Dear students, dear Europeans,
In the past 70 years the European Union became a worldwide unique symbol not only for Peace, Freedom and Solidarity but also for intercultural communication and boundless friendships. You – the participants of the European Youth Parliament 2019 in Eutin – are the best example for this!
As Parliamentary State Secretary for Europe at the Ministry of Finance and member of the German Parliament for Ostholstein, I am grateful to support the European Youth Parliament in Eutin and I am delighted that you – students from many different European countries – came here not only to simulate the European Parliament but also to spread your enthusiasm and dedication for the European Union.
I would like to encourage you to be loud, to say what you think and to shape your own future as I am convinced that there is only one answer to the rising right-wing parties all over in Europe, to the Brexit in the United Kingdom, to a right-wing populist as president of the USA and to all the important global challenges – like climate change – which the world faces right now. This answer is: A strong and united Europe!
Unfortunately, I cannot attend your convention personally. However, I wish you all the best for your time in Eutin, enriching debates around the European Union and, as well, a lot of fun making new “European” friends!
All the best,
Bettina Hagedorn
Member of Parliament
Parliamentary State Secretary for Budget and Europe at the Federal Ministry of Finance