IL DIPARTIMENTO
Sarah-Floss: I agree with the ambassador on this point. My grandparents voted Brexit because they believe that Britain was stronger alone and is now controlled by Europe. The ambassador pointed out that the generation who experienced the war first-hand were against Brexit because they understood the gravity of a divided Europe, which I thought was a very interesting point. I also agree that disasters are too often made out to be glorious; so many war films simplify the notion of war heroes, the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ sides, the ‘right’ outcome etc.
Sara: What do you think about the current migration crisis in the Mediterranean sea? In my view, the EU is not doing enough to help my country in this difficult situation. What is your opinion?
Thomas: The current migration crisis in the mediterranean is one of almost unprecedented severity. As humans, we have no choice over our place of birth. I believe that, as Brits, Italians, Europeans etc. we have been generally quite fortunate in the lottery of birth. It is understandable that those less fortunate than ourselves would want to experience a better life here. I think it should be the moral obligation of every government, certainly within the EU, to do as much as is reasonably possible to assist these migrants and refugees. Certainly, that is not the case at the moment.
Emma: I completely agree with this, and I think the EU really needs to rethink its policy on this, given that the rules were drawn up before the onset of the migrant crisis. The problem with the EU and the fact that it acts as one state is that there is a significant disparity in the wealth and resources of the member countries, and the EU has some difficult decisions to make in terms of sharing out the responsibility for looking after migrants within its borders. The rise of nationalism in France and the Netherlands shows that there is definitely some resentment towards the EU, and if Italy doesn’t receive a lot more help in its managing of the migrant crisis, there are, rightly, going to be questions asked by the Italian people about the benefits of contributing to an organisation that isn’t giving them support in their time of need.
Emma: I think there is an element of truth to this, especially with the older generation, but the turn against the EU is probably largely to do with the recession of 2008-9 and the fact that wages have failed to catch up with inflation. Many people have been adversely affected by this and having seen their standard of living worsen. For people who have had to deal with falling wages and rising house prices, to then be told by the leave campaign that the UK was paying so much money into EU funds was a big factor I think. The UK is very London-centric and many people would have not felt the benefits of the EU membership, or realised in what ways the EU was benefiting them with regard to working conditions, etc. There is also a big fear of immigration which has been exacerbated by ISIS, and after seeing the attacks in France and Belgium this would have intensified the anti-EU feeling for many, due to the free movement policy. The UK is also stronger economically than many countries within the EU, and many probably feel that the UK offers the EU more than it gains in relation to people coming here looking for jobs, etc.
Sofia: I liked that he mentioned the idea of ‘insieme’. As young people in post-Brexit Britain, I think it’s important that we continue to strive for a more united Europe and a more united world. While I believe it’s crucial to learn from the past, we should also avoid glorifying particular elements of our own history. Instead, we should look to the future and pour our energy into creating a better society that is based on mutual respect and fairness.