Walking the Talk: New Commissioner Glenn Micallef's First Day Journey with EU's Young Generation

Last updated on Thursday, 19/12/2024

Our new Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport , Glenn Micallef, chose to spend his first day in the office not only behind his desk, but also on the paths of Brussels’ Park, walking and talking with the European Commission’s Blue Book trainees. This initiative, under the motto “Go with Glenn”, is a fresh approach to intergenerational dialogue within EU institutions.

“From running to catch trains and trams, to debating about flights and fuel - travelling sustainably is a key priority for many young Europeans. On his first day, Commissioner Glenn Micallef assured us that he would walk the talk in representing us Blue Book trainees,” shares Melissa Bilbao, a trainee from the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (CAJU) with Irish-Filipino roots. “Having been an intern at the EU 14 years ago, he emphasized the importance of intergenerational fairness in shaping policies that balance the needs of both current and future generations.”

During the walk also pressing concerns facing young Europeans across different regions were brought to the attention of the Commissioner.

”The walk was a great opportunity to share the issues that affect us, the youth, as a whole.  I approached Commissioner Micallef to share the situation of Galiza, my region in Spain, whose demographic crisis is aggravated by the need for new generations to move abroad to find better jobs,” says Xulia Martínez Tomé working for DG MARE. “Commissioner Micallef, who also comes from a coastal community, not only listened with great interest and asked multiple questions, but I also felt that he understood how this issue was not unique to a particular area and therefore should be targeted to improve the living conditions of many.”

Digital well-being and student housing accessibility also emerged as key topics during the walk. “I talked to the Commissioner about two topics”, shares French Sabri Khelil working for DG GROW, “the impacts of social media on the mental health of European youth; and the immense struggle university students go through when looking for housing in many European countries like the Netherlands or Ireland. It was nice to be able to talk with the Commissioner directly, who was very keen on hearing our points of views”.

While this day may have literally been a walk in the park, the path forward for Commissioner Micallef may be more challenging. The concerns raised by young Europeans demand serious attention and concrete action. This first-day dialogue marks just the beginning of what promises to be an ongoing conversation with Europe's youth. Commissioner Micallef's first day sets a promising tone for a new era of intergenerational dialogue in EU policymaking.

© Lukasz Kobus 2024

© Melissa Bilbao 2024

© Sabri Khelil 2024

Written by Diana Montané Marín (Blue Book Trainee DG.EAC.A3)