Young people are a compass for me. You help me make sure I stay on the right track in a fast-changing world. That is why I always make time to meet you. On social media, you are my target audience. It is my way of hearing your ideas because your feedback matters to me.
It is interesting to visit this Model European Parliament because, as Commissioner, I also visit the European Parliament regularly. I go there to give speeches, take part in debates, and meet with MEPs — just like you here today — from across the political spectrum and from every corner of our continent. Next week I will be in Strasbourg again for exactly this reason.
These visits are not always easy. The debates can be tough. The opinions can be strong. And the questions can be sharp.
Yes, we have our differences. I dont always like what I hear. And sometimes, others dont like what they hear from me. In a Union of twenty-seven sovereign nations, it is normal that countries sometimes disagree. But we all listen. There is respect, and we find a way forward. That is politics. That is democracy. And that is how we remind ourselves what we truly believe in and why we believe it.
The Parliament is a vital part of our checks and balances. It keeps our democracies healthy and vibrant. It is the voice of the people, from every corner of our continent. This is what makes Europe strong, and now you are continuing that tradition.
Today the world is more dangerous than ever. The threats facing our societies are evolving at light speed — through our phones, computers, power grids, banks, raw materials, even our social media. Climate disasters are increasing every year.
These are the threats of tomorrow that my generation is still learning to understand. That is why it is so important to have your generation on board. Because this is your future, but it is also your reality today. In many ways, you are the best prepared to confront it.
The EU is taking action to strengthen our preparedness for this new reality and to keep our people safe. Have you ever asked yourself how you, your family, or your friends would cope in an emergency? Here in Finland, I think most of you would say “yes”. But across the EU, there would be twenty-seven different answers, depending on where you live.
Today being prepared has never been more important. That is why European cooperation and solidarity matter – they are our strongest shields. Yesterday, I witnessed the Borealis exercise – Member States working hand in hand to reinforce the safety of our citizens.
Earlier this year, we launched our new Preparedness Strategy to strengthen Europes readiness, and I have a special message for each of you: we need you. We need young people to be part of this. Your skills, your creativity, your ideas — they will breathe life into this Strategy. We need you to take a leadership role.
We want to make sure our people are ready for anything, even the unexpected. In Finland, and in the broader region, you are pioneers of preparedness. You have a long tradition of making sure your citizens know how to protect themselves and their families in a crisis.
Young people and youth organisations have a vital role to play in every phase of managing disaster risks. When a disaster strikes, youth groups like the Scout movement or the youth branches of the Red Cross are often on the frontline, and this includes volunteers.
At the start of Russias war against Ukraine, European Scouts were the first to reach the border to help refugees. They have helped 1.5 million people so far. You can even lead by developing emergency preparedness plans for families and neighbourhoods.
Now it is your turn.
From you, your friends, and your networks, the ideas of tomorrow will be born. Looking at this audience — seeing you already engaged in dialogue and debate — gives me real hope for the future. Europe needs your energy, your passion, and your can-do spirit. And Europe will be with you, every step of the way.
