Youth Diplomacy
Hi Constanze!
glad to have finally found your post 
Veru interesting btw.
Still I have some questions/clarifications to make.
You started witht th argument that the citiyens of the EU memebr states are becoeming more and more skeptical and even critical about this supra-national instittution. Rather that having a debate here about the pro and cons of the EU, I think it is fair to acknowledge that it has some deep structual and functional flaws and that perhaps some of the criticism and grievances are indeed justified and should be voiced out and listened to in a open and democratic manner.
Now about the EU Ambassadors initiative.
I personally don’t feel that my views and opinions are represented by either the Moldovan or Romanian UN Youth Representative (even though I know one of them personally). I think it’s a nice opportunity for them as envoys to learn and expand their network, but not necessarily about the youth in their countries. A lot of young people even the ones passionate about politics and IR are not aware of this position. Often the selction is not really transparent either. There is virtually no communication and interaction between them. Maybe you know a more optimistic story from your country. Also it is very hard for a single person to astablish some kind of connection directly wit hte citizenry. Some international organizations have whole divisions designed for this task and they still don’t manage to do it well.
How about the Ombudsman? Isn’t he a sort of ‘less formal diplomat’, ‘a people’s advocate’?
Why 54 people (2 people x 27 MS)? How about the candidate countries? How about the neigbouring countries that are trying to meet Eu standards for accession?
Back to skepticism.
Even I, that have studies International Relations and European Studies for my Bachelor, am VERY critical about the EU. If one desires to get informed about the European intitutions there are tons of ‘propaganda’ material to be easily found on the internet and even in the public libraries, etc.
I think that a big part of the disapointment with the EU come from direct negative experiences related to it. Be it accessing strucutral funds, or change in policies, or changes directly conncted wit hthe change of currency (national to Euro), democartic and transparency deficit, etc, etc.
I think what we nned more thse days is open public discussions on these issues. What we need are Mediators between EU and the citizens.
Hope this helps.
I would also like to hear you position on why and how do you think the EU is beneficial in the current crisis and what are the presume future benefits?
Cheers 