Euro-Med Movement

ASPECTS OF SOCIAL TENSION IN A MULTI-CULTURED EUROPE
(15-20 November 2005)

The seminar entitled ‘Aspects of Social Tension in a Multi-Cultured Europe’ hosted by the Euro-Med Movement has come to an end on Sunday 20th November. Winding up a whole week of sessions, workshops, activities and cultural excursions related to the issue of social tension in Europe, fifty participants from all over Europe had the opportunity to discuss current issues related to social tension in Europe with particular reference to the situation in France, terrorist bombings in other European cities, social tension in the labour market and Turkey’s application to join the European Union among other themes.

‘Aspects of Social Tension in a Multi-Cultured Europe’ is a result of seven months of preparation during which, youth leaders from diverse NGO’s were chosen to be represented in Malta for this event. In conjunction, and to commemorate the 2005 European Year of Citizenship, discussions focused on European citizenship and whether strong ethnic allegiance is causing social tension. Participants drew attention to other factors contributing to social tension mainly poor education, economic instability, unemployment, uncontrolled immigration and poverty – issues presently topping the CHOGM 2005 agenda.

Bearing the socio-political dimension of the seminar, the Euro-Med Movement invited a number of guest speakers from all three political parties as well as MEPs to highlight the current debate taking place not only on a local, but rather at a European level. A general understanding was noted that such issues of social tension should be tackled together and that Europe is currently facing a delicate socio-economic test. Participants at the seminar insisted that young people should be given a better opportunity to express their ideas, and politicians should listen to what young people have to say.

The five-day programme was varied by a number of cultural visits to Mdina, Valletta and Cottonera, greeted by respective mayors who welcomed the participants and augured a European-wide dialogue between different cultures. The whole group paid a visit to the General Workers Union followed by the Ministry for Social Solidarity and the Family, having the opportunity to meet minor African immigrants currently under the care and custody of the Minister.

In general, a positive feedback on the project was recorded, stimulating the need to organise further projects under the YOUTH Programme on various themes that were raised throughout the whole week particularly those related to xenophobia, racism, and Turkey’s EU bid.

‘Aspects of Social Tension in a Multi-Cultured Europe’ has been financed by the YOUTH Programme of the European Commission supported by Vodafone Malta Ltd, Fortina Spa Resort, Captain Morgan Cruises Hamilton Travel and the Great Siege Experience.

Andre Borg

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