YEYS Turns 10

 


YEYS began in 2010, which makes this year’s edition its 10th. That means 10 years of bringing young people closer to the EU to better understand it and to be able to tell others what they have learned. Since YEYS began, 774 students have attended. 

The 2019 debates were focused on the theme of the European Parliament elections.  On 21-22 March students from schools in 33 countries (the 28 EU Member States plus the 5 EU candidate countries) were asked to debate and draw up resolutions on topics which interest citizens such a climate change, employment, educations, etc…  Over two days of intensive work, they debated how to encourage more people to vote in the European elections, strengthen democracy and, more generally, how to get more citizens involved in European politics.

Their ideas gave valuable insight into how the European institutions can reach those citizens who have switched off from politics. They showed how the EU could connect with them to build on its achievements and keep its values alive.