Survey: Latvian young people are able to influence Latvia, its entire EU policy

The pupils involved in the European Parliament (EP) Ambassadors' School are convinced of the ability of young people to influence political processes such as Latvia, the European Union (EU), according to the results of the survey conducted by the Bureau of the European Parliament in Latvia.
78% expressed confidence that young people are able to influence political processes IN THE EU, while 72% optimists the ability of young people to influence political processes in Latvia. At the same time, more than half of respondents indicated that there is a lack of knowledge (60% on processes in Latvia and 66% on processes IN THE EU). A strong majority (85%) points out that participation in THE “EP Ambassadors' School” programme has improved knowledge of the European Union.
“For 15 years, the EU and EU affairs are internal and not foreign policy, the number of Latvian citizens who say that my voice IN THE EU is important is small. Adults should take more account of THE EXAMPLE of THE EP Ambassadors' School for young people - to learn the defence of their interests and to stand up for it, because Latvian citizens IN THE EU share as much as other Europeans,” believes THE EP's office manager March Ribel.
While most of the youth information about the current situation in Latvia and the European Union is obtained on the Internet, most of the respondents are discussing political events at the school (74%) and in the family (60%), but only one fifth (21%) is doing so in social media.
Asked about the main objectives OF THE EU, THE 72% survey mentioned the protection of freedom, security and justice, 70% - Protection of fundamental rights, and 61% - environmental protection.
233 14 - 19-year-old pupils from 70 Latvian schools participating in the “EP Ambassadors' Schools” programme participated in the survey.
On the “School of Ambassadors of the European Parliament” programme
The “School of Ambassadors of the European Parliament” supported by the Ministry of Education and Science is AN EU-wide programme and is implemented in all 28 Member States. In Latvia it operates for a fourth year, and within the framework of the programme, more than 70 Latvian schools in the European Union (EU) are integrated into various subjects, such as mathematics or biology. Teachers and pupils have the opportunity to acquire knowledge in different seminars, as well as the most active visits TO THE EP in Brussels and Strasbourg.
The aim of the programme is to encourage young people to promote awareness of themselves as an important part OF THE EU, to raise awareness of the ongoing and motivated participation of society.
The programme is intended for classes 9-12. THE EP Ambassador School teachers and pupils voluntarily educate and involve peers and society in activities and discussions on important EU issues of Latvia, thereby strengthening the European identity. They also actively engaged in the European electoral movement “this time i will vote”, which now translates into the “we are together” initiative. According to a survey of the Central Election Commission following THE EP elections, the increase in participation in Latvia was ensured by the increase in the activity of young people.
Meps elected by Latvia are also actively involved in the programme when they visit schools.

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