Wales has a long-standing relationship with Europe, particularly in terms of European funding and civil society. Manon Hammond, a student in Geneva, describes diving into the depths of Welsh and European politics.
GETTING STARTED
In mid-February, we went to the heart of London and Brussels’ diplomatic mechanisms to explore the future of Wales’ relationship with Europe, and to broaden our horizons as young people considering careers in politics.
We were a diverse bunch, three studying in Aberystwyth, one in Durham, and one in Geneva. Not everyone was Welsh though, and that diversity in education, background, and interests meant that discussions never waned.
The discussions took place between London and Brussels, and the jam-packed tour began at the Secretary of State for Wales’ office in Westminster. We questioned an experienced civil servant about Brexit, next year’s Senedd elections, and the ‘partnership in power’ between the Senedd and Westminster.
SEEING THE NEWS AS IT HAPPENS
We then went on to the Cabinet office, where we were fortunate enough to meet three young people who were more than willing to discuss how to start a career in politics. Outside, tractors filled the streets and honked their horns, to the accompaniment of farmers protesting against changes to the inheritance tax policy.
We could feel that we were at the political core of the country, watching the events that would be the front pages of next morning’s newspaper.
After making our way from one end of the crowd to the other (and seeing Jacob Rees Mogg and Nigel Farage on the tour, another nod to the fact that we really were in the thick of it) we ended our day at the Europe House, where we discussed the effects of Brexit and the future relationship between Wales, the UK, and the EU.
The next morning, after an early journey on the Eurostar, we arrived in the city of Brussels for the second half of the trip. We only had a day and a half to explore, chat, ask questions, and be amazed, in a truly jam-packed timetable!
We started with a REX meeting at the EESC, listening to engaging discussions on current issues such as Trump’s obsession with Greenland and the importance of speaking and interpreting minority languages in organisations like the EESC.
Then, between the Commission, the Parliament, and the EESC, we met a series of inspiring people. We discussed agricultural issues, healthcare for women, culture, the war in Ukraine, and crises such as Covid-19.
There were plenty of young, curious individuals willing to offer us advice as students, and those with more experience were full of the same curiosity – a testament to the excitement and evolving nature of a career in international politics.
THE FUTURE OF WALES AFTER BREXIT
As a Welsh group, visiting the Welsh Government office in Brussels was a special opportunity for us. Walking through the incredible corridors of the Commission and the Senedd, it was hard not to feel frustrated that Brexit had taken away our opportunities to be part of that world, but, seeing the work of the Welsh Government on an international platform reignited the hope that there were interesting paths to follow here.
We must end with well-deserved thanks, mainly to Tom Jones, for organising the tour and for guiding us. The busy schedule was a direct result of Tom’s hard work and the lifelong relationships he built while in Brussels.
Thanks also to Caroline Turner for joining us and to William Parker and the European Opportunities Fund for ensuring that the journey could happen. And finally, a big thank you to everyone who was willing to meet us and feed our curiosity! Your advice was beneficial, and I have a feeling that we won’t forget your words for a very long time.