Hildegard Bentele, Member of the European Parliament from Germany’s CDU (Christian Democratic Union), has reaffirmed her belief in the transformative power of youth engagement and education in the European Union, in remarks shared exclusively with The Brussels Morning Newspaper. Bentele, who is known for her advocacy in education, youth affairs, and European cooperation, emphasizes that involving the next generation is essential for a robust and unified EU.
Responding to questions from The Brussels Morning about the effectiveness of youth-focused programmes like the Model European Parliament, Bentele underscored their significance:
“Projects that strengthen youth education about the European Union play a crucial role in bridging the gap between EU institutions and young people,”
she said.
Engaging students early, she noted,
“helps them understand how the EU functions — particularly the role and workings of the European Parliament.”
Through hands-on initiatives,
“students gain first-hand experience of parliamentary processes, the responsibilities of MEPs, and the dynamics of negotiations in the Parliament. Therefore, they foster a deeper understanding of and commitment to the European project.”
Bentele also highlighted the broader impact of education in fostering peace and unity across the continent.
“Schools and education programmes play a crucial role in fostering peace and political unity within the EU,”
she stated, pointing to how educational environments help the younger generation
“learn about the many privileges that come with EU membership, from freedom of movement and political pluralism to something as fundamental as lasting peace between member states.”
She added,
“Ideally, young people will not only recognise these achievements but also see both their responsibility and their potential to actively contribute to these longstanding goals.”
On policy solutions, Bentele believes there is ample scope for further action from decision-makers. MEP Hildegard Bentele praises the Romain-Rolland-Gymnasium in Reinickendorf for fostering European unity through its Model European Parliament program recently in her Facebook post.
“As policymakers, we have a wide range of tools at our disposal to better engage with young people ranging from supporting simulation programmes and enhancing EU civic education to fostering dialogue both in person and online,”
she explained.
Bentele described her own approach:
“In my own political work, I actively seek to connect with youth, whether through school visits in my constituency, adapting my communication to the social media platforms they use, or engaging in exchanges of views with young people within the European Parliament.”
MEP Hildegard Bentele’s comments highlight the vital importance of investing in youth engagement and civic education to ensure the ongoing success and unity of the European project. Her commitment underlines a growing consensus in Brussels that today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders—and that building their understanding and enthusiasm for Europe is an investment in lasting peace and democracy.
