On the 8th of August 2016 the world had already consumed more resources and produced more waste than can be absorbed by nature in a year. With the recent EU targets described as “unambitious”, and a lack of successful green practices at a local level, how can the EU ensure a more efficient use of current renewables, whilst supporting a creative and collaborative approach to new renewables?
Efforts to secure the survival of minority languages showed that revitalisation cannot be achieved by schools alone; society at large is at least as significant. Given the vital role language plays in fostering cultural diversity in Europe, how can the EU protect against the extinction of minority languages and ensure their sustainability outside the classroom?
In 2015 the number of young people not in employment, education, or training (NEET) stood at 6.3% for those aged 15-19 years. This rate tripled to 17.3% for the age group 20-24 years and 19.7% for those aged 25-29. How can the EU help to ease the transition from education into employment, and ensure that the NEET rate remains low?
With many small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) already struggling in Europe, the financial burden of “going green” can be crippling to business. How can the EU balance their push for a more circular economy with the challenges and needs of small business?
The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) has received significant pushback from the public. Should the EU be a more open economy to the rest of the world and if so, how can it deal with a competitive global market without giving up its protection standards on environment, labour and health?
The rise of right-wing extremist parties has coincided with increasing distrust and xenophobia towards refugee groups. How can the EU tackle such discrimination whilst also fostering the cultural inclusion of migrants into their host countries?
Discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons persists throughout the EU, taking various forms including verbal abuse and physical violence. How can the EU better protect LGBTI people, whilst also ensuring their fair and unhindered access to housing, employment, and healthcare?
The overall threat to the security of the European Union has increased over recent years and remains on an upward trajectory. In light of the recent terror attacks and the growing threat of cyber terrorism, how can the EU reach a balance between protection of its citizens and protection of privacy?