YEAs at CEPS Ideas Lab: Where young voices shape Europe’s future

In early March, Brussels became a meeting point for ten Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) from the Western Balkans and the Eastern Neighbourhood, who came together for the CEPS Ideas Lab 2026, to reflect and accelerate thought leadership on the future of EU enlargement. Through open discussions, YEAs shared perspectives shaped by their everyday realities, offering insights that went beyond policy frameworks to capture the lived experiences of a generation growing up alongside the integration process.

A key highlight of the forum was the session titled “The future of Europe in the making: Young European Ambassadors on EU enlargement,” held during the final afternoon of the two-day event. As the only session open to all participants at that time, it created space for meaningful exchange between YEAs and a wider audience. Moderated by Tinatin Akhvlediani, the panel explored what European integration truly means for citizens, while also addressing the political and social challenges that continue to influence the journey toward EU membership.

In addition to the panel, YEAs also connected with participants through an info-stand, where they introduced the YEA initiative and discussed the EU’s cooperation with neighboring regions. These conversations added a personal dimension to the forum, leaving participants with a clearer sense of the role young people play in shaping Europe’s path forward.