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EU Elections: involving people in politics

I truly believe that most people want to be involved and vote in the upcoming European elections, although I clearly disagree with the communication policy of the European Parliament on GOTV. The major European Parties (which are a result of transnational party collaborations) do not have pan-European campaigns, EU citizens will vote for a national and not a pan-European party. The problem is that individual country issues and local politics play a bigger role than European issues in the upcoming elections. This is what this new party the Newropeans is trying to accomplish. According to an interview by Bart Kruitwagen in EurActiv "Only with the proliferation of trans-European parties can we build the "strong and stable democracy needed to see the EU achieve its potential as a "world power". Also have a look at their magazine. However they are in need of a sound communication strategy, especially online!

When we also start to explore the role of youth engagement in EU politics it is really hard in developing a comprehensive Communications campaign for new, or first time voters in the EU elections. Let me direct you to an great article from "The Local" from Sweden, According to an opinion survey conducted by Novus Opinion, almost half (44 %) of Sweden’s young people aged between 18 and 28 are not aware that elections to the European Parliament will be held this year. However, seven out of ten think voting is a good idea. Another worth reading report is the "Young People’s View on Participation and Their Attitudes Towards the European Union by The Scottish Executive". Really good report from a Government agency.


New European voters need to understand that these elections matter and their participation will count. A really great GOTV campaign I have found is the "Can You Hear Me Europe?" there is a Twitter account and a facebook group. I really liked the "Remind me to vote page"! Oh let me also mention that this campaing is supported by MTV.

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  1. Julien Frisch26 May 2009 at 14:39

    The only way to involve more young people is to make politics younger, more rebellious, more change oriented, more idealistic, especially with regard to Europe and the European Union.

    The problem is that as soon as young people get into classical politics, they become, very quickly, very alike to their adult examples.

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