Our members participated in an event Europe for You(th) hosted by Institute of European Democrats in Prague.
YDE members actively participated in round tables and afterward discussions about topics relevant to youth, disinformation and climate change.
We also had the opportunity to visit the library at Strahov Monastery, where we explored the significance of books and discussed the pivotal role libraries play in combating disinformation for both present and future generations.
Additionally, in remembrance of the young lives lost in the tragic mass shooting at the Faculty of Arts, our representatives paid tribute by placing flowers on the stairs.
Our delegation attended the LevelUp! event in Brussels organized by Youth Forum.
More than 1000 young people from all over Europe gathered in Brussels to learn new things, share their ideas and experiences, and of course make some international friendships.
The event took place inside the European Parliament, symbolically showing us the openness of European institutions towards its citizens. Through many interesting and interactive workshops and side events, which participants have chosen for themselves, we learned how to actively participate as a part of society.
As Young Democrats for Europe, we cannot stress enough the importance of these events which promote the importance of active citizenship and participation – the values we as Europeans consider to be of great significance.
On the 8th of March YDE delegation attended the Convention of the European Democratic Party. Members of our delegation were Asier Areitio (President), Alice Bernard-Montini (Secretary General), Sergio Medina (Treasurer) and Antonella Velić (Vicepresident).
Preparing for the upcoming European elections, after months of hard work, we finally unvield the EDP Manifesto! With 300 priority proposals the Manfifesto outlines top priorities for shaping the future of the European Union.
We had the opportunity to hear the speeches of Jean-Noel Barrot (French Minister Delegate in charge of Europe), Sandro Gozi (EDP Secretary General), Nicola Danti (Italian MEP), and François Bayrou (President of EDP) along with the insights of many other delegates attending the Convention.
After the statutory part of the Convention we also attended four inspiring panels with topics concerning the future of our continent. Green Europe, Inclusive Europe, Safe Europe and Sovereign Europe are not just the names of those panels, these topics can also be found in the EDP Manifesto!
We were honored to hear the words of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belrusian politician, whose steadfast advocacy for the people of Belarus amidst challenges to freedom of speech and politics is a testament to her unwavering commitment to democratic values.
Young Democrats for Europe strongly support the unity of centrists at the European elections.
The growing influence of far-right movements and populist ideologies across Europe necessitates a proactive and united response. As advocates for a strong pro-European stance, we recognize the importance of forming alliances among Renew Europe members in Italy and beyond to counter the divisive forces that threaten the core values of our democratic societies.
In pursuing a cohesive centrist family in the European Parliament, we envision a collaborative effort to establish common lists throughout the continent. By creating a united front, like-minded parties can leverage their collective strength, pool resources, and present a more formidable presence in the European political arena. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of centrist representation but also serves as a powerful deterrent against the divisive rhetoric propagated by far-right entities.
Central to our mission is the promotion of a federalist future for Europe. We believe that deeper integration and collaboration among European nations are essential for addressing shared challenges and advancing common goals. This commitment to a federalist vision aligns with our broader objective of fostering unity and solidarity, not only within individual countries but across the entire European Union.
As Young Democrats for Europe, we understand the younger generation’s pivotal role in shaping our continent’s future. We are dedicated to communicating our message effectively, mobilizing support, and encouraging active participation in the democratic process. Through grassroots efforts, engagement campaigns, and open dialogue, we aim to empower the youth to become active contributors to the political discourse and advocates for a united and inclusive Europe.
10/03/2023 – YDE attended the event in cooperation with IED
On March 10th 2023, in cooperation with the Institute of European Democrats (IED), Young Democrats for Europe (YDE) organized a gathering of young Europeans. The Academy took place at Lanzarote, a magnificent island in the Canary Islands. Lanzarote welcomed 24 young people from all over Europe including President and Secretary General of European Liberal Youth (LYMEC).
The Academy started with an opening speech of Mikel Burzako, Director of Institute of European Democrats followed with the speech of YDE spokesperson Sergio Soares (JFW) who shortly introduced our attendees to YDE, its history, mission and vision. Participants held a minute of silence for the victims of a tragic shooting in Hamburg that happened a night before the Academy.
The first presentation on the topic Erasmus and Youth Mobility was held by Iñigo Arbiol from Department of International Relations and Humanities of the University of Deusto. He presented the advantages and disadvantages of the Erasmus program and how the program could be improved.
Presentation was followed by a workshop on implementing local policies in the agenda of European Union. Participants were divided into five working groups with the task to discuss local projects they think could be useful to implement on the EU level. Afterwards, each group had to present and shortly explain their conclusions to the rest of the participants.
Second presentation on the topic Gender Equality and Social Cohesion within the EU was held by David Gutzeit, Chairperson of the Freie Wähler Youth. Presentation was followed by a short and productive workshop on the topic. Each of the five groups discussed a different aspect of gender equality such as gender pay gap, gender equality and career, gender equality and climate change and gender equality and education.
To conclude our Academy, Gabi Schmidt, Deputy Federal Chairwoman of the Freie Wähler Party and Vice president of IED made closing remarks encouraging young people to be involved and take action because they are the future of European Union.
After the long but productive day, participants enjoyed the EDP sponsored dinner where they could exchange information about their different countries and cultures while strengthen bonds between each other and at the end realizing what it really means to be European.
Many thanks to all the participants for attending, see you next time!
