When We Connect – Dutch-Polish Youth Conference Declaration

The Future of Europe Conference
Adopted Friday, 16 May, 2008

PREAMBLE:

We, the students participating in the Future of Europe Dutch-Polish Youth Conference, convened in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, gathered in the city of The Hague on May 16, 2008,

Expressing the need for a positive example of Dutch-Polish cooperation between both nations,

Mindful that our mutual effort, as youth, contributes to the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations now and in the future,

Recognizing that better relations between European Union member states and their citizens lead to a stronger, more united European Union,

Convinced that the character of the European Union should be as democratic as the member states of the Union,

Presenting a youth-centred vision of the future of Europe,

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Recommend that the honourable representatives of the Republic of Poland and the Kingdom of the Netherlands taking part in the Civil Servants Conference held alternately in both countries:

1. All citizens of European Union member states should have command of one – a single - common European language, the acquisition of which should be encouraged by the Union.

2. There should be more opportunity for European cultural contact and exchange.

3. The citizens of the member states should be encouraged to actively participate as citizens of the European Union.

4. The European Union should take a leading policy on climate change, especially where finding alternative sources of energy are concerned.

5. Young people in the European Union should be formally educated as citizens of the Union, which includes increasing knowledge of the European Union, its member states and citizens.

6. The European Union should promote a healthy lifestyle among citizens.