New Commissioner Glenn Micallef's First Day Journey

Последно ажурирана на Среда, 18/12/2024

The new Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef joined EU trainees in Brussels’ park for a “Go with Glenn” walk, fostering intergenerational dialogue on his first day of mandate. Discussions covered digital well-being, student housing, and policy fairness, among other topics.

Commissioner 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. 

“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,” shares Melissa Bilbao, a trainee from the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (CAJU) with Irish-Filipino roots. 

Digital well-being and student housing accessibility also emerged as key topics during the walk. “I talked to the Commissioner about two topics” says 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.”

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. The first day of Commissioner Micallef signals the beginning of a meaningful intergenerational dialogue in EU policymaking.

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