About the Theme

In a speech delivered in Strasbourg in 1954, Jean Monnet warned Europeans: “We only have a choice between the changes we will be drawn into, and those we will have been able to desire and achieve”.

The European Union is the future for young Europeans. It’s important that they seize it and actively contribute to its future with their ideas, energy and commitment.

When, in the midst of the First World War, the young Jean Monnet, a simple 26-year-old citizen, succeeded in convincing the French and British to join forces in the war, did he know that he was setting in motion a process of collective action that would lead, a few decades later, to the creation of the European Union?

Today, it’s this pioneering and determined spirit that we need to reconnect with. At a time when the EU is once again facing a military threat and war at its borders, when it is becoming divided and seeing authoritarian temptations emerge from within, when power relations are once again imposing themselves as a means of managing relations between states, when it is struggling to hold its own in the global economy, it is the very foundations on which it was built that are being called into question, and with them the ability of Europeans to weigh in on major collective challenges such as the future of democracy, climate, health or AI.

Rich in its history, diversity, talents, values and status as the world’s second-largest economy, a united Europe can become a structuring power and a force for progress and inspiration for the world. To achieve this, it’s up to young Europeans to unleash their imagination and creativity, to get involved and make their voices heard to defend their aspirations and their future.

Based on introductory presentations analyzing the major challenges facing the European Union and current tensions and conflicts, participants will use debates and role-play to develop and simulate different scenarios relating to the evolution of the European Union and the world. An enlarging Union – or not? Does it acquire a defense capability capable of ensuring its own security – or does it remain dependent and vulnerable? Continuing along the path outlined by the Green Deal – or abandoning it? Who should continue along the path of integration and the construction of European sovereignty – or give priority back to national sovereignties? These are just some of the many dilemmas that participants will be invited to address.

The story of Jean Monnet, who as a young man used his imagination and determination to resolve the conflicts that shook Europe and the world, will serve as a point of reference for participants’ reflections.

The reflection carried out in Cluny is committed to going beyond the stage of diagnosis. We look forward to a stimulating exchange of views!

The Method

The “Cluny method” is the development of collective intelligence that makes use of interdisciplinarity and plurilingualism. The facilitators will invite the participants to develop their autonomy and their self-learning abilities, to appropriate innovative methods of co-construction based on mutual learning.

Conferences, training sessions and working groups will enable you to develop negotiation skills and to gain an overview of the main issues at stake.

WANT TO JOIN US?

Selection Criteria:

★ Minimum age: candidates must be born before 1st January 2007
★ Personal motivation is very important
★ Geographic diversity
★ Linguistic competences: The working language will be English: a minimum level of B2 is expected. An understanding of French would be an asset (but not a prerequisite) to facilitate local exchanges.

Apart from language skills, no other academic or professional qualifications are required. We explicitly encourage participants from various fields to apply.