Last Monday I acted as one of the three judges for the Soapbox Competition 2016 organised by Europe Direct in one of its centres in Blanchardstown Library. There were two categories under 18 years of age and 19 & over who had the EU motto “United in Diversity” as their speaking topic. Lynn Boylan MEP chaired proceedings. I was uplifted by the contributions of the contestants. Given the challenges posed by #Brexit and the increasingly aggressive nature of international relations, this competition couldn’t have come at a better time.
The judges finding it hard to make up their minds
The contributors talked passionately about the role played by the EU in connecting the member states and people. Although all participants agreed that the EU was not perfect and that there was much room for improvement, it was argued that the EU has helped to increase understanding and helped European countries coexist peacefully. The migration crisis, opportunities for young people, economic and cultural development were among the areas mentioned that benefit from the existence of the EU. One of the contributors argued that it was the responsibility of every EU citizen to play their part in pressing for improvements to the EU to ensure that it was fit for purpose. It’s a call and a responsibility that I intend to answer in the months and years ahead.
