The European Commission invited the American pop star Taylor Swift to encourage young people to take part in European elections. The idea arose after Swift's influence in mobilizing American youth To to vote in American elections.
The Vice President of the Commission, Margaritis Schinas, said at a press conference that “no one mobilizes youth like young people,” citing Swift as an example. In the United States, following a call from Swift last September, 35,000 young voters registered to vote the next day.
A request from Europe
Schinas expressed hope that Swift would do the same for young Europeans when she performed in Paris in May. “I hope that someone from your advisory team will watch this press conference and forward this request to you,” Schinas said.
The VicePresident of the Commission stressed the importance of young people's participation in the European elections, scheduled to take place from June 6th to 9th, describing it as “crucial”. The request comes as early polls suggest support for the far right is increasing.
The role of young people in the European Union
According to Schinas, young people in the European Union are “those who most enjoy our open and democratic societies, education and training opportunities (…), mobility and our open borders”.
In the last European elections in 2019, the participation of young people was remarkable: 42% of eligible voters under the age of 25 went to the polls, while in the age group between 25 and 29 the turnout rate increased to 47%.
It remains to be seen whether Taylor Swift will accept the invitation.