in European society, current legislation in many European states still contribute to the marginalisation of transgender people. How can European countries ensure the protection, safety and wellbeing of all transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people before the law?
Layers of Loneliness: with up to 55% of elderly Europeans reporting feelings of loneliness, and this rising even further as a consequence of the pandemic, how can European States best approach social isolation in elderly people and ensure a happier future for European elders?
Behind the Glass of Bureaucracy: with the humanitarian crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many European countries have introduced new migration policies to welcome refugees fleeing the country, highlighting the flaws and inequalities in current migration systems in both EU member states and countries such as the UK. How should national governments and the EU cooperate for a more effective, inclusive and humane approach for all migrants?
Itʼs A-Boat Time: With 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the shipping industry, Europeʼs reliance on shipping is not compatible with the goals set out by the Paris Agreement. How can European countries work towards the decarbonisation of the shipping industry, in line with the goal of climate neutrality by 2050?