Welcome to Ideas Factory
The Ideas Factory is a forum for bright young thinkers, a place where young professionals located in Brussels can come together to discuss pan-European dilemmas or ponder questions that have perhaps fallen off the radar of EU policy-makers.
By discussing, debating and testing ideas at our events or online, you can give voice to your thoughts, differing views and fears related to the ongoing developments in Europe.
The voice of the young generation needs to be listened to and taken into consideration if we want a strong Europe now and in the future.
The Ideas Factory is supported by the European Policy Centre (EPC) and its backbone is composed of the younger generation of EPC analysts.
Events
Equality at work - between generations and genders
14/12/2011
Young thinkers participated in an Ideas Factory debate about equality at work - between generations and genders on Wednesday 14th December. In order to meet the challenges and enjoy the benefits related to Europe’s ageing demographic trend requires increasing the participation rate of both women and older people in the labour markets. Some of the issues discussed at the meeting included: Could more be done to promote gender equality and to increase participation of older people in the labour market? Are there big differences between EU Member States in promoting equality? What is the role for employers and us as employees in promoting employment of women and older workers?
The meaning of European solidarity - where are we heading?
11/07/2011
Young thinkers participated in an Ideas Factory debate on The meaning of European solidarity - where are we heading? on Monday, 11 July. The concept of European solidarity has been called in to question recently. The events of the Arab spring have given a new focus to freedom of movement and migration concepts, creating tensions both between member states and at the EU level. Questions surrounding the Eurozone and aid packages to Greece have highlighted political and economic aspects of the European project, adding an urgency to reassess the prospects of the Euro. The discussion featured a keynote speech from John Wyles, columnist for the European Voice; Managing Partner of ECO-European Communications; former Financial Times journalist and former EPC chief strategy coordinator.
Discussion Forum
Should freedom of movement in the EU be limited?
28/06/2011
The right to free movement of persons within the EU should be viewed as a major achievement of the Union and a major added value of EU membership. However, the results of this achievement – both the border-free Schengen area and the 2004 “Citizens directive” on the right of EU citizens and their family members to move and reside freely within the EU – are not loved by all in the EU, including the governments of key EU memb ...
Young people should just blame themselves
12/01/2011
Faced with high unemployement rates, precarious positions and low salaries, young people have been looking for someone to blame, claiming their right to have a job. And they are not asking for any kind of job, but for a permanent, well paid position, which should also take into consideration their need for family life and leisure.
The argument may sound to someone like ‘well, our parents had it all so why shouldn’t we? ...
Become a member
Interested in the network?
Please click here.