“Youth Policy Dialogue” is a European Commission initiative aimed at engaging young people in a dialogue on the policies and future of the European Union. Within this framework, on 23 April, a meeting was held at Collegium Polonicum between students from Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder), and Piotr Serafin – European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration – followed by an open debate.
The discussion covered a broad spectrum of issues related to the functioning of the European Union and its future. It began with the subjects of European integration and the rule of law, including the protection of taxpayers’ money and cohesion funds, as well as the significance of cross-border programmes such as Interreg. The Commissioner also addressed the issue of combating fraud and law enforcement cooperation in curbing criminal activity.
European Union, including Ukraine, Moldova and Montenegro. One important issue discussed was security and the future of Europe. The Commissioner highlighted the European Union’s growing investment in defence, security, space and new technologies. References to the achievements of the Erasmus+ programme and the UK's re-entry were also included.
Piotr Serafin, a resident of Lubusz, shared his personal reflections, emphasising the value of European unity in the face of rising anti-EU sentiment. Drawing on his own experiences as a young man, he encouraged young people to be open-minded and to think critically about the future – both within and beyond the European Union. In the context of ongoing conflicts, he noted that “if one is weak, one provokes aggression”. He stressed that despite the uncertainty, the future can be both a source of fear and hope, and that Europe remains “the best place to live”.
The visit offered an opportunity to meet with the heads of the universities jointly running the Collegium Polonicum – the Rector of Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Prof. Bogumiła Kaniewska, and the President of the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder), Prof. Eduard Mühle. As Commissioner Serafin highlighted, Collegium Polonicum is a place demonstrating the essence of the European Union. This is where the two universities successfully join forces to build a common European identity.
