Shaping Europe
2019: This time I’m voting
What brought citizens to the polls in 2019?
What brought citizens to the polls in 2019?
The EU was a leading force behind the Paris Agreement adopted at COP21 to cut greenhouse gas emissions worldwide and thereby avoid a dangerous increase in the average world temperature. The European Parliament had a vital role to play in the European approach to the negotiations and adopting subsequent EU legislation.
Reforming the asylum system and strengthening the EU's external borders were emerging as key elements of the EU response to the 2015 refugee crisis.
Paris, Brussels, and other European cities were struck by coordinated terrorist attacks, for which Islamic State claimed responsibility. In response, EU countries agreed to strengthen border security, improve cooperation among intelligence services and work to prevent radicalisation.
In 2016, UK voters opted to leave the EU in a closely fought ‘Brexit’ referendum.
Roaming charges were abolished within the EU, allowing consumer to use their mobile phones when travelling abroad in the EU with no additional fees on top of what they already pay at home.
In 2016, the European Solidarity Corps was created to improve on the former European Voluntary Service and provide even more opportunities for Europe’s young people to take part in projects that benefit communities, in their home countries and abroad.