eu in focus Your Europe, Your Say The EESC, what’s that!? In discussing EU decision-making, academics and pundits often refer to the ‘institutional triangle’ - the Commission, Parliament and Council - but this illustration lacks some nuance. There are also two consultative bodies whose opinion, while not binding, is nevertheless required in many policy fields. The Committee of the Regions is one, and the European Economic Social Committee (EESC) is the other. Instead of reading up on what it does (‘a bridge between Europe and organised civil society’), young people have the opportunity to experience firsthand the work of the EESC. If you like to discuss issues and stand up for what you believe, if you enjoy negotiating and finding consensus, if you think roleplaying sounds fun… then this invitation is for you!
The invitation is open to students in their second-to-last year of school. Three students from each EU Member State - accompanied by a teacher, of course will have the opportunity to discuss and vote on an EESC opinion. The next youth plenary session, which goes by the name ‘Your Europe, Your Say’, takes place in Brussels from 5-7 May 2011.
But that’s just the culmination! Schools selected to participate will be visited by a Committee member, who will explain the role of the EESC in the institutional architecture, its working methods, as well as his or her personal experiences. Want to be a Committee member for two days? Then ask your teachers to sign up your school straightaway!
www.eesc.europa.eu/?i=portal.en.your-europe-your-say-2010 www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr5rbdnIVAU
The timeline 1. Application period: from early October until 30 November 2010 2. Schools selected by lottery: December 2010 3. EESC members visit schools: January-March 2011 4. Youth plenary session in Brussels: 5-7 May 2011
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