As almost as history is written we see that human civilization flourishes in the continent of Europe. Some argue it is thanks to the fertile soils of the land, others that the states were based on colonialism, or maybe both. Whatever the reason is, world politics were dictated in the battles held between different European powers. After the Great War the innovations, the people, the money went west to the United states of America. Nowadays Europe is not torn apart by conflicts, rather it unites itself through disagreements being procedural in the forms of democracy. Europe does not look like the power horse it once has been but it definitely brings better stability amongst the member states.
The Old continent ranks 14 countries in the top 20 for the whole world based on the quality of life index which takes in account criteria like purchasing power, safety, health care, pollution and climate. France is the most preferred country for tourism in the world. And yet in times of international disbalance , uncertainty and heavily weaponized conflicts I start to wonder for the security of the EU and even more for why there is a lack of interest in youngsters on the topic. As it seems the comfortable conditions in which we live have let us take our guard down. The EU falls behind in the innovations connected with AI technology ( the leaders being China and the USA), the growing social debate about the unintegrated immigrants slows or even takes down governments. Not a single member state of the EU ranks for the top 10 countries in the world for Growth rate of population.
With all of these regional problems and the lack of security with the Russia-Ukraine war I am not a witness, now with a growing concern, of a changed behaviour among young people who most probably are going to be the generation to face the result of all these problems. Yes, it is good to mention the large youth engagement with the conflict in the Gaza strip but is it enough?
My personal view is pessimistic – the living conditions in the EU create a safe space in which we turn a blind eye on regional and world problems. The disengaged youth could take actions in a drastic manner when it is too late. We speak of the growing extremism which we can spot in the USA as well. As of today this wave of ideology has already had its effect on some European societies. That will in some aspects get in order the conflict for war if it doesn’t ruin all of Europe’s resources first. And my final question which I will have to answer in a future article – can we have a battle ready Europe and still holding to the democratic values?