Annual Report 2008 - European Youth Parliament

The European Youth Parliament
21 years of existence
Since November 2004 a programme of the Heinz-Schwarzkopf-Foundation
The European Youth Parliament: Founded in France in 1987
The National Committees of the European Youth Parliament exist since 1987. Since that day the project
provides an unique educational experience to pupils and their teachers in Europe. The EYP focuses on
young people who are keen on being part of the future Europe by shaping their society.
A programme of the Heinz-Schwarzkopf-Foundation
In 2004, the National Committees mandated the Heinz-Schwarzkopf-Foundation with the international
management of the European Youth Parliament. Since then the international office of the EYP is located
in Berlin and coordinated by the Executive Director.
Structure of the European Youth Parliament
European networking
At the heart of the EYP structure: the National Committees
Coordination: The Executive Director and the elected Governing Body
The European Youth Parliament: a network of 32 national youth NGOs
Today the European Youth Parliament gathers more than 1000 volunteers and reaches more than 20,000
pupils, hence forms one of the largest platforms of political debate, intercultural encounters, political
education and the exchange of ideas within the whole of Europe. The participating countries range from
Portugal to Russia and from Ireland to Cyprus. In 2008, the countries Albania, Hungary and Georgia
joined the network. The EYP is a non-political, non-governmental organisation.
The National Committees: the heart of the European Youth Parliament
The European Youth Parliament is formed by a network of 32 European associations, so called National
Committees of the European Youth Parliament. They are independently established NGOs in their respective
countries (see www.eypej.org). Besides alumni they often also involve teachers in their work to
ensure a close and good cooperation with national schools. Within the Board of National Committees they
exchange good practises, share knowledge and organise joint regional events.
The Executive Director of the European Youth Parliament and the Governing Body
Besides an Executive Director, appointed by the Heinz-Schwarzkopf-Foundation, who coordinates and
supports the European Youth Parliament, a Governing Body has been elected by the National Committees.
The Governing body sets general rules and overall aims in cooperation with the National Committees. It
acts as an international steering committee.
European Youth Parliament - Annual Report 2008 - Website: www.eypej.org
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