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