Young people from across Ireland today presented a bold vision for the future of Europe to TDs and Senators at Leinster House, as part of an Oxfam Ireland briefing ahead of Ireland’s EU Presidency beginning tomorrow, July 1st.
Seven youth speakers outlined key demands from “The Europe That We Want” Youth Manifesto, calling on the Irish Government to use its Presidency to champion stronger action on inequality, climate justice, human rights and inclusion across the EU.
The manifesto is the result of a nationwide, youth-led initiative facilitated by Oxfam Ireland, engaging 170 people (predominantly aged 18-35) across all four provinces through citizen assembly-style discussions. Together, they developed a shared vision for a Europe that prioritises “an economy of care over an economy of self-interest” and places human rights, equality and sustainability at its core.
"Ireland has the opportunity over the next six months to help turn the European Union back towards its citizens and to be a force for good in the world. The young people we worked with want Ireland to restore the EU's moral leadership at home and abroad and to stand up to the vested interests that are shrinking their space and limiting their future. That means showing leadership on the defining challenges of our time."
— Bríd McGrath, Director of Public Affairs in Oxfam Ireland
“Ireland should push for an EU-wide ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements and the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. It should lead on climate action by driving the phase-out of fossil fuels and supporting the Global South to deal with the climate crisis. It should champion an economy that cares, invest in public goods like housing so young people can build their futures here, regulate Big Tech to protect our freedoms, and challenge the powerful few fuelling division, inequality and extremism across Europe.
"If Ireland can make meaningful progress on these issues during its Presidency, it will show young people that democracy can still deliver. Our message to political leaders is clear: listen to us, act with courage and build a Europe that works for everyone."
Speaking at the event in Dáil Éireann, youth participants emphasised that Ireland’s EU Presidency represents a historic opportunity to amplify the voices of young people and deliver meaningful change.
On housing and homelessness, Liam Cosgrove (Dublin) said: "This is no longer a ‘Housing Crisis’ - it is a ‘Housing Emergency’. No one should die unhoused on the street. It’s about giving young people a reason to stay and recognising that migrants and asylum seekers are not responsible for the policies that created this fight over basic resources. The EU must declare this emergency and take action."
On climate justice and nature restoration, Louisa Tyrrell (Wicklow) said:
"Climate justice and nature restoration are deeply connected, and young people across Ireland see that clearly. Real change means joining the dots and taking action across issues. If the EU falls short, it will be our generation that lives with the consequences." On the neglect of rural communities, Micheal O'Donnell (Donegal) said:
"Rural communities are in crisis. Young people are leaving because they feel they lack a future, hope and support. The Europe we want is one that invests in rural communities, listens to our voices and gives us a greater say in the decisions that affect our lives."
On corporate accountability, Erin O'Riordan (West Cork) said:
"At the core of corporate accountability is whether companies internalise the cost of harm they cause, or pass it on to workers, consumers and the planet. It's often the latter. Many human rights, environmental and social justice issues stem from a system that prioritises the powerful over ordinary people." On Palestine & Israel, Meklit Aragaw (Galway) said:
"We urge you to pass the Occupied Territories Bill and work towards EU-wide sanctions on Israel, including suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Use every available means to end the blockade of Gaza, support Palestinian civil society, and advance recognition of Palestine. We are proud of Ireland’s history of opposing apartheid and colonial domination. It must continue in the present."
On Diversity, Migration and Inclusion, Emily Guinane (Cork) said:
"Migration has become heavily securitised, and new proposals such as Return Hubs risk human rights violations. Europe is becoming more diverse and inclusive, yet conversion therapy remains legal in many countries, including Ireland. We need policies that put human rights and inclusion first."
"We need to move away from an economy rooted in inequality and exploitation to one that puts people and planet first. In Ireland, 11 billionaires are wealthier than 3.5 million people combined. As young people, we see the impact of this inequality every day through housing, education and healthcare, while Ireland has become one of the most expensive places in the EU to be young."
— Sinéad Roche, Campaigns Coordinator at Oxfam Ireland, on wealth inequality.
With Ireland assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union tomorrow, July 1st, young people urged political leaders to act decisively on these priorities over the coming six months.
The manifesto positions Ireland as having a unique opportunity to lead a Europe that is fairer, more inclusive and grounded in human rights - aligning policy decisions with the lived experiences and priorities of younger generations.
Read ‘The Europe That We Want’ youth manifesto in full here.
"Ireland has the opportunity over the next six months to help turn the European Union back towards its citizens and to be a force for good in the world. The young people we worked with want Ireland to restore the EU's moral leadership at home and abroad and to stand up to the vested interests that are shrinking their space and limiting their future. That means showing leadership on the defining challenges of our time."
"We need to move away from an economy rooted in inequality and exploitation to one that puts people and planet first. In Ireland, 11 billionaires are wealthier than 3.5 million people combined. As young people, we see the impact of this inequality every day through housing, education and healthcare, while Ireland has become one of the most expensive places in the EU to be young."
