The European Youth Week, held in Brussels from April 12th to 19th, 2024, served as a dynamic platform for young minds across Europe to converge, exchange ideas, and catalyze action towards a unified and empowered Europe. This event, organized by the European Commission under the slogan “Voice your vision,” provided an inspiring environment for youth engagement, participation, and innovation. As Young European Ambassadors (YEAs), we were privileged to attend various sessions and workshops, gaining valuable insights and experiences.

Opening session

The European Youth Week commenced with an impactful opening session featuring Iliana Ivanov’s compelling vision of a unified Europe driven by the vigor of its youth. Her address emphasized the pivotal role of young people in shaping the future of Europe, resonating deeply with attendees and setting a powerful tone for the week ahead.

EU Youth dialogue with Karl Gardelin

A highlight of the event was the EU Youth Dialogue session led by Karl Gardelin. This session facilitated discussions on various project proposals, offering insight into potential avenues for youth-led initiatives to address pressing challenges facing Europe. The exchange of ideas fostered a sense of collective responsibility and empowerment among participants.

Engagement with youth entrepreneurs and activists

Exploring the stands, we engaged with young entrepreneurs and activists from diverse regions. These interactions provided valuable networking opportunities and offered a glimpse into the innovative solutions and grassroots movements driving positive change across Europe.

Panel discussion on enlargement

Participating in a panel discussion on EU enlargement, we gained insights into the complexities and opportunities associated with the expansion of the European Union. The discourse underscored the importance of inclusive policymaking and cross-border cooperation in shaping the future of Europe’s integration process.

Level Up workshop on public speaking

The Level Up workshop on public speaking, facilitated by Pavel Linzer, equipped participants with essential skills and techniques to effectively communicate ideas and inspire action. This practical and enriching experience bolstered our confidence and communication prowess.

Welcome and opening plenary session

The opening plenary session, moderated by Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen, included a panel discussion on youth participation, engagement, and empowerment in the context of the European elections. Esteemed speakers such as Marcos Ros Sempere, Benjamin Dalle, Tanya Hristova, Katrina Leitäne, María Rodríquez Alcázar, and Anna Fratsyvir shared their insights, followed by an artistic performance and the closing of the plenary session.

Use your bote: European Elections 2024

Organized by the European Parliament Youth Outreach Unit, this session discussed the significance of the European elections for Europe and strategies to engage young citizens to vote. It emphasized the role of individuals in promoting electoral participation.

YEA Stand

At the YEA stand, we promoted the network and engaged with visitors alongside YEA EAST Sabin Rufa and a representative of the College of Europe, discussing our initiatives and fostering connections.

The Enlargement of the EU: What does It mean for youth?

In this session, Mathieu Bouquet, Director of DG NEAR Directorate A, engaged with WB YEAs, YEAs East, and other young attendees to discuss the opportunities EU membership presents for youth. We shared our views on the importance of the enlargement process and participated in the presentation of “Bridging the Gap” and policy recommendations.

Conclusion

The European Youth Week in Brussels was not just a gathering of young individuals; it was a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and meaningful dialogue. From inspirational speeches to hands-on workshops, the event highlighted the potential of youth to drive positive change and shape the future of Europe. Reflecting on our experience, we are energized and motivated to continue advocating for a more inclusive, resilient, and united Europe. The event was a great networking opportunity, offering numerous info sessions and workshops on various topics, reinforcing the significance of youth engagement in Europe’s future.