On 24 March, eight young members of our Advisory Board spent the morning with Commissioner Glenn Micallef in Brussels.
They began with an artistic ice-breaker session led by Maria, which had everyone laughing!
The meeting was a chance for Board members to discuss the matters most important to them with the Commissioner. This included questions about:
- Amplifying children's voices in the EU
- Concerns about online safety and children's access to harmful goods and practices
- Mental health of children and young people
- Access to free, safe after-school spaces and activities for all children
- Improving the conditions for children in alternative care
The Commissioner responded to each question and spoke about what the EU is doing, with examples of child-focused projects in different EU countries. He stressed the importance of listening more to what children need, and repeated his strong belief in the power of education for both children and adults, to bring change.
There was a photo session and a group selfie, followed by a tour of the Commissioner's office. There, they saw and heard about the importance of sport in his own life and in the work the Commissioner is doing for the health and well-being of young people across the EU.
After a short break, the children met with Member of Parliament Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, who is part of the Parliament's Intergroup on Children’s Rights. They talked about online safety and how everyone can play an active role in stopping negative online experiences through their own behaviours and attitudes.
"It was very interesting to share our opinions and ask questions to the Commissioner and the MEP. It was a wonderful experience." Elisabet
See the photos