In its new publication, JEF Finland considers what a European federation could look like. The organisation, which acts as the voice of young people on European and international affairs, today publishes “Federation – A Vision for the Future of Europe,” presenting young people’s vision of the European Union as a federation. JEF Finland proposes that the union be developed consistently towards a federation in order to strengthen Europeans’ self-determination and democracy.
The publication is JEF Finland’s contribution to the Conference on the Future of Europe. It was written by fifteen JEF Finland activists aged 20–29. The inspiration for the publication came from the muted debate on federalism.
“Finland is small on the world map, but bigger than itself in the EU. A federation would be firmly in our interest, and that is why JEF Finland wants to open up a discussion on why a federation is needed and what it could look like at its best,” explains JEF Finland President Risto Rajala.
“A federation is too often mentioned in public debate as a vague spectre, and its real characteristics are not well understood. With this concrete and novel initiative, JEF Finland is establishing itself in one stroke as a forerunner in the debate on federalism,” Rajala continues.
In the Federation publication, the authors outline what a European constitution, a common asylum system, federal-level taxation, or a centralised foreign and security policy might look like, for example. Although the publication delves broadly into various areas of European policy and cooperation through concrete examples and proposals, it is not intended as an exhaustive account, but rather as a proposal and conversation opener from young people.
“81% of Finnish young people support EU membership, and as many as 89% identify as citizens of the European Union. It is therefore odd that EU critics hold the debate on federalism hostage, so to speak. JEF Finland decided to take back the reins and bring a positive, forward-looking perspective into the discussion,” say Executive Board members Kaisa Matikainen and Nico Salmela, who were responsible for editing the publication.
You can read the full “Federation – A Vision for the Future of Europe” publication here.
The publication is being released alongside the organisation’s annual Linnaseminaari event. During the weekend-long event, various speeches on the future of Europe will be given, with speakers including President Tarja Halonen and Members of the European Parliament Mia-Petra Kumpula-Natri and Sirpa Pietikäinen. Due to the pandemic situation, the event will be held remotely.
JEF Finland is a nationwide youth organisation founded in 1997 that acts as the voice of young people on European and international affairs. The organisation is religiously and politically unaffiliated, and its activities are open to all young people under the age of 29. JEF Finland’s aim is to promote a positive attitude towards the European Union and internationalism, and to campaign for a better and more united Europe. More information about JEF Finland can be found at eurooppanuoret.fi/.
For further information
Risto Rajala
President
[email protected]
0400563080