» In English: About European Candidate Jan
Blog-Artikel on “Th!nkAboutIt” by franziskabroich from Apr 9th, 2009
Jan Philipp is 26 years old and finishes his postgraduate IT Master in Oslo and Hannover at the moment. Before he studied law in Berlin, Brussels and Bremen. Since 1999 he is involved in politics and supports the ideas of the “Greens” in Germany and Europe. On 7th June he candidates for the European Parliament for the Greens. Albrecht feels as German, French and European at the same time, because he has German and French citizenship. Furthermore, he is closely connected with his home region on Niedersachsen (Germany), where he grew up.
Fast Tube by Casper
Video: Ska Keller & me in a self-interview in the European Parliament
His incentive to candidate for the European Parliament in June, is that especially topics that are important for the young generation, are discussed and decided on a European level. If he get voted he will be committed with a sustainable foreign policy, modern women policy, human migration policy, consequent climate protection without the use of coal and atom as well as a transparent democracy in Europe and firm basic rights.
Albrecht connects Europe with the Fall of the wall, because he grew up close to it and noticed at this event for the first time that decisions can only be done together in a united Europe. Albrecht says: “Europe means for me the way to worldwide peace and justice”.
As a candidate for the Green party, he wants to reach in peculiar young people, since they should have a greater voice in European Parliament in his opinion. According to Albrecht most of the national parties send their long-serving politicians to the European Parliament. The slogan is “Opa nach Europa” (“Grandpas to Europe”). Albrecht claims that the Green party want to make a sign. They have three candidates who have not reached the age of 30.
“Europe is important for the young people, because issues like climate change, democracy and virtual interaction are topics that directly affect the youth” states Albrecht. Moreover, Europe gives young people several possibilities regarding studying, learning languages and getting to know other cultures.
In the future Albrecht wishes that a bigger European public sphere evolves. Decisions taken in European Parliament should be more discussed by the media, so that the citizens become more involved and the Parliament reflects their interests. Additionally, Europe has to face the challenges of our time and act more ecological as well as sustainable.
Finally, I asked who he could imagine as goalkeeper for a European soccer team. His suggestion is the polish Artur Boruc of Celtic Glasgow, because he is one of the best. Furthermore, the fans of the Celtic Glasgow are close friends with the fans of my favourite soccer club FC St. Pauli.
