VISIT OF A GROUP OF STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSIDAD VILLANOVA

On April 12, MEP Javier Zarzalejos received a group of journalism students from Villanueva University at the European Parliament.

The MEP began the talk by emphasizing the coincidence of the visit to Brussels with a crucial moment for the European Union. Zarzalejos explained that today’s Union is not simply an area of free trade, but a political project which, despite the crises, continues to advance and to fulfill its commitments and obligations. Specifically, he pointed out that not a few analysts dare to describe the Union as an “OPNI” (Unidentified Political Object), a concept that refers to the extraordinary nature of the Union.

On the other hand, the MEP wanted to point out the four major challenges currently facing the European Union: security, economic recovery, energy transition and immigration.

Firstly, Zarzalejos stated that Russia’s war against Ukraine is a real litmus test for the reality of the EU. Secondly, the MEP pointed out the two recent economic crises in the territory, the one derived from the pandemic, and the financial one; pointing out, in this context, the importance of the NextGenEU destined to large strategic projects for economic recovery.

Thirdly, Zarzalejos affirmed that the energy transition is also the key to strategic autonomy. The MEP pointed out the need to guarantee energy resources that provide the European Union as a whole with permanent security, even in extreme circumstances. Finally, Zarzalejos pointed out that immigration is a crucial challenge in which Europe, and particularly Spain, has its future at stake, affirming that it is not only necessary to guarantee the active population in the continent, but also to ensure a rejuvenation of the population.

Zarzalejos concluded by underlining the great success story that is the European Union, and emphasizing the generational responsibility of young people as European citizens.