Politicians challenged in Euro debate

Issues affecting young people will be weighed up

Young people challenged politicians on the future of Europe at a conference in Cardiff on Friday.

School pupils and youth groups raised questions on the enlargement of the European Union and Wales' place in Europe.

Jonathan Evans, MEP, will join in the discussions

They have also debated the implications of being a young European citizen.

The event is the first in a series of debates to be held across the UK.

Four panelists answered questions from the young people at the conference in the Temple of Peace and Health in Cardiff.

They include Jonathan Evans, MEP, Eluned Morgan, MEP, and Dafydd Trystan the Chief Executive of Plaid Cymru.

Helen Conway, head of Cardiff Chamber of Commerce was also on the board.

It provides young people with a really important opportunity to have a say

Zandria Pauncefort, Institute for Citizenship

The event has been held as part of the Institute for Citizenship's educational project, Speak Out! which provides a website for young people across the EU to share opinions.

Zandria Pauncefort, chief executive of the Institute for Citizenship said: "At a time when it is claimed that participation in politics is declining among young people, it is heartening to see this level of response for the event.

"It provides young people with a really important opportunity to have a say and to meet their MEPs and discuss issues face to face," she added.

The event was chaired by Toby Richards and Louise Boyle of Caerphilly Youth Forum.

I hope that the panel will take away the points and issues raised by the young people

Toby Richards, Caerphilly Youth Forum

Toby Richards said: "This is such a good way of promoting the views of young people on Europe.

"We hope that the politicians will listen to the concerns of the young people.

"We are expecting around 60 delegates to attend and I know that issues such as the enlargement of Europe and the decline of modern languages in schools will be raised.

"I hope that the panel will take away the points and issues raised by the young people and consider them when decisions are being made," he added.