Focus Group EGiA in Luleå

19 young people took part in this activity: ESN volunteers and international students. The facilitator of the sessions was guiding the discussion, askings them questions to generate a debate about the topics mentioned.

The focus group was conducted in Luleå, Sweden, as part of the 50th National Assembly of ESN Sweden. The goal was to gather qualitative information from young people about the barriers they face in accessing international opportunities and exercising their rights as European citizens. The participants discussed their motivations for going abroad, including language acquisition, personal growth, and better career prospects. While familiar with Erasmus+, some participants were unaware of other EU-funded programs. The group identified financial constraints, lack of information, and limited availability of spots as barriers to participating in international opportunities. Despite positive experiences, many participants were unaware of the work of EU institutions and how they influence their daily lives.

The discussions also touched upon the rights and freedoms of European citizens, such as freedom of movement and the right to vote in the European Parliament. The focus group highlighted the need for better awareness, information sharing, and financial support to enable more young people to go abroad. They emphasized the importance of education on EU matters and a clearer understanding of democratic participation in European affairs as motivators for voting in the European Parliament elections. Overall, the focus group provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by young people and underscored the significance of awareness, support, and education in facilitating international opportunities and active engagement in European affairs.