Visit to Brussels

“We should be happy that we can vote”

The HLW Feldbach visited Provincial Councillor Werner Amon at the Styria House in Brussels.(Bild: ALEXANDER LOUVET)

Austria and Styria rank last in terms of EU satisfaction. What has been engraved over the years could change with the younger generation. We accompanied first-time voters from HLW Feldbach on their visit to Brussels - and asked them what motivates them to go to the polls.

"Many people don't even know when the elections are, but you should be happy that you can vote," says Anna Röck. She is a 16-year-old 3B pupil at the HLW Feldbach. Together with her classmates, she took the train to Brussels to learn about European political issues. During a joint discussion in the Styria House in the Belgian capital, Werner Amon (ÖVP), State Councillor for Europe, wants to convince her of the importance of the European elections on June 9th.

After all, Austria is considered to be particularly EU-sceptical - the turnout in the 2019 elections in Styria was even below the Austrian average. Anna knows what is often a hurdle for young people: "You have to find out about election programs, and many people prefer not to vote at all. I learn a lot from my parents and on social media." This is exactly what State Councillor Amon, who himself started his political career in the student council, appeals to: "Be curious, get to the bottom of things, don't believe everything and get involved!"

Marie Putz attaches great importance to the freedom to travel.(Bild: ALEXANDER LOUVET)

Anna Röck is grateful for her European voting rights.(Bild: ALEXANDER LOUVET)

Surveys show that voter turnout could increase - students like the young Styrians in Brussels give hope. "Young voters are incredibly important in terms of democratic politics. Whether they go straight to their first or second election determines a lot about their future use of the right to vote," says Philipp Schulmeister, Director of Campaign Management at the European Parliament. What happens in the elections is guaranteed to affect young people in the coming years - from cell phone tariffs to climate protection and freedom to travel.

Marie Putz, one of Anna's classmates, also appreciates this: "I think it's cool to be able to travel to other countries without a visa - and that the euro is available everywhere." Of all the EU achievements, Anna says she is most interested in the Erasmus program. With 600 participating schools, Styria is the Austrian leader. In the current funding period from 2021 to 2027, almost 39 million euros are available for all Erasmus projects. The aim is to motivate young Styrians like these to get a taste of Europe.

Note: The press trip took place at the invitation of the Province of Styria.