By Chloe Kowalyk
Discussing and acting on several of the world’s most pressing issues, the European Union (EU) is one of the most relevant and impactful unions in the world. Containing 27 countries located either in or around Europe, the EU contains a diverse set of populations, cultures and traditions. These economic and political groups view topics across various policy areas such as the changing climate, security, foreign affairs, migration and public health.
The EU Flag, via Britannica
According to their website, the European Union values “promoting peace and security and respecting fundamental rights and freedoms.” Founded in 1993, the EU has made
a major impact in our world today. Despite only containing countries from the European area, the EU changes the lives of those in other countries across the world, as well as seeking to protect their rights.
One major example of this is climate. As our changing climate raises temperatures across the Earth, several countries are facing economic stress, extreme weather, a loss of biodiversity and a detrimental impact on our food production and agriculture. Many underdeveloped countries and their residents are facing the most severe impacts of climate change, despite having lower carbon emissions than fully developed countries. The EU aims to protect the rights of these underdeveloped countries, and attempt to aid them in the most effective way possible.
For instance, the EU has adopted a “A European Green Deal” to combat climate change. With this set plan, Europe aims to be “the first climate-neutral continent.” This new deal will strive for no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050, and will protect those struggling with the relentless effects of rising temperatures. The European Green Deal hopes to provide the world and future generations with fresh air, cleaner water, increased biodiversity and healthier soil, as well as cleaner energy and availability of healthier, more affordable food.
Another matter the EU takes very seriously is economic stability. For example, the EU has launched their “NextGenerationEU” recovery plan to aid in life in a post-pandemic Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken countless lives and has impacted the lives of millions of survivors across the globe. The European Union sets a strong example for the rest of the world with an effective recovery plan for a successful recovery from the pandemic.
NextGenerationEU is a five part plan that encompasses several aspects of European society. First, the union aims to reduce carbon emissions and improve environmental conditions to reverse the effects of climate change. Second, the EU holds the belief that the future will be run by technology. In turn, the union seeks to implement digital identities, ultra-fast broadband, and, according to their website, use artificial intelligence to “fight climate change and improve healthcare, transport and education.”
Third, the EU seeks to improve European healthcare, by increasing research in vaccines and treatments for a large array of illnesses, modernizing health systems and by funding training for medical professionals in European countries. The EU also looks to encourage younger generations to study science and technology, as well as funding more scholarships and educational programs for students.
Last, NextGenerationEU strives to support equality and diversity. The union is fighting again racism and xenophobia, as well as supporting gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights and tackling hate speech and hate crime.
The example set by the EU is one that should be modeled by excluded countries, such as the United States. With higher carbon emissions and issues within equality, the United States could benefit from a plan similar to that of the EU’s NextGenerationEU. That way, much like the EU, the United States could improve matters both within their borders, and for the underdeveloped countries that depend on their help.
Similarly, the Global Model European Union (GLOBALMEU) simulation helps prepare the next generation of EU members to help resolve the issues our future is facing. According to the GLOBALMEU’s website, the simulation aims to “better educate students about the European Union while giving them an opportunity to interact with students from EU member and candidate states.”
By giving students an opportunity to participate in a simulation of the actual EU, they are inspiring their future generation of citizens to tackle the tough set of issues facing their generation. Afterall, the major issues cited by the EU, such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, diversity, equality and economic stability are all problems that will likely be resolved by today’s students.
With an opportunity such as this one, the EU truly shines as a paragon for a successful, multi-national union that will create change, and inspire generations to come.
Via Brussels School of Governance