Turku 2023 - Academic Vision

Turku National Session 2023 - Academic Vision Building Stability in an Unstable Environment: Towards a New Welfare Economy The dramatic world events of 2022 have demonstrated never to take for granted a good, prosperous, peaceful life on our shared continent and shared world. With Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, costs of living and inflation rising to levels last seen 50 years ago, yet another year with record-breaking heatwaves and floods, and the questioning of democratic values by some incumbent and aspiring leaders - it is easy to be depressed by the news. At the same time, this uncertainty is nothing new. The youth of Europe have been living through one crisis after another. For sure, many good things have happened in our lifetimes. The European Union grew from 15 members to 28 at its peak. World leaders agreed on the ambitious Paris Climate Agreement. And countries far and wide look up to the EU as a global leader in democracy, welfare and the social market economy. More countries want to follow the path of EU member states.

The EU mode of governance is by no means perfect. But Member States and European citizens sharing power in the Commission, Council and Parliament have shaped solutions to many of the global crises that we have experienced over our lifetimes. The euro emerged stronger after the financial crisis and Eurocrisis. The refugee crisis tested our fundamental values and cohesion as a Union, but we managed to support those in the greatest need. Brexit showed that nobody is kept in the EU against their will, and that the benefits of the Single Market easily outweigh the costs.

And the Covid-19 pandemic showed our capability for resilience, but also innovation and flexibility.

Two recent EU initiatives demonstrate forward progress in the Union of citizens. The European Pillar of Social Rights and NextGenerationEU are monumental achievements to support Europeans during a time of seemingly never-ending crisis. But to turn them into reality, more substance is needed. Greater democratic discourse and deliberation over what we want from our Union. Young people's voice, somewhat heard during the Conference on the Future of Europe and amplified during the 2022 European Year of Youth, is absolutely essential as we are moving forward.

The academic topics at Turku 2023 will reflect this reality. We will discuss topics that are difficult but affect the lives of us all. The new macroeconomic reality of inflation and scarcity, the crucial role of education in the transition to work, the state of democracy, peace and justice, the fair allocation of rights and duties in the fight against climate change, and ways to support the most vulnerable from rising prices in unpredictable times. In brief, we will look at the role of Member States and the European Union in creating a new welfare economy for the post-Covid era.

For the academic team, I encourage pushing forward what you have previously done in EYP, taking charge of your topics and developing them in directions that interest you personally. At the same time, the board will be ready to provide tailored support for the academic process, team management, or any other chairing skills that you would like to develop. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and levels of experience. The most important thing is an openness to try new ideas, do new things and step outside of your comfort zone.

As the economist William Beveridge wrote in 1942: "A revolutionary moment in the world's history is a time for revolutions, not for patching." I encourage all participants to think big, think ambitiously, and think outside the box.

It is time for our generation to shape our own future.

Henri Haapanala President of the Turku National Session 2023