MEUSAC Head Vanni Xuereb said that students need to promote their vision of a Europe they want to form part of by actively participating in discussions revolving around the future of the European Union.
Speaking during a debate held at University's KSU common room, Dr Xuereb said that prior to joining the EU, there was an intense debate here in Malta. "The debate on European themes has now, however, practically vanished into thin air".
The debate, which focused on the future of European Youth, was organised by MEUSAC in collaboration with the European Commission Representation in Malta, the European Parliament Information Office, the Kunsill Studenti Universitarji, the European Studies Organisation, and Third Eye. The event was held in the run-up to Europe Day, to be marked on May 9.
Dr Xuereb said that scepticism towards the European project is the biggest challenge Europe is facing, citing the UK as an example. He also highlighted that unless the European project excites popular sentiment, the crisis will worsen.
He said that growing anti-establishment sentiment is not restricted to Europe, citing as an example, the presidential primaries in the US. He warned of the dangers that arise when distrust in politicians escalates, thereby leading either to a disenchantment with politics in general or to voters supporting extremist political groups.
Mandy Falzon, who heads the EU Funding team at MEUSAC, said that although there is some scepticism towards the European project, we, at times, tend to take many things for granted. She said that as a result of the European Union's programmes for instance, students can go to study and work abroad.
Dr Harwood spoke of disincentives for University graduates to secure employment related to their studies and of how graduates are being paid low wages within the public sector. He said that the University cannot do more than it has done to try and change this.
Dr Angelo Chetcuti from the European Parliament Information Office said that many people do not realise that many of the positive aspects of the EU which affect their lives are European initiatives. He also spoke of apathy towards politics which is leading to a lack of interest.
KSU representative Rebecca Stoner said a forum needed to be created to discuss European issues.
Concluding, Ms Falzon spoke of the importance of students making the most of EU funding opportunities and spoke of what MEUSAC does to promote and assist in this respect.