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more than one political community. ‘National identity’
would be set on a shared culture, language and
heritage and ‘European citizenship’ would add to this
- as a recognition of the shared ‘bloc’ of territory and
governing body based on a shared set of values, for
example the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
There is no doubt that the EU prides itself on this
‘unification in diversity’, peacefully coexisting despite
the different political and social situations of each
country. Indeed young people especially seem to be
benefitting from the possibility to travel, work and
study easily and cheaply across the continent and
meet people from all over Europe and beyond. My own
experience can vouch for the rewarding and fascinating
possibilities to network and integrate with people from
a multitude of different paths, learning about their
culture and stumbling through the building blocks of
learning a new language together. This integration,
whilst perhaps not as tangible to older generations, is
certainly true if I decide to travel this summer and visit
the friends I have made throughout my year abroad. I
could travel all over Europe easily and cheaply.
I recently spoke with a German friend who feels
‘European first of all and German second’, and believes
that ‘the French and Germany aren’t really that
different culturally, except for the language.’ Another
friend, who is French, but studies in Germany, shared
this view; to her, the idea of a European citizenship is
‘beautiful’ and the concept of free movement is now
a fundamental part of European identity. Echoes
of this sense of belonging pervaded every young
person I spoke to, all of whom came from a multitude
of different European nations in continental Europe.
The similarities in culture and administration in the
different parts of continental Europe pay tribute to
this, and recall the rich and long-lasting heritage of
colonialism and imperialism, which transcended the
national borders as we know them today.
However, this sense of belonging was not echoed by
those I spoke to who came from Britain; I myself am
British and I can vouch for the fact that most people
in Britain consider themselves only British and do not
feel part of Europe whatsoever. For older generations
who remember the seventies and Britain’s fall from
an arrogant imperial superpower to the mortifying
underdog twice refused entry into the European
Economic Community by De Gaulle, the bureaucratic
giant that is the European Union appears merely a
‘money-drain’; decisions which concern Britain that are
made across the Channel Tunnel often result in sour
grumbling about ‘loss of power’ to ‘those bloody French’
category
7
(who can forget the decades of rivalry at that age?!). For
younger generations, the wide-spread ignorance of any
language other than the mother tongue can result in
detachment and a perceived arrogance. Most people are
clueless when it comes to how the cumbersome layers
and layers of government in the EU work, how power is
divided, or where their taxes end up. Many of my friends
refer to ‘continental Europe’ as merely ‘Europe’, as if
Britain has no part to play whatsoever.
But things are changing: thanks to immigration, thanks
to freedom of movement, thanks to cheap buses and
even cheaper hostels, it is now easier than ever for young
Brits to travel and explore the ‘mysterious’ bloc across
the Channel. With the increasing internationalisation of
the world and politics, being aware of what is ‘out there’
is undeniably on the rise. For many, whilst learning
another language is not necessary, it IS an interesting,
enriching and exciting experience; it is a great addition
to the CV and encouraged by many universities.
This is why we must vote to remain in the EU. In a
globalised world, it is incredibly important that we work
together to solve problems. Most young people agree
that working together, we are stronger. Our economy is
stronger in EU, our place in the world is strengthened
by being in the EU, our futures are brighter by being in
the EU. Everything we enjoy, all the travelling we can
do, all the jobs and opportunities, everything I have
spoken about - these are GUARANTEED if we stay in
the EU. They CANNOT be guaranteed if we leave. And
for the future job prospect and opportunities of the
future generations of students and young people, I’m
not willing to take that risk. Students and young people
alike appreciate being in this European community,
appreciate being European citizens and appreciate
being able to travel, work and study abroad in Europe.
If we leave the EU, this is gravely threatened, and will
affect the job prospects and opportunities of future
students and young people to come.
Amy Longland is a Masters Student in International
Relations at the University of Nottingham and is also
the Co-head of Nottingham Students for Europe.