On April 9, Europe Direct Valletta and MEUSAC invited young people to join the CITIZENV initiative taking place in all Member States to discuss future environmental policies of the EU. The group met the Maltese Deputy Director General, DG Environment of the European Commission, Mrs Joanna Drake, at Europe House in Valletta. The discussion, taking place in all Member States between January and May 2019 about the future priorities of EU environment policy, is being held both in view of the expiry (and the evaluation) of the 7th Environment Action Programme and the elaboration of the new Commission’s priorities. In that respect, CITIZENV gathers the feelings, concerns and ideas of young people: the year of the European elections is indeed a good opportunity to discuss the European environment policy, and to reflect on its future. The discussion focused on 5 questions in a very friendly and participatory way, to gather ideas on what matters in the European Commission’s environmental policies for youth. The following questions were discussed in small groups:
- How will our environment look like in 2030?
- How can I convince others to be environmentally conscious?
- What is the most urgent action that needs to be tackled?
- What an I ready to do on my part?
- What needs to be done in my country, hometown, and the places I go to?