Last Sunday week the 65th anniversary of the George Cross being awarded to the Maltese people was celebrated. A memento of hardship and sacrifice faced with outstanding bravery and gallantry by the people of these islands. It was on 15 April 1942 that Malta was awarded the George Cross for civilian bravery and since then, it still forms part of our national flag.

The George Cross is not just a symbol on a flag; it is a remembrance note of the courage our ancestors showed in their fight during World War II. The same courage led the Maltese to achieve such milestones as Independence and the accession to the European Union.

Our islands’ history is packed with such events that have taken place over the centuries. Generations after generations strived hard to achieve their aims and goals.

We must endorse the same courage and bravery to fight in economic markets, where on more than one occasion, economic giants try to impose their rules of the game. That is why it is of immense value to be a member state of a world key player such as the European Union.

It is a union that is based on the same values that our parents and grandparents fought hard to preserve – principles such as peace, solidarity, democracy and human rights.

In a world driving on the fast lane such as it is today, I ask myself what values are influencing younger generations. What are the core principles that these 20-somethings hold so dear to them? This age group of young people, born between 1977 and 1987, has witnessed great changes in the world.

When you consider this age group in a local context, the difference is massive. This generation, one might dare say, is the generation post British colony. This generation is the generation that entered adulthood without any obstacles to further their education. Members of this age group laugh when they remember the stories prior to the 1987 elections. For this generation, choice is not a benefit but a right.

The Maltese scenario now is completely different from how it was during the first decade of lives. A decade that is remembered as one of the worst in our history. Ten years of repression on a society that wanted to achieve and gain ground lost due to colonialism.

Thanks to the courage that took the people to the streets during that decade that today’s 20-somethings could take for granted certain rights, sometimes even forgetting the obligations that come with them.

This makes me wonder if the 20-somethings of today still have the same values of previous generations. The influence of technological advances has changed to a certain extent their mentality, especially their priorities.

This is the theme chosen by a group of young Europeans for a study that will be held over the coming two years. A study that will investigate how European youths are dealing with today’s life.

This project, “The Heart and mind of Europe’s Twenty-somethings” by Dutch-based Coolpolitics, aims to find answers to questions such as, how do young people value things? What are they thinking and feeling and in what way could the attitude towards private and professional life be explained?

This study across the European Union would lead us to a better understanding of the so-called misunderstood generation. A generation that witnessed the fall of the Berlin wall but not its building, an age group that observed the European enlargement and the dismantling of the Communist bloc.

This generation is a generation that must be included and listened to when taking decisions.

It is a generation that witnessed the massive changes that occurred to the world, which led them to a new orientation on values.

The new values that older generations sometimes find so hard to understand.

That is why every structure that wants to leave an impact on society must also involve the valuable sources that this generation offers for a better understanding of this particular social sector.

Young people are the source for an organisation to regenerate and energise itself for present and future challenges.

That is why the Maltese government is working hard to consult with the various sectors of society before taking decisions.

It is in the interest of every civilisation that every citizen is active within his or her society.

This will guarantee a nation that will remain young and vibrant, facing challenges in a prepared manner, armed with a wide spectrum of ideas to deal with such challenges.

David Casa is a Nationalist MEP

www.davidcasa.eu

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