Annual Report 2009 - European Youth Parliament

European Youth Parliament 

Annual Report 2009

The European Youth Parliament and its entire actions 

are under the permanent patronage 

2 European Youth Parliament - Annual Report 2009 - www.eypej.org 

of 

Jerzy Buzek 

President of the European Parliament 

and 

Thorbjørn Jagland 

Secretary General of the Council of Europe

Contents 

Greeting from the Chairman of the Schwarzkopf-Foundation............................................5 

Aims of the European Youth Parliament, Facts & Figures..................................................7 

Voices on the European Youth Parliament........................................................................10 

History and Structure........................................................................................................12 

International Sessions of the European Youth Parliament................................................14 

The 60 th International Session in Stockholm, Sweden............................................16 

The 61 st International Session in Leuven, Belgium.................................................18 

The 62 nd International Session in Helsinki, Finland................................................20 

The fourth Think Tank of the European Youth Parliament...............................................23 

The National Committees of the European Youth Parliament...........................................25 

Institutional Partnerships and Patrons..............................................................................58 

Partners.............................................................................................................................60

4 European Youth Parliament - Annual Report 2009 - www.eypej.org

Greeting from the Chairman of the Schwarzkopf-Foundation 

Dear Friends of the European Youth Parliament, 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

2009 was a successful year for the European Youth Parliament. At more than 100 events 

we engaged almost 20,000 young people in dialogue, discussion and debate. 

Once again the EYP network grew. With the arrival of Lithuania we welcomed the 33rd 

National Committee to the EYP. Reaching across Europe, the European Youth Parliament 

enabled young people to develop their ideas and visions for the future of Europe in a nonpartisan 

forum. 

The EYP brought together over 250 young people from all over Europe at each of the International 

Sessions held in Stockholm (Sweden), Leuven/Brussels (Belgium) and Helsinki 

(Finland). The students drafted resolutions on current European political topics and debated 

them in a parliamentary assembly. The students had to formulate their opinions on 

complex issues, negotiate and find compromises in an international setting using English 

or French – languages which are foreign to the vast majority of the participants. We are 

convinced that the experiences gained through intercultural cooperation and dialogue on 

current European topics at an EYP session are unique and invaluable for the young participants. 

The ideas and proposals of the European Youth Parliament are recognised by political 

decision makers. The newly elected President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, 

and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, assumed the patronage 

of all activities of the EYP. We are also proud to announce that in 2009 the Commissioners 

Wallström, Orban and Kovács visited International Sessions. Also, Ralf-René 

Weingärtner of the Council of Europe engaged in discussions with the young parliamentarians. 

Finally, we were honoured to welcome HRH C.P. Victoria of Sweden to the EYP 

International Session in Stockholm, Sweden. 

I am very pleased by the fact that we have engaged young Europeans actively in debating 

the most pressing political issues of today. We have helped them to understand Europe’s 

diversity and to appreciate it as part of our common cultural and political heritage. 

Moreover, we engaged them in the debate on urgent topics such as the financial and 

economic crisis and combating climate change. 

Europe needs active citizens such as the young delegates at the European Youth Parliament 

who are committed to making a difference in the future whilst remaining conscious 

of the past. 

Without hundreds of young volunteers working for the European Youth Parliament none 

of the above results could have been achieved. The EYP is a project entirely driven and 

run by young people. We will continue our efforts in bringing the European dream to the 

hearts and minds of young Europeans. We thank all partners who have supported and 

encouraged our work in the past year. 

André Schmitz-Schwarzkopf 

Chairman of the Schwarzkopf-Foundation


Aims of the European Youth Parliament 

Facts & Figures 

7 European Youth Youth Parliament - Annual - Annual Report Report 2009 2008 - www.eypej.org - Website: www.eypej.org

Aims of the European Youth Parliament 

Raising awareness of European issues 

Promoting active European citizenship 

Fostering intercultural dialogue 

Contributing to personal development 

The European Youth Parliament (EYP) is a non-partisan, independent educational programme for young people 

between 16 and 20 years of age from across Europe. The work of the EYP is based on the initiative of voluntarily 

active young people. The EYP has the following aims: 

Opportunities to explore and reflect upon political 

topics with a European dimension 

Active European citizenship 

Diversity of cultures in Europe and intercultural 

dialogue 

Development of skills and competences for 

academia and working life 

The European Youth Parliament is a platform for non-formal education which provides participants with an exceptional 

extra-curricular opportunity. All EYP events are organised by former participants on a voluntary basis. 

Hence, the European Youth Parliament is a project run for young people by young people in close cooperation 

and partnership with European schools. 


One of the overall aims of the European Youth Parliament 

is to raise awareness of European issues and motivate young 

people to become active citizens engaged in European politics. 

The European Youth Parliament further enables students to 

experience directly the different perspectives of young people 

in Europe and allows them to explore the European and global 

dimension of several contemporary political issues. 

The European Youth Parliament involves young people in a 

democratic decision making process with all its challenges and 

rewarding experiences. Young people acquire knowledge on a 

topic, clarify their own opinions, discuss with their peers and 

finally debate and reach an agreement. This process contributes 

to the development of an active democratic citizenship. 

The European Youth Parliament promotes international understanding 

and the diversity of ideas and cultural expression. 

The participants experience true cultural dialogue and learn to 

appreciate diversity rather than being afraid of it. 

Through their participation in the activities of the European 

Youth Parliament, the young participants develop competencies 

and skills which can be later applied in other contexts. 

This applies to language skills, the ability to work in an 

international team, negotiation skills as well as social and civic 

competencies.

Facts and Figures 

More than 100 events take place every year 

In 2009 105 events took place in Europe organised by the EYP. The largest three of those were the International 

Sessions in Stockholm, Leuven/Brussels and Helsinki each involving more than 250 young people. At additional 

regional and national sessions young people came together to debate current European political issues. 

The topics debated and discussed at the EYP’s events are often suggestions from Members of the European 

Parliament, the European Commission or the Council of Europe. Moreover, the participants themselves decide 

their agenda. The resolutions from each session are presented to political decision-makers. In total, the events and 

additional activities, such as training sessions and the EYP Think Tank involved close to 20,000 young people. 

3 International 

Sessions 

37 Regional 

Sessions 

58 National 

Sessions 

A network spanning 33 countries 

The EYP is now active in 33 European countries. It is a unique platform for young people with diverse 

backgrounds to engage in an active dialogue on the future of Europe. The EYP hereby engages young people 

from both ‘new’ and ‘old’ EU member states, candidate countries as well as neighbouring states in the debate on 

issues that concern them all. In 2009 Lithuania joined the EYP as a new National Committee. 

Run by young people 

Every National Committee is represented by a delegation that has been competitively selected. 

The events last 10 days and bring together more than 250 young people. The International 

Sessions are the ‘flagship projects’ of the EYP. 

Selected National Committees (usually 10 - 15) sends delegations that are selected in a less 

competitive fashion. The events have between 40 and 150 participants and last 3 to 8 days. 

National Sessions are carried out to select participants for the International Sessions. Hence, 

a jury is often present. The events last 1 to 4 days and are mostly made up of participants 

from the host country. However, chairpersons often come from all over Europe and sometimes 

visiting delegations are invited. 

7 Other events Apart from sessions, the EYP organises training sessions and other workshops as well as 

events for alumni, such as the EYP Think Tank (see page 23). 

All EYP events are organised and run by young volunteers – mostly former participants of the EYP sessions. 

Hence, the EYP is an extraordinary place for young people to take the initiative and to practise European citizenship. 

European Youth Parliament - Annual Report 2009 - www.eypej.org 

9

10 European Youth Youth Parliament - Annual - Annual Report Report 2009 2008 - www.eypej.org - Website: www.eypej.org 

Voices on the European 

Youth Parliament

Voices on the European Youth Parliament 

In addition to the structured evaluations of our work (see pages on the International Sessions), we also listen to 

the voices of participants, active alumni and teachers at the EYP. You can find a selection of comments on this 

page. Read what they have to say on their involvement in the EYP: 

Justin Krahé, Delegate at the International Session in Helsinki 

The 62nd International Session of the European Youth Parliament in Helsinki 

was an extremely interesting experience for me. In my committee alone, I worked 

with delegates from 15 other countries, while close to 30 countries were represented 

at the session as a whole. It was exciting and challenging to find a consensus 

coming from these completely different backgrounds, for our topic, which dealt 

with the digital divide and internet access, everyone had different stories to tell 

from their country. For example, I learned that in Cyprus almost every village has 

some form of internet café while in Poland you might have greater difficulties 

finding one. 

The organisation of the session was excellent, and the two extremely well chosen 

venues, one in the picturesque Finnish woods and the other in the throbbing metropolis 

of Helsinki contributed to the session as a whole and offered the delegates 

plenty of opportunities to get to know each other outside their committees. 

Ance Kaleja, President of the International Session in Leuven/Brussels 

Under a very symbolic session theme – „Democracy – a work in progress” the 

61st International Session of the European Youth Parliament took place in Belgium 

– the heart of Europe. Here the youth of Europe had the chance to experience, 

practice and debate democracy and its progress. 

The participants engaged with global issues by discussing, for instance, the scope 

of human rights or the access to education and employment in times of economic 

crisis in order to defend their findings in the European Parliament itself. 

I hope the session served as inspiration for the participants, underlining the importance 

of their involvement, and encouraged them to trust and believe that young 

people can make a difference. It is not just empty words to say that the youth are 

the future of Europe and the creativity of their findings, the sleepless nights and 

heated debates in the European Parliament without doubt proved that Europe is 

in safe hands. 

Katia Solomides, Teacher at the International Session in Stockholm 

The International Session in Stockholm last year was an extraordinarily pleasant 

and unforgettable experience for both me and my students. We teachers were 

given the chance to meet most interesting colleagues from all over Europe and 

discuss our professional and life experiences as if we had known each other for 

years. It was an amazing experience of unity in diversity in a variety of contexts 

from attending lectures and workshops to a friendly dancing evening at colleague’s 

home in Stockholm. 

Our pupils were offered a unique opportunity to meet peers from the best schools 

in Europe and exchange ideas on current matters of European politics that 

concern them. All of us, pupils and teachers, went away with a firm belief in the 

mission and noble objectives of EYP. 


11

History and Structure of the 

European Youth Parliament

The European Youth Parliament 

22 successful years 

A programme of the Schwarzkopf-Foundation Young Europe since November 2004 

The European Youth Parliament: founded in France in 1987 

The National Committees of the European Youth Parliament were founded in 1987. Since then the project has 

provided 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 of Europe by shaping their society. 

A programme of the Schwarzkopf-Foundation 

In 2004, the National Committees gave the Schwarzkopf-Foundation the mandate for the international management 

of the European Youth Parliament. Since then the international office of the EYP has been located in 

Berlin and coordinated by the Executive Director. The EYP has developed into the the Schwarzkopf Foundation’s 

largest programme. The foundation has the aim to encourage young people to engage in the process of 

European integration. Apart from the EYP, the foundation also carries out discussion events, seminars and conferences 

mostly in Berlin, Germany (see www.schwarzkopf-stiftung.de). 

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 33 national youth NGOs 

Today the European Youth Parliament has more than 1000 volunteers and reaches more than 20,000 pupils and 

hence forms one of the largest platforms for political debate, intercultural encounters, political education and 

the exchange of ideas within the whole of Europe. Participating countries range from Portugal to Russia and 

from Ireland to Cyprus. In 2009 Lithuania joined the network as a new member. The EYP is a non-partisan, 

non-governmental organisation. 

The National Committees: the heart of the European Youth Parliament 

The European Youth Parliament is formed by a network of 33 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 close 

cooperation with national schools. Within the Board of National Committees they exchange good practice, 

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 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 to steer the EYP 

into the future. 


13

International Sessions 

of the European Youth Parliament

International Sessions of the European Youth Parliament 

Concept of an International Session 

April 2009: 60 th International Session in Stockholm, Sweden 

July 2009: 61 st International Session in Leuven, Belgium 

October/November 2009: 62 nd International Session in Helsinki, Finland 

What is an International Session? 

Three times a year, the European Youth Parliament invites 250 youngsters from the 33 member committees of 

the EYP to different European cities for 10 days where a simulation of the European Parliament is held - the 

International Session. The participants have gone through national competitions which qualify them to take part 

in the event. The International Sessions are organised by a team of volunteers in the host country which often 

spends more than a year preparing the event. 

Programme: Teambuilding, Committee Work and General Assembly 

The programme of each International Session is unique but there are some substantial common elements. Upon 

arrival, the participants, all aged between 16 and 20, are split into 15 international committees and spend two 

days of teambuilding in order to create a real team. The different indoor and outdoor activities allow them to 

create the spirit and atmosphere for fair and objective political discussion in the upcoming days. The Teambuilding 

is followed by Committee Work. Here the young delegates discuss current European issues within the 

committees. In the course of their work, they also interview experts on the topics who can be political decision-makers, 

policy experts or scientists. The product of their intensive work is a motion for a resolution. Finally, 

the resolutions are debated in the General Assembly in English and French, following parliamentary procedure. 

The Cultural Programme 

The International Session is accompanied by a very rich cultural programme which includes the presentation 

of specialities from the participating countries and a “Euroconcert”. Hence, the International Sessions seek to 

provide a space for the expression of creativity and culture. The participants are able to experience what they 

have in common and what unites them despite differences. They learn to appreciate, rather than be apprehensive 

of diversity. 

The International Sessions in 2009 

The three International Sessions that took place in 2009 are described in detail on the following pages. The 

first was held in Stockholm, Sweden in April. The summer session took place in Leuven, Belgium in July. The 

autumn session was hosted by the European Youth Parliament in Helsinki, Finland in October. 


15

The 60 th International Session of the EYP 

Stockholm, Sweden 

17 th - 26 th April 2009 

Participants 

273 young people from 32 different European countries came to Stockholm for the 60th International Session of 

the EYP. 

Session Focus and Guests 

Under the motto “Tomorrow’s World, Today’s Challenge” the young delegates were encouraged to especially focus 

on how to ensure Europe’s sustainable development and how to face the most pressing environmental challenges, 

such as climate change. The 60th International Session took place under the high patronage of H.R.H 

Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden, who attended the opening ceremony of the event. 

Documents 

The resolutions passed by the young delegates, the full official report of the event as well as media coverage can 

be found online, please visit: www.eypej.org > Activities > What makes a session > List of previous international 

sessions > Stockholm 2009. 

Partners 

We thank our partners who made this event possible: 

Public Institutions: European Commission, Council of Europe, the City of Stockholm and the Swedish Environmental 

Protection Agency. 

Companies: Deutsche Telekom, Fortum Power&Heat, Investor AB, Procter&Gamble, SKF, Klövern AB, Kistamässan, 

Carl Bennet AB, Danica Pension, Hertz, Halvarsson&Halvarsson and Sunfleet Carsharing. 

Foundations: Prins Carl Gustaf Foundation. 

Local Cooperation partners: City of Lidingö, Stockholm County Council, Hersby Gymnasium, Hotel Nortull, 

Stockholm Business Region, Finap, Sodastream, Billebro, Fazer, Veolia Transport and Arla. 

Quotes 

“A great event that gave me the motivation for my whole future life.” Delegate, 20, Belarus 

“Educating work joint with intercultural fun.” Delegate, 17, Estonia 

“It is a perfect mix of intercultural dialogue, political activity and establishment of long lasting friendships.” 

Delegate, 19, Finland 


Implementation and Evaluation - Selected Results 

Raising the students’ awareness of European issues, especially for the future of Europe 

69% of participants reported that the session had helped them to become aware of the active role they can play 

in European society and 9% that it hadn’t. 82% felt they gained a better understanding of current political developments 

in Europe while 8% didn’t. 

Promoting European understanding and intercultural dialogue 

86% of participants felt the session made them aware of the diversity of cultures, thoughts, opinions and orientations 

in Europe while 4% didn’t. 94% reported having gained a better knowledge and understanding of different 

cultures while 1% didn’t. 

Promoting active democratic citizenship 

77% of participants were more willing to become active citizens while 8% weren’t. 93 % would go on to share 

the experiences gained in Stockholm with those in their home towns, while 1% said they wouldn’t. 


17

The 61 st International Session of the EYP 

Leuven, Belgium 

17 th - 26 th July 2009 

Participants 

273 young people from 31 European countries met in Leuven for the 61st International Session. 


Under the motto “Democracy - a work in progress” the young delegates were encouraged to especially focus on 

the state of democracy in Europe and the current challanges. The 61st International Session aimed to encourage 

young Europeans to actively participate in shaping Europe’s future. It also aimed at stimulating the young 

people’s interest in European politics and providing a setting in which Europe’s diversity becomes tangible and 

thus motivating young Europeans to stand up against all kinds of discrimination. The 61st International Session 

took place under the high patronage of Mr. Lodewijk De Witte, Governor of the province of Vlaams-Brabant, 

Mr. Bernard Caprasse, Governor of the province of Luxemburg and Mr. Louis Tobback, Mayor of Leuven. 

Documents 



sessions > Leuven 2009. 

Partners 

Public Institutions: European Commission, European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe, German 

Federal Foreign Office, the City of Leuven, the Province of Luxemburg and the Province of Vlaams-Brabant. 

Companies: Alba Group, Duales System Deutschland and PizerCommunications, Ariel Trust, The Co-Operative 

Group Northern Region, Culture Northwest, Liverpool Hope University and The Liner Hotel. 

Foundations: Hertie-Stiftung, Dräger-Stiftung. 

Local Cooperation partners: InBev and Ortel Mobile 

Quotes 

“The best chance for young people to feel part of Europe and to discover what they might be able to do! “ 

Delegate, 16, Greece 

“A fantastic experience that entirely changed my view on Europe.” Delegate, 17, Ukraine 



Raising the students’ awareness of European issues, especially for the future of Europe 


in European society and 15% that it hadn’t. 88% felt they gained a better understanding of current political 

developments in Europe while 6% didn’t. 


83% of respondents agreed that intercultural dialogue, European cooperation and equal opportunities for all had 

been promoted during this session, while 3% disagreed. For 91% of participants, this session helped to improve 

knowledge and understanding of different cultures. No respondents disagreed. 


77% of participants were more willing to become active citizens while 9% weren’t. 94% would go on to share 

the experiences gained in Leuven with those in their home towns, while 1% said they wouldn’t. 


19

The 62 nd International Session of the EYP 

Helsinki, Finland 

23 rd October - 1 st November 2009 

Participants 

The Session gathered more than 273 young people from 29 European countries. 


Under the motto “Creative Europe – Dynamic Europe” the young delegates were encouraged to discuss how to 

build a Europe that is dynamic and reform-capable especially fields such as economic policy and human rights, 

foreign and environmental policy. The Session took place under the high patronage of Mr. Sauli Niinistö, Speaker 

of the Finnish Parliament, Mr. Alexander Stubb, Foreign Minister of Finland, and Mr. Stefan Wallin, Minister 

of the Culture, Sport and Youth. 

Documents 



sessions > Helsinki 2009. 

Partners 

Public Institutions: European Commission, the Ministry of Education in Finland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

in Finland, City of Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra 

Companies: Nokia, Metso Corporation, Teollisuuden voima (TVO), Confederation of Finnish Industries EK, 

Federation of Finnish Technology Industries, Deutsche Telekom AG, Daimler AG, Alba Group and Duales System. 

Foundations: Hertie-Foundation, Dräger-Foundation and Mercator-Foundation. 

Quotes 

„It was the most entertaining and informative session of my life.” Delegate, 17, Norway 

„A shining example for future Europe - united in diversity.” Delegate, 19, Germany 

„A chance to meet fantastic people and realise I can make a difference in the world.” Delegate, 18, Ireland 

„You realize how your opinions may differ more to others from your own country than to others from another 

country - we (European Youth) are more similar than I thought.” Delegate, 18, Germany 



Raising the students’ awareness for European issues, especially for the future of Europe 


in European society and 13% that it hadn’t. 82% felt they gained a better understanding of current political 

developments in Europe while 12% didn’t. 


88% of participants felt the session made them aware of the diversity of cultures, thoughts, opinions and orientations 

in Europe while 5% didn’t. 89% reported having gained a better knowledge and understanding of different 

cultures while 3% didn’t. 


77% of participants were more willing to become active citizens while 9% weren’t. 91% would go on to share 

the experiences gained in Helsinki with those in their home towns, while 4% said they wouldn’t. 


21

The fourth Think Tank 


The 4 th Think Tank of the 


Berlin, December 11 th – 13 th , 2009 

Once a year the Think Tank engages EYP alumni from all over Europe in the drafting of concrete policy proposals 

for European decision-makers. In its first year 2006, the Think Tank drafted its suggestions for the “Berlin 

Declaration” six months prior to the actual draft and presented it in a public event to President Barroso. In 2007 

the Think Tank developed recommendations for Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner who welcomed the EYP’s 

input on the future of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) in the MEDA region. In 2008 we addressed 

the future of the EU’s external trade policy for the then Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton. 

This year, the Think Tank worked on the following question for the Spanish EU Presidency and Prime Minister 

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero: “Learning from the past to build the future: What strategy should the European 

Union and its member states adopt to ensure ecologically and socially sustainable economic growth in the 21st 

Century?” 

The Participants 

The 4th Think Tank involved 22 EYP Alumni who had been selected by a jury composed of university professors 

and policy experts. All participants were aged between 22 and 31 and came from 12 different countries. 

The group was marked by an extraordinary diversity and included students, employees of national governments, 

private companies and NGOs. 

After the presentation and discussion with Daniel Martínez Egaña, Financial Counsellor, Embassy of the 

Kingdom of Spain in Berlin, the Think Tank developed a set of recommendations and policy papers for the 

Spanish EU Presidency. 

Results 

The outcomes of the intensive work on questions regarding the sustainable economic growth were presented 

on Sunday. These policy papers were given to the Spanish Prime Minister, Members of the European Parliament 

as well as other stakeholders in this topic area. The full policy papers can be obtained from www.eypej.org > 

Activities > Think Tank > Policy Papers. 


23


The National Committees 


Komiteti Kombëtar Shqiptar i Parlamentit 

Europian të të Rinjve 

The National Committee of the European 

Youth Parliament in Albania 

As a newly founded National Committee, EYP Albania has rapidly grown in less than two years 

in terms of membership, activities and image. Since summer 2008 EYP Albania has managed to 

organize two National Selection Conferences held in Tirana and its first International Forum - 

Adria Forum 2009 which was held in the city of Durrës. Our organization has gathered around 

itself approximately 100 talented and skillful members who have participated in the three above 

mentioned activities and it has managed to represent itself at the International Sessions in Rennes 

2008, Stockholm 2009, Leuven 2009 and Helsinki 2009 as well as at other small-sized sessions and 

forums around Europe. Major supporters and sponsors of EYP Albania are Wilson High School, 

Agna Group, Banka Popullore, UNICEF, SOROS Foundation, Ministry of Interior Affairs of the 

Republic of Albania, The Parliament of the Republic of Albania and Municipality of Durres. 

Activities in 2009 

2nd National Selection Conference 

The 2nd National Selection Conference of EYP Albania took place in Tirana between June 5 - 7. 

It was presided over by Mr. Jamie Brown, involved officials from Czech Republic, Ireland, Turkey, 

Austria and Greece, and hosted altogether around 100 participants. 

1st Adria Forum 

Adria Forum was the first International 

Forum ever organized by 

EYP Albania and involved around 

80 young people from 12 countries. 

The Chairman of the Parliament of 

the Republic of Albania, H.E. Mrs. 

Jozefina Topalli, was one of the guest 

speakers of the Session. The Forum 

took place from November 26 - 

December 2. 


Contact 

EYP Albania, 

Rr. S. Cico, P.4/1, AP.96 , 

Tirana, Albania 

Contact: Besard Hoxha and 

Ami Narazani 

Tel.: +355 42375520 

Email: 

offin.eypalbania@gmail.com, 

besard.hoxha@gmail.com, 

amy13tirana@hotmail.com 

Web: www.eypalbania.com

Europäisches Jugendparlament Österreich 


Youth Parliament in Austria 

EYP Austria is a national committee of EYP International, which means our primary task is to 

select and coach delegations to participate at International Sessions of the European Youth Parliament. 

Once a year EYP Austria holds a national selection conference in which ten schools take 

part, two of which are chosen to represent Austria at an International Session of the EYP. The national 

selection usually takes place in spring (normally in May) in an Austrian city, town or village 

and lasts three days. After the schools have been chosen EYP Austria briefs and prepares them for 

their participation at the upcoming session. Furthermore, as International Sessions are organised 

by EYP International in cooperation with the national committee of the country the session is to 

be held in, EYP Austria serves as a link between the participating schools and EYP International. 

EYP Austria also provides a link with other national committees and sends members to act as officials 

at National Sessions abroad. Through its contacts to other organisations EYP Austria has also 

participated in several non-EYP Events. 


10th National Selection Conference 

At this National Selection Conference, 

two schools were selected from eight 

teams to participate at the upcoming 

International Sessions of EYP. The Session 

took place in Krems from April 16 - 19 

and welcomed more then 100 participants. 

Forum09 

More than 80 young people from EU and 

non-EU countries took part in the forum 

held in Linz from March 17 - 22. 

Contact 

Masoumeh Moridian, c/o 

Universumstraße 38/11, 1200 

Wien, Austria 

Contact: Masoumeh Moridian 

Tel.: + 43 69917122717 

Email: 

m.moridian@eyponline.com 

Web: www.eyp.at 


27

EYP-EUROPOLIS, EUfrasie 


Youth Parliament in Belgium 

EYP-EUROPOLIS is a non-profit organisation that organises a European parliamentary simulation 

session three times a year in cooperation with the European Parliament Information Office in 

Brussels. The sessions, which take place at the European Parliament, are intended for young people 

in the last two years of secondary education. We offer young Europeans the unique opportunity 

to put themselves in the shoes of our top European politicians. Two of those sessions are called 

Europolis sessions, the other one is the EYP session. They both are set up in a similar way, however 

with their own different accents. The common basis exists in the resolution that the participants 

have to prepare during the months before the sessions take place. The Europolis sessions give the 

schools the opportunity to defend their ideas in the resolution in the European Parliament, in 

the presence of interpreters who provide us, just as in reality, with a simultaneous interpretation. 

The EYP-session is quite similar to the Europolis-session. However, in this case a jury selects two 

schools who may share their ideas with other young Europeans. In other words, we give them the 

opportunity to participate in an international session of EYP. 


61st International Session 

Between July 17 - 26, 273 young people from 31 

European countries met in Leuven for the 61 st 

International Session. Under the motto “Democracy 

- a work in progress”. 

Other Events in 2009 

EUROPOLIS I 

February 12 - 13 

Brussels, European Parliament 

EUROPOLIS II 

March 19 – 20 



4-6 March 2009 



Contact 

Vaderlandstraat 31, 9000 Gent, 

Belgium 

Contact: Lot Debruyne 

Tel.: + 32 497546300 

Email: 

lot.debruyne@eyp-europolis.be 

Web: 

www.eyp-europolis.be, 

www.europarl.be/view/nl/Ep_ 

teachers/Europolis_EYP.html

Нацыянальны Камітт Еўрапейскага Моладзевага 

Парламенту ў Беларусі 


Youth Parliament in Belarus 

The National Committee of the EYP in Belarus is the executive body running the national 

branch of the European Youth Parliament. The main task of the National Committee is to support 

the development of the EYP in what can be quite challenging conditions. The main fields of 

activity of the National Committee are international cooperation and partnership, marketing and 

PR, fundraising, running sessions to select delegations and regional development. The National 

Committee in Belarus is made up of young people from various cities across Belarus who were 

democratically elected by electronic poll and direct ballot voting. The National Committee is 

headed by a president who is considered an equal member with extra responsibilities. The vicepresident 

is responsible for the smooth running of the organisation in the case of the president’s 

resignation. The National Committe is also responsibile for the promotion of European values 

and principles of participative democracy in the challenging circumstances presented by Belarus. 

Being a non-registered organisation, the National Committee has to overcome additional barriers 

while managing the EYP in Belarus. The main focus is therefore placed on sustaining the organisation’s 

development. 


Mini National Session in Minsk 

From September 26 - 27 EYP Belarus organized 

a Mini National Session in Minsk 

with the support of the Naumann Foundation. 

Counting 50 participants, this Session 

introduced EYP activities to newcomers. 

Contact 

Contact: Mila Pestun 

Tel.: + 375 298290003 

Email: eypbelarus@gmail.com, 

mila.pestun@gmail.com 

Web: www.eypby.org 


29

Evropeiski Mladejki Parlament - Bulgaria 


Youth Parliament in Bulgaria 

In 2003 Bulgaria joined the family of countries represented in the European Youth Parliament. 

The first Bulgarian delegation participated at the 45th International Session of the EYP in Durham/Newcastle, 

UK. The Bulgarian Committee of the European Youth Parliament was officially 

registered as a non-profit organisation in Bulgaria in 2004. All those involved in the running of 

the Bulgarian National Committee do so voluntarily with the help of EYP alumni, teachers, and 

other interested people. Our aim is to give the new generation the chance to understand what 

EYP is about. One way we do this is by selecting delegations from distinguished and enthusiastic 

students to represent Bulgaria at the International Sessions of the EYP. 

Our priorities for 2009 were to plan reforms in our committee for better and more effective work, 

to include more people from the whole country in order to popularise the EYP as an international 

organisation for young leaders who wish to make a change. In the second half of 2010 we will 

start implementing our new plans and ideas. 


Selection Conference 

From 1 - 6 March 2009 EYP Bulgaria participated in the organisation of a Selection Conference. 

At this event, delegates were selected to take part in two international projects «Don’t let say Stop» 

and «Keep Tradition - Be Modern», organised by EYP Macedonia and EYP Bulgaria. There were 

around 30 participants present at this event which took place in Sofia, Bulgaria. 


Contact 

12A Vrabcha str., Sofia, 1000, 

Bulgaria 

Dimana Doynova 

00359878870778 

dimana.doynova@gmail.com

Europski parlament mladih Hrvatske 

European Youth Parliament Croatia 

The Croatian branch of the European Youth Parliament, a non-governmental and non-partisan 

organisation, was established in 1994. EYP Croatia is registered as a youth NGO and operates on 

a volunteer basis. Teaching young people to reason and support their opinions with concise and 

relevant arguments as part of a constructive debate is an extremely important aspect of our work. 

Openness to discussion and a preparedness to accept the opinions of others are core values we try 

to develop. The National Committee’s priority for 2009 was the expansion of the EYP on the 

local level which was achieved through the successful organisation of two Regional Sessions. The 

development goal for 2010 is to raise the number of sessions to three per year. In addition to a 

National and Regional Session, a small International Forum will also be hosted later in the year. 

This will form part of the cross-border cooperation project with a youth organisation in Montenegro, 

whose members participated at the second Regional Session held in Osijek in 2009. A 

core aim of this project, along side several smaller EYP sessions in Croatia and Montenegro, is to 

establish an EYP Initiative in Montenegro. EYP Croatia will host the International Session of the 

EYP in 2011. 


22nd National Selection Conference 

The National Session took place from October 22 - 25 in Zagreb and welcomed 120 participants 

including delegations from the previous two Regional Sessions and from other schools across 

Croatia. The Croatian delegation for the International Session in Tromso was selected. As part of 

a project in cooperation with the Ministry of Family Affairs, War Veterans and Intergenerational 

Solidarity, EYP Croatia included young people with physical disabilities and visual impairment 

amongst the delegates. The project was very successful and these delegates were able to participate 

equally in all activities during the session. The feedback from the delegates was very positive and 

some of the delegates with disabilities expressed the wish to participate in EYP sessions again. 

This was a great success and has confirmed the EYP’s capacity to promote social inclusion. 


1st Regional Session 

March 20 - 22 

Pula 

2nd Regional Session 

May 22 - 25 

Osijek 

Contact 

Donje Svetice 45 1000 Zagreb, 

Croatia 

Contact: Drazen Puklavec 

Tel.: + 385 12308134 

E-mail: info@eyp.hr 

Web: www.eyp.hr 


31

Ευρωπαικό Κοινοβούλιο Νέων Κύπρου 


Youth Parliament in Cyprus 

EYP Cyprus has moved into its third year as an official National Committee with NGO status. 

2009 was our most successful year to date. The National Committee has made it its goal to expand 

the EYP on the island. Our main priority is to reach as many people as possible. It is our intention, 

over the next one or two years, to create more publicity and a greater name for EYP Cyprus 

on the island while also decentralising the organsiation of events from the National Committee 

(that often has many members studying abroad) to groups of younger, committed EYPers all over 

Cyprus who can enjoy the guidance of the committee. We have already started this process, but 

we want to extend this further to improve the long-term sustainability of EYP Cyprus. At the 

moment, EYP Cyprus counts 30 active members. 


3rd National Session 

From September 3 - 6, more than 100 students from various schools in Cyprus gathered together 

in Limassol to experience an EYP Session for the first time. During the National Session 

the school delegations that went on to represent Cyprus at International Sessions were selected. 

CyBC, the national television broadcaster, filmed during the event and produced a television 

report - something we conider a great step towards our goal of generating more publicity for our 

relativley young organisation. Guest speakers came from the Education Ministry, the Limassol Municipality 

as well as Tasos Georgiou, Head of the EU Parliament House in Cyprus. 


Strategy Workshop - Brainstorming into the Future 

On the 28th of December, EYP Cyprus organized its first 

workshop to brainstorm, discuss and analyse the short and 

long term future of our organisation, involving 45 EYP 

Cyprus alumni and a number of teachers that have accompanied 

delegations to national sessions. 


National Officials Training 

From September 2 - 3, EYP Cyprus 

organized a training session for 

40 participants in Limassol. 

Contact 

EYP Cyprus - ΕΚN ΚΥΠΡΟΥ 

9A Miltiadous Street, 2333 

Lakatamia, Nicosia, Cyprus 

Contact: Nassos Stylianou 

Tel.: + 357 99743377 

Email: eypcyprus@yahoo.com 

Web: under construction (ready 

in 2010)

Evropský parlament mládeže v ČR 

European Youth Parliament in the Czech Republic 

The National Committee of the EYP in the Czech Republic is a non-profit, independent organisation 

that gives young people the opportunity to have their say on important national, European, 

and global issues. The organisation functions thanks to the voluntary commitment of around 35 

students and teachers and is independent of all political parties and movements. We believe that 

especially for the relatively young democracy of the Czech Republic it is of utmost importance to 

encourage the young people to think independently, listen to and respect others’ ideas and beliefs, 

work towards common goals, to work on personal initiative and take interest in current political 

and social affairs. The conferences (or “sessions”) we organise are more than just parliamentary 

simulations - besides the political debates, we foster enthusiastic cultural exchange among young 

people. 


National Selection Conference 

At the end of March, EYP CZ organized their 9th National Selection Conference which brought 

together 120 young participaints. The winners of this years NSC represented the Czech Republic 

at the EYP International Session in Helsinki and will do so in Tromso. 


6th Czech Forum 

November 26 - 29 

Hradec Králové 

1st European Forum 

May 04 - 10 

Jablonec nad Nisou 

Summer Workshop and Edit09 

August 28 - 30 

Prague 

«20 years from the fall of iron curtain - our journey 

from Comecon to EU» 

Prague 

«Be a MEP for a day» 

12 one-day events between March 23 and May 29 

Various Czech towns 

Contact 

Vídenská 352, Praha, 14000, 

Ceská Republika 

Contact: Anar Kucera 

Telephone: +420 604121909, 

+49 16099491418 

Email: kucera@eyp.cz 

Web: www.eyp.cz 


33

MTÜ Tegusad Eesti Noored 


Youth Parliament in Estonia 

Tegusad Eesti Noored (TEN) is a politically independent youth association created and managed 

by young people, whose main goal is to raise interest and awareness of societal affairs. TEN was 

created as an NGO in Tallinn in 2001 and its events take place all over Estonia. Our membership 

has grown to more than 250 people aged 14 – 25. We emphasise European values, tolerance, 

cooperation and constructive debate between different world views. We participate in the creation 

of a strong and functioning civil society which is the basis of the democratic, free and successful 

development of Estonia. To achieve our goals we organise diverse events, in which we aim to include 

as many young people as possible. We are founding members of the Estonian National Youth 

Council and cooperate actively with other youth organisations. TEN acts in many different fields: 

Regional Sessions which concentrate on different social issues on a regional level, own initiative 

projects, training sessions, simulations and EYP sessions. A special group, dealing exclusivley with 

EYP issues has been created and a special webpage concentrating on EYP issues in Estonia will be 

launched at the beginning of 2010. 


Tallinn Youth Parliament 2009 

The first bilingual Regional Session organised by TEN 

brought together around 100 Russian and Estonian speaking 

youngsters and gave them a platform to discuss. The session 

took place on March 13 - 15. 

21st Regional Session 

This regional session took place on April 3 - 5 in Võru and 

focused mainly on South-Estonian issues. 



Training for Journalists 

28.03.2009 

Tallinn 

Training for Chairs 


Tartu 

Linn Lilleliseks 2009 


Tallinn 

General Meeting 


Tallinn 

Summer Days 


Põlvamaa 

Salzburg Youth Parliament 


Salzburg 

Training for Organisers 


Hotel Salzburg 

2nd Russian Session 


Jõhvi 

Contact 

Rotermanni 8, 10111, Tallinn, 

Estonia 

Contact: Mari-Liis Orav 

Tel.: +372 5154388 

Email: mari-liis.orav@ten.ee 

Web: www.ten.ee

EYP Finland ry 


Youth Parliament in Finland 

EYP-Finland was officially established in 2001. Since then the organisation has rapidly developed 

to cover all the largest cities in Finland. We currently have 400 members in several Regional 

Committees. We organise three Regional Sessions every year from which participants are selected 

to go on to the annual National Session. These events give Finnish and European secondary 

school students the chance to take part in team-building excercises, constructive dialogue in 

committee work and lively debate in the General Assembly. In addition to these EYP sessions 

we organise various training sessions for our members. The educational aspect is important to us, 

which is why we have developed a Parliament Simulation Programme used by secondary schools 

as an official part of their curriculum. EYP Finland also coordinates various projects, including the 

cartoon and poster competitions for the European Commission. In 2009 our main priority was 

organising the highly successful 62nd International Session of the EYP: Helsinki 2009. 2010 will 

be a year of stabilisation. The range of activities we have been running has lead to a large increase 

in membership and we shall seek to consolidate this through strategic planning. 



62nd International Session Helsinki’09 

At this International Session more than 300 youngsters 

from all over Europe gathered from October 23 - November 

1 in Espoo and Helsinki. Helsinki 2009 exceeded all 

expectations and EYP Finland continues cooperation with 

some of the partners in 2010. 

Speakers and guests at the Session were, among others: 

Mr Sauli Niinistö, Speaker of the Finnish Parliament, Mr 

Alexander Stubb, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Stefan 

Wallin, Minister of Culture, Sport and Youth. Guest Speakers 

included Mr. Esko Aho, Executive Director of Nokia, 

Mr. Mikko Kosonen, the Director of Finnish Innovation 

Fund Sitra. 

National Session Naantali’09 

January 29 - February 02 

Naantali 

Editor Training 

April 12 - 14 

Helsinki 

Chairs’ Training 


Helsinki 

Tampere’09 

October 2 - 4 

Tampere 

Mikkeli’09 

October 9 - 11 

Mikkeli 

Espoo’09 


Espoo 

Contact 

Vuorimiehenkatu 23 BC 31, 

00140 Helsinki, Finland 

Contact: Robert Torvelainen 

Tel.: +358 40 847 8688 

Email: robert.torvelainen@ 

eypfinland.org 

Web: www.eypfinland.org 


35

Le Parlement Européen des Jeunes France 


Youth Parliament in France 

The European Youth Parliament has been present in France since the EYP’s conception in 1987. 

The current French Committee was officially registered as an association in 1994. Every year 

the French branch of the EYP organises two selection conferences, one European forum, many 

regional sessions, one survey of young people, training sessions for its members, series of debates, 

lectures, exhibitions and meetings. EYP France has been officially recognised by several ministries, 

namely by the Education and Youth Office, which gave us the specific status of a complement 

to education. In 2009 the main objective was to involve more vocational schools to diversify our 

membership and fight against elitism. Respecting the two official languages of the European Youth 

Parliament, all of our events are held both in French and in English. 


27th National Session 

This National session hosted 170 participants from all around France and even from overseas. A 

jury selected the delegation which will attend the next International session in Tromso. Guests at 

this Session were town and regional councellors, MEPs, a representative of AREVA and others. 

The Session took place between December 10 - 13 in Aix-en-Provence. 


Set of Regional and Local Sessions in 

Roche-sur-Yon, Vannes, Vitry-le-François, 

Le Puy-en-Velay, Aix-en-Provence, Lyon and 

Toulouse 

Chairs Academic Training 


Jambville 

Training Weekend 

March 13 - 15 

Paris 

Awareness Campain about the European 

Elections 

April 15 - June 7 

Countrywide 

Celebration of the European Day 

May 9 

Countrywide 

26th National Session 

March 16 - 19 

Paris 

8th International Summer Forum 

July 8 - 16 

Fontainebleau 

3rd Summer University 


Vienne 

Meeting up with a European 

October 10 - December 31 

Countrywide 


Contact 

48 rue de Richelieu, 75001 

Paris 

Contact: Lia Bonnemain 

Tel: +33(0)1 42 60 47 08 

Email: info@pejfrance.org 

Web: www.pejfrance.org

ევროპის ახალგაზრდული პარლამენტი 


Youth Parliament in Georgia 

EYP in Georgia started its activities as an initiative group in early 2007 and was officially recognised 

as a full member of the organisation at the EYP International Session in Prague, in April 

2008. All activities carried out by EYP Georgia have been covered by public and private TV and 

news agencies. EYP Georgia maintains strong cooperation with Tbilisi City Hall, The Georgian 

Department of Youth and Sports Affairs, Tbilisi State University, Public school N51 and the local 

governments of Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Imereti and Shida Kartli regions. EYP Georgia runs activities 

in 6 of 12 regions of the country. Amongst the plans for 2010 are the 4th National selection 

conference in Tbilisi, the 2nd International forum in Batumi and a few smaller sessions. The main 

aim is to raise knowledge of European-related issues among school pupils and to expand EYP activities 

to all regions of Georgia. Every EYP session represents a unique opportunity for Georgia 

to introduce the country’s culture to the rest of the Europe and to work together in a group with 

young Europeans discussing the challenges facing the continent. 


3rd National Selection conference 

At this National Session, held from June 

26 - 28 in Tbilisi, delegates for International 

Sessions in Helsinki and Tromso 

were selected. 


International Black Sea University Session 

(April) 

Gori Youth Active Forum 

(September) 

Mtskheta-Mtianeti regional session 

(November) 

Kutaisi winter session 

(December). 

1st International Summer Forum 

This international event of EYP Georgia 

hosted 130 participants from 13 different 

countries and took place from August 7 - 13 

in Batumi. 

Contact 

Melikishvili avenue #2, 0179, 

Tbilisi, Georgia 

Contact: Vakhtang Lomjaria 

Email: eyp.georgia@gmail.com, 

vlomjaria@gmail.com 

Web: www.eypge.org 


37

Europäisches Jugendparlament in 

Deutschland e.V. 


Youth Parliament in Germany 

For almost twenty years the European Youth Parliament in Germany has been offering young 

people a chance to think about societal questions as well as to develop visions for a future Europe 

and discuss these with others. Every year, EYP Germany organises up to six sessions involving 

young people from all parts of Europe. Thanks to the selection process prior to the National 

Selection Conference, it also reaches around 1,000 German students each year. In addition, EYP 

Germany seeks to offer training sessions on various aspects of volunteer work to around around 

60 active members annualy. The European Youth Parliament in Germany is organised solely by 

secondary school and university students and is politically independent. Given our goal of encouraging 

young people to take on responsibility and participate in Europe, all of the organisation’s 

work is done by volunteers working independently - by young people for young people. 

In order to involve even more students in its work, EYP Germany has started to present its 

concept at German schools and have the participating groups run through the main elements of 

its sessions. EYP Germany hopes to be able to institutionalise this within the course of next year 

and thereby reach more members of its target group. 


2nd Franco-German Forum 

During this cross-border session, around 100 young 

people from 11 different countries developed their 

own visions and ideas on the session’s main topic 

of Human Rights. The Session took place from 

November 18 - 22 in Saarbrücken (Germany) 

and Strasbourg (France). Patron of this Forum was 

Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, Deputy Secretary-General 

of the Council of Europe, and guest speakers 

were Dr. Ralf-René Weingärtner, Director for Youth 

and Sport of the European Council and Oliver 

Suhr, Ministery for European and Home Affairs of 

the Federal State of Saarland. 


First Alp-Forum 

April 16 - 19 

Prien 



May 12 - 16 

Stuttgart 

6th European Forum 

May 21 - 24 

Bad Urach 

Editors’ Training 

June 26 - 28 

Berlin 

EYP Academy 


Aschaffenburg 

Contact 

Europäisches Jugendparlament 

in Deutschland e. V., 

Sophienstraße 28-29, 10178 

Berlin, Germany 

Contact: Martin Hoffmann 

Tel.: + 49 (030) 280 95-155 

Email: info@eyp.de 

Web: www.eyp.de

Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο Νέων Ελλάδος 


Youth Parliament in Greece 

The EYP Greece National Committee is a non-governmental, non-profit organization run in 

cooperation with the European Youth Parliament, authorised to select the Greek representatives 

for the International Sessions of the European Youth Parliament. EYP Greece was founded in 

1992 and also consists of the National Alumni Organisation. It holds two National Selection 

Conferences annually and other activities such as Regional Sessions and academic fora. It also participates 

in other youth events and festivals. Thanks to our activities, EYP Greece involves around 

350 participants all over the country every year. 



The 20th National Selection Conference of EYP 

Greece took place from November 20 - 22 in 

Thessaloniki and welcomed around 170 participants 

from all over Europe. At this National Session, eight 

students from Greece were selected to represent the 

country at the 63rd International Session of EYP in 

Tromso. The Session was held under the patronage 

of Viviane Reding (Commissioner for INSFO), 

Marietta GIannakou (MEP), Tsoukalas Ioannis 

(MEP), Eva Kaili (MP) and Nikos Macrantonakis 

(Vice Mayor for Architecture- Thessaloniki). 


5th Officials’ Training 

October 6 - 8 

Chalkidiki 

Day of Europe - Rota gia tin Europi 

May 9 

Thessaloniki and Athens 

8th ThesIS MUN 

April 23 - 26 

Thessaloniki 


April 10 - 12 

Athens 

Meeting Southern Regions 

March 25 

Athens 

4th Officials’ Training 

March 21 - 22 

Loutraki 

Meeting Northern Regions 

February 18 

Thessaloniki 

Contact 

10 Salaminos Str., 54351, 

Thessaloniki, Greece 

Contact: Magdalini Selanikli 

Tel.: +306937145978 

Email: 

eyp.greece@gmail.com 

Web: www.eypgreece.org 


39

Európai Ifjúsági Parlament Magyarország 


Youth Parliament in Hungary 

The European Youth Parliament in Hungary aims to strengthen the active social participation 

of young people, mainly aged between 16 and 22, in order to shape the future of the continent 

collectively. Until 2007 the EYP network was present in almost all European countries except 

Hungary. The establishment of the initiative filled this gap as part of the Pillar Foundation. Our 

aim is to be a fully-recognised member of the international EYP network and thus provide the 

opportuntiy for young Hungarians to share their opinions in a Europe-wide debate forum. 

EYP Hungary is supported by the European Commission (Directorate General Education and 

Culture - Youth in Action Programme) and the Pillar Foundation. 


Follow-up Training 

On November 14, EYP Hungary 

organised a Follow-up Training 

session in Budapest. 20 young people 

gathered to discuss the results of the 

last National Session, and to learn 

about active European citizenship. 


Contact 

Pillar Alapítvány, 19-23 Irányi 

utca, Budapest, 1056 Hungary 

Contact: Anna Gyory 

Tel.: + 36 304381231 

Email: president.eyp.hungary@ 

gmail.com 

Web: www.pillar-europe.eu

European Youth Parliament Ireland 


Youth Parliament in Ireland 

The Irish national committee consists of nine members including the national coordinator, general 

secretary, treasurer, public relations officer, alumni officer and the four head organisers of our four 

Annual Sessions (3 regional, 1 national). With the turn of the academic year the new NC took 

over and held its first two Regional Conferences in Leinster and Munster. We will begin next year 

with an alumni training weekend aimed at chairs and editors specifically for Irish alumni with the 

help and overall coordination of Milda Sabunaite. We have also recently created two sub-committees; 

one for fundraising and another for developing workshops aimed at 16 year old school-goers 

in order to increase awareness of the EYP and increase participation. We have an active 

alumni body that meet socially regularly. 



This annual National Conference was held 

over the weekend (April 3 - 5) in Dublin, 

with visiting international alumni followed 

by individual selection of delegates for international 

sessions. More than 150 participants 

were at this Session, special guests included 

some local politicians. 


Connaght Regional Conference 

February 27 - March 1 

Galway 

Leinster regional conference 


Dublin 

Contact 

6 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, 

Ireland 

Contact: Gillian O’Halloran 

Tel.: +353.879.436.086 

Email: 

gillian.ohalloran@eypireland, 

gillian.oh@gmail.com 

Web: www.eypireland.com 


41

Associazione Parlamento Europeo Giovani 


Youth Parliament in Italy 

EYP Italy was founded in 1994 in Milan and since then it has organised over twenty National 

Selections and four International Sessions in collaboration with the EYP. Our activities promote 

the European dimension and identity in Italian secondary schools by giving the students a chance 

to participate in a formative, challenging and enriching experience. Since we are addressing the 

citizens of the future, EYP Italy encourages young people to be conscious of other cultures and 

of the unique characteristics of each Member State, to respect differences and to work together 

for the common good. EYP Italy’s activities bring students near to international issues and to 

the democratic process, educating them in critical and independent thinking and in building a 

constructive dialogue with people from different social, cultural and economic backgrounds. Our 

association wants to enrich future European citizens by offering them a forum for discussion and 

by confronting them with the aim of finding innovative solutions to real problems, underlining 

the importance of intercultural dialogue and reciprocal respect. In recent years, EYP Italy has 

encouraged the creation of small groups at the local level - the Local Committees. Their objective 

is to organise events at city level in order to increase participation and the visibility of our activities. 

From 2010 Local Committees will start organising Regional Sessions which will be open to 

the schools who have not been selected for the annual National Selections. Since 2009 EYP Italy 

activities have been recognised as a set of initiatives that work for the promotion of excellency by 

the Italian Ministry for Education, University and Research. 


23rd Italian National Selection 

Almost one hundred students from twelve schools across all Italy gathered in Volterra for the 

event. On the first day the delegates participated in team building and committee work activities 

which gave them the opportunity to get to know each other and discuss a topic of international 

relevance common for all. Over the following days the students debated the resolutions they had 

prepared before coming to the session in a General Assembly. The Selection Conference took 

place from April 23 - 26. 



1st EYP Italy Training Weekend 


Bologna 

22nd Italian National Selection 

April 1 - 4 

Trieste 

Annual Ordinary Assembly 

October 3 - 4 

Lucca 

Contact 

c/o Liceo Vallisneri, Via delle 

Rose 68, 55100, Lucca, Italy 

Contact: Dr. Federico L. Fasol 

Tel.: +39 583 582155, +39 392 

3525940, +39 340 7207071 

Email: peg@eypitaly.org 

Web: www.eypitaly.org

Latvijas Jauniešu organizacija «Tellus» 


Youth Parliament in Latvia 

LYO «Tellus» was founded in 2004 and since then has organised 10 EYP sessions including one 

International Session in 2006. Tellus currently has two working groups - EYP Latvia and Training. 

EYP Latvia consists of approximately 20 members. A coordinator system has been implemented 

to give each member a field of responsibility. EYP Latvia is led by an elected individual who takes 

up the role of National Coordinator. Main priorities in 2009 included organising a successful 

National conference as well as developing contacts with teachers. Both priorities were fulfilled 

and now for 2010 we are aiming higher - if all goes well, by the end of 2010 EYP Latvia will have 

organised seven regional sessions, one forum and of course the annual National Conference. We 

are trying to reach out in the regions and will hopefully continue to make progress in 2010. 


7th Latvian National Selection 

At this conference, delegates were chosen 

to represent Latvia at International Sessions 

in Helsinki and Tromso. Ms Tatjana Koke, 

Minister of Education, was a special guest at 

this National Selection Conference which 

took place from August 6 - 9 in Valmiera 

and gathered 55 young people. 


Our pupils in EYP 

April 24, Iecava, Latvia 

Our pupils in EYP 

March 17. Tukums, Latvia 

Teachers’ seminar 

March 6. Riga, Latvia 

1st Regional Session of EYP Latvia 

April 4. Tukums, Latvia 

2nd Regional Session of EYP Latvia 

April 6. Riga, Latvia 

EYP Get-together 

October 10 - 11. Iecava, Latvia 

Discussion with decision makers 

October 30. Riga, Latvia 

Contact 

Latvia, Riga, Kr.Valdemara 

street 14-6 

Contact: Andris Šuvajevs 

Tel.: +371 27469633 

Email: andris@tellus.lv 

Web: www.tellus.lv 


43

The European Youth Parliament in Lithuania 

Currently, EYP Lithuania is one of the youngest National Committees in the EYP. 2009 saw 

many important events for the chapter: EYP Lithuania developed from seven people attending an 

international forum for the first time to over 30 new members attending the meeting where the 

chapter was officially founded, members of the committee board elected and a coordinating teacher 

assigned. A cooperation agreement with a host-school was signed, to ensure EYP Lithuania 

has a ‘home’ for its activities. 

After being granted the EYP Initiative status by the GB, EYP Lithuania went on to plan its first 

national session to take place in Vilnius in the upcoming year as well as create a long-term strategy 

for ensuring the growth and activity of the committee. Contacts with other Lithuanian youth 

groups were established, promising cooperation in future events and spread of information through 

their members. A project website was also begun, to be launched in 2010. 

Македонски Комитет на Европскиот Младински 

Парламент 

The Macedonian Committee of the European 

Youth Parliament 

The National Committee of Macedonia joined the EYP Network in 2004 and is thus one of the 

youngest members of the EYP. The aim of EYP Macedonia is to create a forum where young 

people from Macedonia and other European countries can share their different viewpoints, expectations 

and realities that they face. EYP Macedonia also aims to enhance the young people’s 

critical thinking and to give them the space to express their reflections on EU accession, EU 

membership and the EU at large. Last but not least, through its work, EYP Macedonia strives to 

promote respect, understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, particularly towards different 

national, ethnic, religious, linguistic and other minorities and communities. 

The main supporters of EYP Macedonia are the European fund for the Balkans and the Education, 

Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency. 


EU&U 

In February 2009, EYP Macedonia organized 

a photography exhibition that reflected views 

and expectations of the Macedonian youth in 

regard to the EU. The special guest of the the 

opening was Mr. Erwan Fouere, Head of the 

EU delegation in Skopje and patron of EYP 

Macedonia. 


“2gether we create” 

March 10 - 19, Strumica 

The event encouraged young people to create 

networks for cooperation in order to promote 

intercultural dialogue and work in the youth 

field. 

Our country colours 

June 20 - 29, Strumica 

The event was focused on showing the importance 

of cultural diversity expressed by creative 

work using different colours, technique and 

base materials that give a national flavour to 

the work. 


Contact 

Contact: Milda Šabunaite 

Email: milduze@gmail.com 

Contact 

Str. 50ta Divizija, nr.36/9, 1000 

Skopje, Macedonia 

Contact: Mirije Sulmati 

Tel.: + 389 70 387 757 

Email: msulmati@yahoo.com

Stichting Europees Jeugd Parlement Nederland 


Youth Parliament in The Netherlands 

Created in 1998, the Stichting Europees Jeugd Parlement is the official Dutch National Committee 

of the European Youth Parliament. In addition to an annual National Selection Conference, 

the Committee organises several Preliminary Selection Conferences per year and supports a strong 

network of alumni through unofficial alumni get-togethers and think tanks on the future of the 

organisation. In 2009, the first ever International Forum in the Netherlands was organised in Rotterdam. 

Each year, EYP The Netherlands reaches out to more than 200 young Dutch people. 


9th Dutch National Selection Conference 

Between January 30 - February 2, approximately 90 EYPers attended this Conference and completed 

a programme on team building and committee work as well as a general assembly in the 

Town Hall of Amsterdam, as well as various other activities, such as Eurovillage, that enabled all 

the participants to get a taste of EYP’s rich cultural dimension. In light of the Czech EU Presidency, 

Petr Mareš (Ambassador of the Czech Republic in The Netherlands) addressed the General 

Assembly of the National Session. Additionally, Ronald Holzhacker (Head of Studies, Social 

Sciences, Amsterdam University College) came to speak at the Opening of the GA. 

1st Dutch North Sea Regional Forum 

At this centrepiece event of EYP The Netherlands held in Rotterdam from May 4 - 10, over 120 

delegates and officials from all over Europe gathered for an intensive week under the theme of 

«Future challenges for Young People». The session was honoured by the participation of several 

prominent International and Dutch guests and hosted its events at prestigious venues such as the 

Town Hall of Rotterdam and the Beurs World Trade Center Rotterdam. 


Preliminary Rounds 

October 1 - November 28 

Utrecht, Wageningen and Amsterdam Contact 

Scheepsjager 4, 3401 PH IJsselstein, 

The Netherlands 

Contact: Ruben Wagenaar 

Tel.: 31642136085 

Email: info@eyp.nl 

Web: www.eyp.nl 


45

European Youth Parliament Norway 


Youth Parliament in Norway 

The European Youth Parliament Norway consists of two organs - the board of the National Committee 

and the Alumni Association. The board of the National Committee is responsible for all activity 

in the EYP’s name that takes place in Norway. The board has between two and four annual 

meetings and consists of three teachers’ representatives and three students’ representatives. One of 

the student seats is held by the current president of the Alumni Association. In addition, we have a 

seventh member, who is a representative from the government. The National Committee of EYP 

Norway is financed by the government, and our secretariat is with the County of Vest-Agder, a 

government institution. EYP Norway is also supported by other counties (Buskerud, Akershus, 

Hordaland and Oppland), the Center of Education Oslo, Birkebeineren Apartments Fritt Ord and 

Lillehammer High School. The alumni association is the executive branch of our organisation, and 

organises the National Session and activitites for our local branches. 



At this national selection conference delegates 

were selected for the EYP International Sessions 

in autumn 2009 (Helsinki, Finland) and spring 

2010 (Tromsø, Norway). Around 130 participants 

gathered for this occasion held in Lillehammer 

from September 16 - 18. 


Contact 

Libakkfaret 1a, 1184 Oslo 

Contact: Kristine Ekeberg-Andersen 

Tel.: + 47 99560556 

Email: 

kristine.ekeberg@gmail.com 

Web: www.eyp.no

Europejski Parlament Mlodziezy 


Youth Parliament in Poland 

EYP Poland was officially registered in early 2006. Since then a group of engaged young volunteers 

from various Polish cities has been active in promoting European topics. Over the past 

four years, approximately forty EYP events have been organised in Poland. EYP Poland possesses 

vast experience in organising successful EYP events. It consists of approximately 60 active members 

organising around 10 local, regional and national events annually. Its foremost aim is to foster 

the general EYP goals in Poland among the 16 to 19 age group. Other prime objectives of EYP 

Poland include raising awareness of European issues, encouraging active European citizenship, 

motivating students to become engaged in European politics, promoting international understanding, 

intercultural dialogue and diversity of ideas and practices, contributing to the personal skills 

development of European youth and providing a forum in which young people of Europe can 

express their own opinions, without reverting to role play. 



The 6th National Selection Conference held 

in Rzeszow from September 17 - 20 led to 

the selection of four delegations (from Opole, 

Lodz, Warszawa and Torun) to participate 

in the 62nd and 63rd International Sessions 

of the EYP in Helsinki and Tromso respectively. 

The event was organised under the 

patronage of the Initiative Together’89 and 

allowed for discussion about the twentieth 

anniversary of the fall of communism in 

Poland. Special guests included Mr Radosław 

Sikorski, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Prof. 

Jerzy Posłuszny, Chancellor of the Higher 

School of Law and Administration in Przemysl-Rzeszów, 

Mr Tomasz Poreba, MEP, Ms 

Elzbieta Łukacijewska, MEP, Dr Mirosław 

Karapyta, Voievode of the Podkarpackie 

Region, Mr Zygmunt Cholewinski, Marshall 

of Podkarpackie, Mr Tadeusz Ferenc, Mayor 

of Rzeszow, and Dr Mirosław Kurek, Dean of 

the Higher School of Law and Administration 

Przemysl-Rzeszów. 


18th Weekend Session 

April 24 - 26 

Krakow 

11th Regional Session 

April 3 - 8 

Wrocław 

19th Weekend 

May 29 - 31 

Bialystok 


Nov 19 - 22 

Bialystok 

Contact 

ul. Swietojanska 22/1, 15-082 

Bialystok, Poland 

Contact: Beata Skobodzinska 

Tel.: +48 696 908 031 

Email.: eyppoland@yahoo.com 

Web: www.eyppoland.com 


47

Associação Portuguesa - P.E.J. 

The National Committee of the 

European Youth Parliament in Portugal 

Although it had existed informally from 1989, the National Committee of the EYP in Portugal 

was officially recognised as a youth association in 1999. Each year EYP Portugal organises four 

Regional Selection Conferences that function as a preselection for National Conferences and 

two National Selection Conferences in which the delegations that will represent Portugal in the 

International Sessions are chosen. For Europe Day we organise conferences, debates and several 

workshops on relevant European issues. These events are aimed mainly at students but also cater 

for teachers and one meeting is for Portuguese alumni. The Portuguese government has officially 

recognised our project as being relevant to Portuguese education and culture. Though 2009 was an 

important year for our NC that saw the organisation of the first Portuguese International Session 

«EYP@PT», we believe that 2010 will be even more special. Not only do we want to organise 

more international events in the near future but we have also created regional committees that are 

responsible for involving local communities and more schools. 


1st International Forum EYP@PT 

Over 100 participants from all corners of Europe 

met at Guimarães, Portugal from February 25 

- March 1. Supporters and special guests at this 

event were the Mayor of Guimarães, The Portuguese 

Youth Institute, The Council of Braga, The 

Ministry of Education and Elisa Ferreira, MEP. 



March 20 - 21 

Abrantes 


March 20 - 21 

Tondela 


April 23 - 24 

Coimbra 



Marco de Canaveses 


May 8 - 10 

Porto 



Sardoal 


Contact 

Travessa da Bica Velha, n.158, 

hab 20 4250-078 Porto, 

Portugal 

Contact: Joana Vieira da Silva 

Tel.: + 35 1919867195 

Email: appejovens@gmail.com 

Web: www.pejportugal.org

Parlamentul European al Tinerilor 


Youth Parliament in Romania 

Romania has been taking part in EYP events since 1996, starting with the International Session in 

Thessaloniki. Currently it functions as a foundation with headquarters in Oradea, Romania. EYP 

Romania organized selection events at both the national and regional level and took part in international 

events, notably at the Olympic Forums in Greece and the Young Forum 2009. 

In 2010 we are planing to have four Regional Selection Sessions and to participate at the Olympic 

Forum in Greece and the East European Forum 2010. 

Among our supporters are diverse Romanian companies such as Tramp Travel, Olida, Lithinia, 

Zarea and Nitela. 


EYP Olympic Forum 

The motto of this International Forum that took place from August 18 - September 1 in the 

Litohoro-Pieria Region in Greece was «Innovating together for a brighter future». More than 200 

participants gathered at this event and among special guests were Mrs. Stavros Dimas, European 

Commissioner for the environment, Mr. Athanasios Tsifodimos, Mayor of Litohoro, and Mr. Savvas 

Hionidis, Mayor of Katerini 


Training Session «Steps in organising a 

EYP event» 

January 10 - 11 

Oradea 

Regional Selection Session 

National Selection Session 

Young Forum 2009 

Contact 

st. Avram Iancu 7/7, zip 

410094, Oradea-Romania 

Contact: Crina Nicolaescu 

Tel.: + 40 722884273 

Email: office@eypromania.eu 

Web: www.eypromania.eu 


49

Европейский Молодежный Парламент – Россия 


Youth Parliament in the Russian Federation 

EYP Russia came into existence in 2002 on the initiative of a group of students. Activities of the 

European Youth Parliament in Russia aim to support the implementation of new forms of education 

and the development of youth activity in the fields of science, politics and culture. Fostering 

a sense of justice and civic responsibility as well as promoting the active participation of young 

people in society and intercultural discourse are central objectives. 2009 saw us focus on voluntary 

work helping to organise international events in Russia such as the Conference of the Council 

of Europe in June 2009 as well as numerous charitable activities. Each year EYP Russia reaches 

around 200 young people. The main aim of EYP Russia in 2010 is to hold the first International 

Session in Moscow. 


Regional Selection Conference 

From May 16 - 17 a small EYP selection conference 

took place in Moscow where participants 

for the International Sessions were chosen. The 

event took place under the patronage of the 

Rector of the Peoples’ Friendship University of 

Russia. 


Regional Selection 

Astrakhan’-Moscow 


Voluntary work at the Conference of the 

Council of Europe “Universities as Actors 

of Intercultural Dialogue in Wider 

Society” 

June 

Annual EYP Russia alumni meeting 

August 

Presentation of the EYP activities at the 

Conference “NGOs and formation of 

civil society in Russian Federation” 

September 

Moscow 

Charity dinner 

December 

Contact 

117198, Miklukho-Maklaya 6, 

Moscow, Peoples’ Friendship 

University of Russia 

Contact: Ekaterina Sushchevskaya 

Tel.: +7 (495) 7873803 ext. 

1601, +79099626540 

Email: Eyp.russia@gmail.com, 

katerina.sushchevskaya@gmail. 

com 

Web: www.eypej.ru

Evropski parlament mladih Srbije 

European Youth Parliament in Serbia 

EYP Serbia is a nonprofit NGO based on youth activism. The main headquarters are in Belgrade, 

while EYP Serbia also has offices in Novi Sad, Nis, Kragujevac, Kosovska Mitrovica, Kladovo and 

other Serbian cities. Members select the twelve members of EYP Serbia’s parliament who then 

select the three members of the board. The president, vice president and general secretary are also 

members of both bodies. EYP Serbia organises at least one National Selection Session a year with 

regional participants and a few smaller sessions. 

The main supporters of our sessions are schools and youth culture centres, the Ministry of Youth 

and Sport and Knjaz Milos. 


EYP Nis 2009 Session 

From June 13 - 14 EYP Serbia organised 

a small weekend EYP Session in the town 

of Nis. 35 participants from the city’s high 

school were at the Session. The Session included 

all hallmarks of an EYP Session: Team 

building, committee work and a General 

Assembly. 


Welcome for winners of Sombor EU 

simulation 

November 21 

Belgrade 

Second Novi Sad City Session 

March 20-22 

Novi Sad 

June 5-7 

Novi Sad 

Third Novi Sad City Session 

2009 Belgrade Session 

November 6-8 

Belgrade 

EYP Kragujevac Autom 2009 Session 

September 19-20 

Kragujevac 

EYP Kragujevac Spring 2009 Session 

April 4-5 

Kragujevac 

Contact 

Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 10g, 

11070 Belgrade, Serbia 

Contact: Mladen Nijemcevic 

Tel.: +381603733855 

Email: Mladen.nijemcevic@ 

gmail.com 


51

European Youth Parliament - España 


Youth Parliament in Spain 

EYP Spain is a young National Committee, which is still in a process of consolidation. Despite 

this it is made up of plenty of hard-working and enthusiastic people. Past sponsors of EYP Spain 

have included the Girona city hall, Sant Cugat city hall, Aigües Sant Aniol, Frit Ravich, Congelats 

Despuig, Bella Easo, Danone and Red Bull. 


Iberian Forum 

EYP Spain’s most ambitious and challenging project so far. 

Due to its previous collaborations with EYP, the city of 

Girona was chosen as the ideal location to host this event. 

Its organisations and inhabitants welcomed the Iberian Forum 

with open arms, demonstrating once again the city’s 

willingness to collaborate with the EYP in order to create 

a successful event. The participants had the chance to visit 

the Catalan parliament, where part of the General Assembly 

took place. They also enjoyed a nocturnal visit to the 

Dalí Museum and a day at the beach on the Costa Brava, 

where the Mayor of Palamos welcomed the participants 

in person. The Forum took place in Girona from August 

13 - 20. 



4th National Selection 

April 30 - May 2 

Barcelona 

GA Days 2009 

March 14, March 28 

Girona and Sant Cugat 

Contact 

Passeig Valldoreix 61, 

08172 Sant Cugat del Vallès, 

Barcelona, Spain 

Contact: Cristina Mont Castro 

Tel.: +34 649925325 

Email: info@eype.eu 

Web: eype.webnode.es

Europeiska ungdomsparlamentet Sverige 


Youth Parliament in Sweden 

Founded in 2005, the European Youth Parliament Sweden is one of the fastest expanding national 

committees in the EYP, engaging over a thousand youths in Sweden yearly. In 2009 EYP Sweden 

had two main priorities. Firstly, organising the 60th International Session in Stockholm, the 

biggest international youth project in Sweden that year and, secondly, to capitalise on the attention 

and energy boost of the session by creating four regional committees to meet the increasing interest 

and engagement from the members. EYP Sweden grew from approximately 150 members in 

2008 to over a thousand members by the end of 2009. In 2010 the organisation will continue to 

develop and support the regional committees’ many various local activities as well as organise the 

annual National Session, held in the city of Stockholm. 


60th International Session 

From April 17 - 26, 320 international particpants 

met with 200 local young people in 

Stockholm as part of the 60th International 

Session of the EYP. The board of patrons 

included H.R.H Crown Princess Victoria 

of Sweden (chairperson), Margot Wallström 

(First Vice-President of the European Commission), 

Cecilia Malmström (Minister for EU 

Affairs), Christian Lundberg (CEO Fortum 

Sweden), Lasse Gustavsson (Secretary General 

of the WWF), Professor Christian Azar (Chalmers 

University in Gothenburg), Professor 

Thomas B Johansson (International Institute 

for Industrial Environmental Economics). 

Guest speakers were H.R.H Crown Princess 

Victoria of Sweden, Margot Wallström (First 

Vice-President of the European Commission), 

Cecilia Malmström (Minister for EU Affairs, 

Bo Bladholm (Lord Mayor & Chairman) and 

Per Westberg (speaker of the Swedish Parliament). 


«Tomorrow’s world - Today’s challenge». 

European Debate Day 

April 22 

Stockholm 

Debate day at Kärrtorp gymnasium 

October 20 

Kärrtorp 

Europe Day Celebration 

May 9 

All of Sweden 

Contact 

c/o Helena Landelius, Täljstensvägen 

1 A, 752 40 Uppsala, 

Sweden 

Contact: Helena Landelius 

Tel.: +46 70 110 60 70 

Email: helena.landelius@eup.se 

Web: www.eup.se 


53

European Youth Parliament Schweiz 


Youth Parliament in Switzerland 

The European Youth Parliament in Switzerland consists of the members of the Board and around 

130 active members. Its main prioritity for 2010 is getting more members to be actively involved 

with the EYP, both on the national and international level. 

The largest supporters of EYP Switzerland are Lotteriefonds Kanton Bern, Avina Foundation, 

Migros Region Aare, Crédit Suisse and Rotary Club Interlaken. 


National Conference 

More then 300 young people participated at this National Conference which took place from 

September 10 - 13 in Interlaken, canton of Berne. Among the patrons and guest speakers were 

Christian Wasserfallen and Christa Markwalder Bär. 


Contact 

Spitalackerstrasse 15, 3013 

Bern, Switzerland 

Contact: Kathrin Loppacher 

Tel.: + 41 798142128 

Email: 

kathrin.loppacher@eyp.ch 

Web: www.eyp.ch

Avrupa Gençlik Parlamentosu Türkiye 


Youth Parliament in Turkey 

EYP Turkey has been an active member of the EYP network since 1999. As a volunteer-based 

association, it consists of approximately 50 active members and continuously engages in international 

cooperation within the EYP by organising and participating in regional, national and 

international events and has so far sent delegates to more than 20 International Sessions. EYP 

Turkey’s foremost aim is to foster the general EYP goals in Turkey among the 16 to 19 age group. 

Other prime objectives include raising awareness of European issues, encouraging active European 

citizenship, motivating students to become engaged in European politics, promoting international 

understanding, intercultural dialogue and diversity of ideas and practices, contributing to the 

personal skills development of European youth and providing a forum in which young people 

of Europe can express their own opinions, without reverting to role play. Each year EYP Turkey 

organizes two EYP conferences, one national selection and one international forum. The format 

of these conferences is like those of most EYP conferences and consist of team building exercises, 

committee work and a general assembly. The delegates work in mixed committees with people 

they don’t know beforehand. Those working groups are facilitated by moderators, who are alumni 

of our European network. They not only provide the participants with a necessary knowledge of 

EU institutions and the legislation process but are also able to help the group to get through the 

process of writing the resolution. The main objective is to make the group able to work independently, 

sensibly and successfuly. The aim is to produce a resolution dealing with current and 

important political questions from a European perspective, which will be discussed during the 

General Assembly. 


4th International Istanbul Youth Forum 

The 4th International Istanbul Youth Forum 

held at Robert College of Istanbul hosted 

participants from 20 European countries and 

comprised basic EYP methodology and a variety 

of social and cultural events. Taking place 

from May 15 - 20 in Istanbul, 200 youngsters 

took part at the event. 



The 6th National Selection Conference of 

EYP Turkey, held at Robert College of Istanbul, 

brought together 200 youngsters from 

over 15 secondary schools in Turkey, as well 

as international alumni of EYP. This National 

Session took place from November 20 - 24 

in Istanbul and was visisted among others by 

Refik Erzan, Sabri Sayari, Inan Ruma and Esra 

Hatipoglu. 

Contact 

Robert Kolej No: 87, 

Kurucesme Cad. Arnavutkoy - 

Istanbul, Turkey 

Contact: Ogulcan Torun 

Tel.: + 90 5418152767 

Email: 

ogulcan.torun@eypturkey.org 

Web: www.eypturkey.org 


55

European Youth Parliament – Ukraine 


Youth Parliament in Ukraine 

The international youth NGO “European Youth Parliament – Ukraine” is an apolitical, non-profit 

organisation that represents a National Committee of the European Youth Parliament in Ukraine. 

EYP Ukraine has been successfully operating in Ukraine since 2000. EYP Ukraine is a youth 

initiative that has been set up by young people, students of Kiev Universities, and has been further 

developed, managed and run by the young people aged 16 – 23. EYP Ukraine’s aim is to promote 

the idea of Ukraine’s integration into European society among Ukrainian youth by means of 

open forums and dialogue. The main form of EYP Ukraine’s activity is a session. Sessions follow 

the model of the work of the European Parliament and usually last for four days. The result of a 

session is a resolution, which includes the ideas and decisions, discussed and accepted by the group. 

Usually there are winter sessions in Lviv (West), Summer session in Sumy (East), sessions in Kyiv 

and Khmelnytskyi. This year EYP-Ukraine had also introduced a new form of activity – InterRail 

Sessions: 2-day mini-sessions were held in all regions of Ukraine. 


EYP-Ukraine Inter-rail Tour - Part 1 

April 4 - 27 

EYP Ukraine InterRail Tour - Part 2 

September 3 - 6 

25 2-day mini-sessions were help in different regions 

of Ukraine during the two parts of the InterRail 

Tour of EYP Ukraine. More than 800 participants 

gathered at all these Sessions, special guests included 

representatives of local city and regional administrations 

and delegations of the European Commission 

in Ukraine. 


6th Lviv Regional Session 

January 29 - February 29 

Lviv 


1st Khmelnytskyi Regional Session 


Khmelnytskyi 

Chairs’ Training 

April 7 

Kyiv 

7th Lviv Regional Session 


Lviv 

National Selection 2009 

September 10 - 13 

Sumy 

Post InterRail Conference 

December 3 - 6 

Kyiv 

Contact 

P.O. Box 409B, 01001 Kyiv 

Ukraine 

Contact: Oksana Andrusyak 

Tel.: + 380 677187804 

Email: 

oksana.andrusyak@eyp-ua.org 

Web: www.eyp-ua.org

European Youth Parliament United Kingdom 


Youth Parliament in the United Kingdom 

Created in 1992, the European Youth Parliament in the UK is very active on the regional as well 

as on the national level. With 14 Regional Forums across the UK (one day events with elements 

of team building and General Assembly) and one annual National Session (four day event with 

200 participants), EYP UK has a very large outreach all over the United Kingdom. We also oversee 

a programme of outreach events which seek to increase interest and participation among state 

schools. Each year, the selection process of the participants of the EYP UK regional and national 

events reaches roughly 1500 youngsters in the UK. 


EYP UK National Session 

The 2009 EYP UK National Session gathered the winners of the 14 Regional Sessions to select 

delegates for future International Sessions. The Session took place between September 24 - 27 in 

Durham. The patron of the Session was Rt. Hon David Milliband, Secretary of State for Foreign 

& Commonwealth Affairs. 


West of Scotland Regional Forum 

March 13 

Glasgow 

South Wales Regional Forum 

March 17 

Cardiff 

North Wales Regional Forum 

November 

Colwyn Bay 

North West Regional Forum 

February 12 

Liverpool Town Hall 

Yorkshire Regional Forum 

March 2 

University of Sheffield 

Thames Valley Regional Forum 


Oxford 

North East Regional Forum 

East Anglia Regional Forum 

December 8 

February 12 

Newcastle Kimbolton 

Contact 

Midlands Regional Forum 

March 20 

Birmingham 

Northern Ireland Regional Forum 

March 26 

Belfast 

South East Regional Forum 

March16 

London 

South West Regional Forum 

March 23 

Exeter 

Flat 8 Neptune House, 

Moodkee Street, London, 

SE16 7AU 

Contact: Pamela McGill 

Tel.: +44 7747 690 607 

Email: 

Pamela.mcgill@accenture.com 

Web: www.eypuk.org 


57

Institutional Partnerships and 

Patrons

Institutional Partnerships and Patrons 

Networking philosophy 

Institutional partnerships amd patronage 

Comité d’Honneur 

Cooperation is the credo of the European Youth Parliament. As a network of 33 National Committees, the EYP 

is convinced of the efficiency of partnerships and cooperation. Therefore, the EYP has always been eager to 

establish partnerships all over Europe: with other NGOs, with public institutions, the media and with private 

institutions. Together with its partners, the European Youth Parliament has been able to create synergies in the 

fields of education, youth, Europe and intercultural dialogue. 

The European Youth Parliament has been developing good relationships with the European Parliament: The 

President of the parliament, Jerzy Buzek, is the permanent patron of the EYP. Additionally, the EYP has set up 

links with “liaison parliamentarians”, who suggest topics for the International Sessions and feed the results back 

to their parliamentary committees. Finally, it was a great honour that a number of MEPs visited the sessions and 

sought debate with the young delegates. 

The Council of Europe is very engaged and active in the youth field in particular through its Directorate for 

Youth and Sports, a partner of the European Youth Parliament since 2005. The International Sessions in Stockholm 

and Leuven/Brussels in 2009 were supported by a grant from the Council of Europe through the 

European Youth Foundation which also covers part of the EYP’s administrative costs. The Secretary General of 

the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, is patron of the European Youth Parliament. The Council of Europe 

has also helped to find experts for the sessions, provided information material for the participants and useful 

methodological advice. Besides, topics are regularly suggested by the Council of Europe and representatives of 

the institution have attended International Sessions in the past year. 

The European Commission has also been a very important supporter of the International Sessions of the European 

Youth Parliament in the previous year. All International Sessions were financially supported by the Commission 

in the framework of the Youth Programme as well as the Europe for Citizens Programme. In addition, 

the EYP has been a partner of the Youth Programme since 2008 and supported with a grant to cover part of its 

administrative costs. 

Moreover, the EYP was honoured by the presence of European Commissioners Wallström (Stockholm) as well 

as Kovács and Orban (Leuven/Brussels). Moreover, the EYP is proud that since 2008 its work is also followed 

and supported by a Comité d’Honneur which has been joined by the Commissioners Barroso, Barrot, Kovács 

and Wallström. With the new European Commission in office, the Comité de’Honneur at the time of wirting 

consists of President Barroso and Vice-President Šefcovic. 

Vice-President 

of the 

European 

Commission 

Margot Wallström 

at the 

Opening of 

the International 

Session 

in Stockholm 

in April 2009 


59

Partners

Partners of the European Youth Parliament 

Without the support of our partners, the European Youth Parliament would not have been able to realise its 

aims. We thank them all and express our gratitude for their support. 


61


European Youth Parliament / Schwarzkopf-Stiftung Junges Europa 

Sophienstraße 28-29 

D-10178 Berlin 

Fon +49.30.97 00 50 95 

Fax +49.30.97 00 50 96 

info@eypej.org 

www.eypej.org 

Chairman of the Schwarzkopf-Stiftung Junges Europa: 


Members of the Board: 

Dieter Kosslick 

Dr. Ekkehard Nümann 

Dr. Eric Schweitzer 

Dr. Friedhelm Klaes 

Hans Christian Schwarzkopf 

Jonas Dreger 

Theo Koll 

Tobias Bütow 

Director: 

Philipp J. Scharff 

Executive Director of the European Youth Parliament: 

Jan-Philipp Beck 

Members of the Board of the European Youth Parliament: 

Richard Royal 

Martin Getz 

Jonas Dreger 

Tapio Schrey 

Christopher Tripp 

Ville Vasaramäki 


Comité d’Honneur of the European Youth Parliament: 

José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission 

Maroš Šefcovic, Vice-President of the European Commission 

Print: 

Nils Lengler 

Druckerei des Ev. Kirchenkreises Spandau 

Jüdenstraße 37 

13597 Berlin 

This publication has been produced with the support of the European Commission and 

the Council of Europe. This publication reflects the views only of the author and none of 

the institutions mentioned above can be held responsible for any use which may be made 

of the information contained herein. 


63


Schwarzkopf-Stiftung Junges Europa 

Sophienstraße 28-29 

D-10178 Berlin 

Fon +49.30.97 00 50 95 

Fax +49.30.97 00 50 96 

info@eypej.org 

www.eypej.org

Annual Report 2009 - European Youth Parliament

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?