How has the eurozone crisis affected your life?
September 13, 2013Miguel Gallardo Albajar from Spain couldn't complete his PhD in biology because he didn't get the funds. He moved to Brussels where became an activist for young people with the European Students' Forum (AEGEE). Greek agricultural economics graduate Nadia Kalogeropoulou believes that the only way for her country to overcome the eurozone crisis is to stay and help rebuild it. Despite their different approaches, they both agree that the EU isn't doing enough for young people.
Young Europeans are experiencing the crisis from different perspectives, which are shaped by their choices and the media set-ups in their countries - the EU has 28 countries and more than 20 official languages. They all cover the crisis differently, as DW's Bernd Riegert says.
In countries like Portugal, Spain and Greece, protesters have directed some of their anger at German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has pushed for austerity measures. But not all German politicians support austerity measures. In the national elections, Angela Merkel's biggest opponent is SPD's Peer Steinbrück said the crisis countries need more support to rebuild their economies.
Austerity measures have made it hard for young people to find work. Albajar had to leave Spain for Belgium where he now advocates young people's rights with the European Students' Forum (AEGEE). Nadia Kalogeropoulou chose to stay in Greece because she believes that is the only way that her country's economy can be rebuilt. But she has had to pay a heavy price. She has become part of a the barter economy - she survives by taking food that she earns from a part-time job in a grocery store and exchanges it for goods and services.
To see how young Europeans are dealing with the crisis, you can visit Plan B - DW's multimedia special on youth unemployment in Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain.