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