Open discussion with students of Nova Gorica Grammar School: use your head and stay active

On Tuesday, 6^th April, 2021, students of the Nova Gorica Grammar School, who participate in the EPAS programme, organized an online conversation “OPENLY with Irena Joveva”. The discussion was about the current situation in the EU relating to the pandemic, climate change, and other pressing issues.

In the opening remarks, everyone pointed out that the pandemic has changed priorities, while also highlighting some of the EU’s shortcomings. For more than a year now, the situation has brought severe economic and social hardships that will further stratify society. The effects of the pandemic on the labour market show striking inequalities between jobs. The students were interested in whether the stratification of both Slovenian and European societies will increase or whether this will be an opportunity for reform and solidarity. MEP Joveva expressed concern that the former would happen.

Certain sectors have been closed for too long. Certain micro and small enterprises are subject to revenue losses. In the long term, this means an erosion of jobs and entrepreneurial capital. A strong focus on tackling inequalities is needed, and in the EU many measures have been taken in the last year to mitigate the effects of Covid-19. The Recovery and Resilience Fund, for example, is truly historic and probably by far the most important in this context.

She made it clear that this is not just a sign of solidarity and unity between the Member States because this fund is changing the very fabric of the Union. “Those countries that make better use of these opportunities and resources by preparing good national plans will be in a much better position. The ‘fiscal stimulus’ as we have it now is the biggest and most important for the next decade, and is precisely designed to prevent greater social disparities from arising.”

At the students’ request, Joveva also provided some information on the environment. “Today, in many places — also thanks to Covid-19 — we are indeed breathing fresher and cleaner air, but unfortunately, at least in my opinion, this will not be maintained once the pandemic is over. History shows that a sudden drop in emissions has always had a short-term impact and has only increased back to the same level or even higher as the economy recovers.” However, she also expressed  hope that the “corona crisis” would provide a further boost towards a  green, sustainable economy. The Commission has made the environment a key priority since taking office and presented a Green Deal to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. “Also to continue achieving the goals of this agreement, we have clearly defined in the Recovery and Reconstruction Fund that 37% of the national plan must be dedicated to climate. This is a safeguard that countries will simply have to respect.”

The MEP concluded her talk with a call to young people to be honest, curious, and active: Ask questions! And, unlike too many Slovenian politicians, use cultural dialogue. Use your head and stay true to yourself.