European Youth Event Engages Thousands in Democratic Dialogue
EYE2025 gathers 9,000 young participants in Strasbourg to discuss the future of the EU.
The European Youth Event (EYE2025) took place on June 13 and 14, gathering approximately 9,000 young individuals, aged 16 to 30, in Strasbourg to engage in various democratic activities.
The event featured 450 in-person activities, including panels, interactive workshops, quizzes, tours, networking opportunities, and artistic performances.
An additional estimated 1,000 attendees followed sessions via a webstream from the hemicycle of the European Parliament.
The program was collaboratively designed with contributions from other EU institutions, international organizations, civil society, and youth organizations, alongside direct input from the participants themselves.
Some activities occurred in the outdoor EYE Village, which was coordinated by the European Youth Forum.
Around 40 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) participated in the event, aiming to enhance their understanding of the European Union and the roles of decision-makers within it.
The event's opening remarks were delivered by European Parliament Vice-President Sabine Verheyen, representing the European People’s Party, while the closing ceremony featured Vice-President Pina Picierno from the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats.
During the closing ceremony, Vice-President Picierno emphasized the importance of engaging youth in shaping EU policy, stating, "The European Parliament deeply believes in the incredible strength, creativity, and passion that young people bring to our society...
When we listen to young voices, we do not just hear ideas - we feel energy, we see innovation."
Vice-President Verheyen added the necessity of ensuring that youth perspectives are integrated into EU policy-making.
She noted that the EYE team has been exploring the implementation of a 'Youth Check' in European Parliament committees.
This initiative would involve selecting youth representatives to attend parliamentary committee meetings and provide input on legislative matters.
In related news regarding leadership dynamics, Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, announced her decision not to pursue leadership in Malta's Nationalist Party.
This announcement follows the resignation of Bernard Grech, the party's former leader.
Metsola, who is currently serving a second term as EP President, stated that her responsibilities in Brussels prevent her from engaging in further political ambitions at this time.
She expressed her commitment to support the party's future leadership while fulfilling her duties in the European Parliament.
In another development, the European Left Alliance (ELA) convened its inaugural congress in Porto on June 13-14, aiming to unify against the rising influence of far-right politics in Europe.
The coalition, consisting of seven member parties, emerged following the 2024 European Parliament elections, where far-right parties made significant gains.
The alliance intends to focus on social issues and wealth distribution, launching a European Citizens' Initiative campaign on June 15 addressing the situation in Gaza, which requires one million signatures to be discussed by the European Commission.
The event featured 450 in-person activities, including panels, interactive workshops, quizzes, tours, networking opportunities, and artistic performances.
An additional estimated 1,000 attendees followed sessions via a webstream from the hemicycle of the European Parliament.
The program was collaboratively designed with contributions from other EU institutions, international organizations, civil society, and youth organizations, alongside direct input from the participants themselves.
Some activities occurred in the outdoor EYE Village, which was coordinated by the European Youth Forum.
Around 40 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) participated in the event, aiming to enhance their understanding of the European Union and the roles of decision-makers within it.
The event's opening remarks were delivered by European Parliament Vice-President Sabine Verheyen, representing the European People’s Party, while the closing ceremony featured Vice-President Pina Picierno from the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats.
During the closing ceremony, Vice-President Picierno emphasized the importance of engaging youth in shaping EU policy, stating, "The European Parliament deeply believes in the incredible strength, creativity, and passion that young people bring to our society...
When we listen to young voices, we do not just hear ideas - we feel energy, we see innovation."
Vice-President Verheyen added the necessity of ensuring that youth perspectives are integrated into EU policy-making.
She noted that the EYE team has been exploring the implementation of a 'Youth Check' in European Parliament committees.
This initiative would involve selecting youth representatives to attend parliamentary committee meetings and provide input on legislative matters.
In related news regarding leadership dynamics, Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, announced her decision not to pursue leadership in Malta's Nationalist Party.
This announcement follows the resignation of Bernard Grech, the party's former leader.
Metsola, who is currently serving a second term as EP President, stated that her responsibilities in Brussels prevent her from engaging in further political ambitions at this time.
She expressed her commitment to support the party's future leadership while fulfilling her duties in the European Parliament.
In another development, the European Left Alliance (ELA) convened its inaugural congress in Porto on June 13-14, aiming to unify against the rising influence of far-right politics in Europe.
The coalition, consisting of seven member parties, emerged following the 2024 European Parliament elections, where far-right parties made significant gains.
The alliance intends to focus on social issues and wealth distribution, launching a European Citizens' Initiative campaign on June 15 addressing the situation in Gaza, which requires one million signatures to be discussed by the European Commission.
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