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CIAO DATE: 03/05/07
Spring 2006 (Volume 5, Number 1)
EU Policies Towards the Young Generation by Jàn Figel
Recent years have seen big changes in youth policy at both the European and Member State levels. Youth involvement in politics has become a bigger issue, and politicians are coming around to recognizing the crucial role of our young people in building the knowledge-based economy of the future while bridging cultural divides across Europe. Coupled with this is a greater understanding of the fears and aspirations that drive the young generation of Europeans. This article explores these issues from the standpoint of the European Commission, an institution that is proud to be at the center of many wide-ranging policy initiatives in youth policy in Europe.
A Youthful Turkey: An Asset Or A Burden For The EU? by Ari Vatanen
This article explores topics related to Turkey's demography and immigration to the European Union, as well as the competitive pressure Turkey might add to the EU upon its prospective membership.. The article goes on to ask what Turkey's role is in its neighborhood and particularly, what a youthful population means in this context.
Young Leaders Rising Out of the Generation of Cynics by zgr nlhisarcikli
As a consequence of the conditions the country has been in, the Turkish youth is not only frustrated with their life, but also feeling hopeless about the future. They are unwilling to change their lives, but are expecting some external factor to change their lives for them. The Turkish youth has low levels of participation, generalized trust, tolerance and individualism all which indicate a low level of social capital. On the other hand the European Union accession process has led to an increase in youth activities and youth NGOs, creating new opportunities of participation and collaboration for the young people. The young people taking part in these activities will be the future leaders of Turkey.
Today's Youth, Tomorrow's Politicians: Why Europe Can't Afford To Ignore The Role Of Youth by Alexander Macleod
Europes democracy is at risk. Forget the threat of terrorism, the rise of nationalism and the migratory patterns of sick birds. The threat is not external, but emerges in the guise of political frustration among Europes youngest voters. Marginalized and ignored by institutional politics, technological empowered and politically aware, young people are looking to non-traditional measures to respond and express their issue-based concerns. If European politicians do not react, appease and incorporate the views of young people, they risk losing an opportunity to give political space to those who are potentially the greatest advocates of the European dream. They also threaten the very basis of Europes participative democracy.
Soul Searching For A New Dutch Identity by Marietie Schaake
In search of a new identity, Dutch society is facing many challenges. Two political murders within two years and growing tensions among ethnically Dutch and their Muslim compatriots require a critical self-evaluation. An active younger generation is voicing the need for change in the political landscape and a growing representation of immigrants has altered the political climate. Tolerance is no longer a trademark of the Netherlands. The future needs to determine whether integration will continue to be a goal, or whether a new form of a stratified society will shape the new Dutch identity.
YOUNG AUSTRIANS: CONFRONTED BY A NATION IN DOUBT by Stefan Apfl and Mathias Huter
This article explains Austrians skepticism against EU-enlargement to the Bosporus, what youngsters think about it and how that might change agenda one day. In Austria only a minority is convinced of the advantages of the European Union. Moreover the biggest opposition towards a Turkish EU-membership can be found in Austria. However, by putting the focus on young Austrians, growing up in an internationalized environment, the picture starts to brighten.
Education: An Overarching "Acquis" for Turkey by Batuhan Aydagl
Turkey aims to transform into a knowledge society with a highly competitive economy capable of sustainable development and eventually become a member of the European Union. Education is of strategic importance in pursuit of these challenging goals, urging constant progress in equity, quality, education for democratic citizenship and formation of social capital. In case of failure, risks could emerge, specifically as regards social inclusion and integration, competitiveness and implementation of legislative reforms. This article argues, while education is a not an acquis per se, these risks could undermine Turkeys accession to the European Union and threaten the likelihood of membership.
Turkish Youth: Voices To Be Heard by Courtney E. Doggart
Based on original findings from qualitative interviews with university students in four Turkish cities, this article explains the connection between civil society and politics in Turkey as it pertains to university students. In particular, it focuses on reasons for and obstacles to involvement in civil society and how that relates to student perceptions regarding their role in Turkeys future. The article concludes with a section about students views on the EU process.
Beyond Communication Campaigns: Educating Youth on Turkey's EU Accession and Civil Society by George L. Georgoudis
Turkish accession to the European Union is a hotly contested issue among Europeans; opinion polls indicate mainly negative views. The issue is largely one of identity politics, intertwined with conflicting views on the very nature of Europes own character and identity. Historical experiences play a role in the perception of Turkeys compatibility with the EU. Greece is a particularly relevant case in this sense. It is especially important that NGOs play a role in creating a common ground between Turks and Greeks by highlighting values and promoting understanding. Educating youth would need to be an important component of this framework.
Engaging Young People with the Public Achievement Model by Serdar M. Degirmencioglu
The central argument of this paper is that political disengagement or apathy cannot be construed as young peoples problems. They are in fact problems resulting from schooling of young people in institutions where technical skills are given priority over real-life issues. The resulting lack of participation and informal learning opportunities in young peoples lives weakens public institutions and renders them unsustainable. It is argued that learning and participation are key processes for political inclusion and integration of young people in Turkey, across Europe and elsewhere. A model of sustainable civic engagement (Public Achievement) is presented. Public Achievement has been successful in Turkey, USA, N. Ireland, Palestine and Eastern and Central Europe, and the Balkans.
Towards A New Pattern of Youth Participation by Blent Tunga Yilmaz
Youth participation is one of the controversial issues all over the world. The legacy of the 1968 generation has been replaced by generations whom are supposed to be global consumers. Perceptions of the youth are colored with prejudices and negative attitudes. The less society understand the youth, the more they tend to oppress youth, and the less the youth participates meaningfully. A number of new methods and unconventional patterns of participation should be implemented to foster youth participation. An example of such an initiative is Gennet, a project and a forum fostering youth participation in Turkey.
Youth In European Politics: Risks & OpportunitTUNITIESies by Alexandros Sinka and Evie Phillips Mitsidou
This article delves into the uncertainty of youth involvement in the European political arena today. Especially focusing on the case of the European Democrat Students ( EDS), the article outlines how young people today can get involved in EU affairs and can contribute to fostering stronger mutual understanding between Turkey and the EU. The world of European politics may hide risks as well as opportunities on a personal and societal level. One must weigh the advantages and disadvantages before venturing into the world of European Politics.