"Freedom!" This was the firm answer provided by ECR Member Pavel Branda when asked what the next generation expects from the future of Europe during a digital event with young people organised jointly by the CoR and the Government of Azores on 28 May.

Having grown up in a divided and communist Europe with borders, Mr Branda, who also serves as deputy mayor of Radló in the Czech Republic, described the freedom to travel, study, work and volunteer all over Europe as "a dream come true". For him, it is absolutely "crucial" that we "protect and guarantee those freedoms for the future".

In his capacity as father and local politician, what he sees as most important for the children and youth of his municipality is a "safe and inspiriting environment where young people can develop and discover their potential as well as embrace responsibility for their own lives". It is then up to the politicians to "provide safe outdoor playing areas for children, sport and recreational opportunities and quality education", he concluded.

​More than 100 people including CoR members, young politicians from Azores and Madeira, students and civil society representatives participated in an online event on the Future of Europe and the Conference on the Future of Europe.

This event marked the political opening of the Young Elected Politicians (YEPs) Programme 2021. In the context of the Conference on the Future of Europe, the CoR wants to engage young local and regional elected politicians and young people, listening to their wishes, suggestions and concerns to contribute shaping the future of Europe, regions and of European people.