EUROPE IS OUR FUTURE.

THIS IS HOW I SEE THE FUTURE -Ideas for the future of modern European Polis-

Aristotle, when describing the purpose of the polis says: It is clear that all partnerships aim at some good, and that the partnership that is most authoritative of all and embraces all the others does so particularly, and aims at the most authoritative good of all. As citizens of the modern European political community, we are what Aristotle calls partners, and as any other partnership we pursue a common goal. Since Ancient times till today, the most authoritative and highest of all goals has been the virtue and happiness of the citizens. Although political communities have transformed greatly since the times of Aristotle, we should not be too quick to dismiss his observations on the way of life of the polis as irrelevant to our own political partnership, and perceive his writings as a source of inspiration. The existance of a well constructed political community represents the perfect environment within which human beings can achieve virtue and happiness. However this can scarcely be considered the single condition to fulfill in order to become virtuous. This is a ongoing decision, not made once and for all, but made over and over again. Truhfully, political participation, active and constant implication in the life of the City are the only mean that provides us satisfaction. As a prouf of the validity of the Greek philosophers sayings, George Bernard Shaw quotes In a democracy people live as they deserve to. This quote depicts the fundamental principle of democracy: the People are the Sovereign as well as the Prince . That is why the development of our state of being, and the accomplishment of our supreme goal, stand in our bare hands . We have the proper tools to build our future we are made responsible for our present and our future. Looking at the present context that we share, of common democratic regimes and a common European Constitutional structure, it seems that we have accomplished the conditions for a fruitful environment. There remains only one aspect which heavily depends on us, citizens of the European Union: to think and to act, in order to discover where our own happiness stands and to ultimately project it into the future. Let us than move towards the sphere of practical concerns and debate the subject of political involvement in the realm of European politics. As a young active citizen, having gained full rights and full responsibility of my acts, I have recently been confronted with all major problems our City, and in the following lines I will share, as an act of logical concludence and liberty, my contribution and thoughts in regards to our common European future. The first topic that I would like to address comprises ideas of a new policy for the young people, largely implying issues of economy.

ECONOMY
"Projects for Young Entrepreneurs" Premises Taking into account the critical financial and economic situation, in the context of the current economic crisis, a worldwide phenomenon affecting the European economic structure, it is imperatively necessary the adoption of exceptional measures which, by the efficiency and speed of implementation, will reduce the effects recorded among the present young economic operators, and will support youth to create new enterprises, by ensuring pecuniar aid to help overcome their financial difficulties. Given the need to promote legislative solutions to support business in order to overcome financial difficulties and relaunch marketing network, this legislation proposal is part of the overall effort undertaken by the European Union to stimulate on short and medium term, the access of young citizens to grants and loans. Objectives Accessing capital can be a frustrating process for young European entrepreneurs. Banks are low risk lenders, and quite often young entrepreneurs are not able to meet the qualifying criteria for traditional loans. That is why this program comes in the help of young entrepreneurs by stimulating the creation of new micro-enterprises, improving the economic performance of existing ones, increasing the potential of access to finance and develop the entrepreneurial skills of young European citizens for their involvement in private economic structures. As a result, EU will have to elaborate a special mechanism in order to help young people involve and expand the economic sector. Further on I will expose three different programs, addressing issues of eligibility, the consequences of their implementation, and a number of details that will certify why these measures, in a simple and effective manner, will bring advantages to European Union and its citizens. Solutions: 1) The Start-Up for Young Entrepreneurs is a program addresses to young entrepreneurs who wish to create, expand or improve a long term viability entreprise. The program provides grant funding to approved applicants that provide novative ideas, capable to attract interest and face the risks of the free market.. The grant release depends on the ability of the applicant to properly establish the business. The program will provide a maximum contribution of 20.000 euro available per applicant, based on 50% of start-up costs. 2) The Program for Rural Entreprenorial Development provides financial support for the citizens of the rural areas of Europe eager to develop a small business in the domain of Agriculture and farming. The rural entrepreneur initiative is intended to help young citizens develop small industry and production of ecological food by granting them neccesary funds. The program will provide a maximum contribution of 15.000 euro available per applicant, based on 50% of start-up costs. 3) The Summer Job Program for Young Entrepreneurs is a special program for young

Europeans who intent to improve their skill in the business domain, by opening a season business (up to four months). The program aims at providing non-reimbursable financial allowances for young entrepreneurs, and especially for students, in order to support and expand the free market entreprise innitiatives and to help the European Economic sector become naturally dynamic. The program will provide a maximum contribution of 2.000 euro available per applicant, based on 70% of start-up costs. Eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of the European Union Applicants must be the majority owners of their businesses( 51% of the shares) Applicants must have between 18 and 35 years old Applicants may use the loan to start-up, expand or modernize a business The grant cannot be used for refinancing existing debts or business restructuring

The object of financing must be comprised in one of the following criterias: Techniqual equipment and work equipment - including associated software(fixed assets) Measuring, monitoring and control equipment Vehicles for transportation of goods Licenses, patents, trademarks, franchises, environmental labeling; Costs of starting a business in the commercial register . Space rental, telephone installation, utilities, office supplies, equipment rental, business travel costs, etc. ( Available for Summer Job Program only) Recent purchases of land, buildings, office equipment and other significant equipment and fixtures may be considered eligible expenditures and are evaluated at arms-length, on a market value basis. Very important! After preliminary evaluation, eligible applicants will have to participate in an entreprenorial training course. After this the next step will be to demonstrate in a business plan that the business has a reasonable chance of success Environmental Energy Saving Program: The enviornmental issue has gained incredible dimenssions in the new millenium and consequences of greenhouse effect are posing great threat to our world. The following lines are an efficient option to determine E.U. Citizens to adopt a eco-life. Solutions The E.U will provide design assistance and important pecuniar incentives for new buildings or additions, and major reconstruction projects that will take into account the new friendly environment policy. Thus the program will assume that the greater the electricity savings, the greater the incentives.

Eligibility : The program is addressed to buildings serving commercial, retail units, hotels, colleges, hospitals, industrial purpose. Grants: The owners will receive up to 300 euro for every verified kilowatt saved. Available projects must be eligible for a minimum of 1200 euros in incentives. The Program will also sustain 100% of the cost of designing a building for the building owner. Maximum sum will not pass 15000 euro. The Programs that I have described represent only a short percentage of a larger area of solutions available for the difficulties which the new mechanism of E.U. Confront. Hopefully they will be taken into consideration and make the subject of a parliamentary debate. I attach two more ideas which I consider to be worthy for future discussions: 1)Program funding non profit organisations that facilitate the development of traditional customs among E.U. Citizens, by providing educational and experiential opportunities and programs.2) Encouragement of Communitary Export Program - expand growth in new international markets for E.U.