Meeting with Andre, Alexa, and Cassian

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Summary: Andre, an expert in European policy and youth engagement, discusses his extensive experience with the EU and Portugal’s political framework. He highlights the existing avenues for youth participation in policy, the challenges of meaningful political engagement, and the need for cultural and educational reforms to foster active involvement. Andre also shares insights from his internship at the Portuguese Embassy in Washington, D.C., and reflects on the evolving role of the U.S. in global politics and NATO.

 

Purpose: To understand the mechanisms of youth engagement in European governance, the challenges faced, and the role of international partnerships in shaping foreign policy.

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Transcript:

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Alexa: Thank you for joining us, Andre. Can you start by telling us about your experience with the EU and youth engagement?

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Andre: Of course. I’ve been involved with the EU for about five to six years now, working in various capacities. Currently, I’m preparing to move to Brussels to work at the European Commission. In Portugal, youth engagement is structured through numerous associations, university councils, and national advisory bodies. However, while there are many avenues for participation, their impact on actual policy remains limited. We often see consultation processes that are more symbolic than substantive.

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Cassian: You mentioned Portugal’s strong association culture. How effective are these organizations in influencing policy?

Andre: Portugal has a deeply rooted association network, with student-led groups often handling significant budgets. The National Council of Youth aggregates many of these organizations and advises both the government and the president. However, despite these structures, the influence of youth in policymaking remains weak. One of the key challenges is ensuring that youth advisory bodies have real decision-making power rather than serving as performative institutions.

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Alexa: What steps have you taken to enhance youth participation in policy development?

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Andre: In my role as president of the National Council of Law Students, we focused on securing paid internships and increasing youth representation in decision-making bodies. We also worked with the Ministry of Environment to update sustainability regulations for large festivals. While these efforts are impactful, they highlight the broader issue of needing more systematic political education and cultural shifts to encourage long-term youth engagement.

 

Cassian: You interned at the Portuguese Embassy in Washington, D.C. Can you tell us about your experience and what lessons you took away from the U.S. political system?

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Andre: My internship in D.C. was an eye-opening experience. I spent a lot of time in Congress, attending committee sessions and engaging with policymakers. One major difference I observed is the U.S. approach to problem-solving, which is far more direct and action-oriented compared to Europe. While this efficiency is beneficial, I also noticed a growing inward focus in American politics, with less emphasis on global engagement.

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Alexa: What is your perspective on the U.S. role in global security, especially regarding NATO and support for Ukraine?

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Andre: The U.S. remains critical to NATO and European security, but there is a noticeable shift in priorities. While European nations are increasing their defense spending, there’s still skepticism from some U.S. policymakers about continued military support. A key challenge is countering the narrative that Europe is not contributing enough to its own defense. In reality, Europe provides significant financial aid to Ukraine, while the U.S. leads in military equipment contributions.

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Cassian: Given recent discussions on NATO spending, do you believe European nations should meet the 2% GDP defense commitment?

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Andre: Absolutely. Many European countries are already working toward this goal, but historical and political factors have made rapid increases in defense spending difficult. For example, in Portugal, military investment was politically unpopular for decades due to our history with dictatorship and colonial conflicts. However, given current global threats, achieving the 2% target is necessary, though the effectiveness of defense investment is about more than just meeting financial thresholds.

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Alexa: Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest challenge for European foreign policy?

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Andre: The biggest challenge is preparing for a world where U.S. hegemony is increasingly questioned both externally and internally. The EU must strengthen its own strategic capabilities to ensure stability, especially in the face of rising geopolitical competition with China and Russia. This means reinforcing regional alliances, improving defense cooperation, and increasing political cohesion within the EU.

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Alexa: As we wrap up, how has your legal background influenced your approach to diplomacy and governance?

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Andre: Understanding law provides a framework for navigating complex political structures and international relations. Legal training helps break down abstract concepts into practical applications, which is crucial in diplomacy. I believe everyone working in governance should have a basic understanding of law to effectively engage in policymaking.

 

Alexa: Thank you, Andre, for your time and insights. We appreciate your perspective and look forward to collaborating in the future.

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Andre: Thank you as well. If you’re ever in Brussels, feel free to reach out!