European Youth Event 2014

# 29/01/2014

Europe at a crossroads - the EYE as an agenda changer

We are currently experiencing difficult times. The sharp rise in youth unemployment is perhaps the most dramatic result of the economic and financial crisis. The European Union is at a crossroads; the crisis demonstrates the need for new ideas for Europe. Europe is not just about money, markets and trade - Europe is an idea.

Its future shape is in the hands of today's youth. What do you propose to make Europe a better place in which to live?

The EYE aims to be an 'agenda changer'. The future of the EU belongs to the younger generation; therefore you should have a contribution in debating and shaping it.

With young people, for young people

As a participant, you will have the chance to meet with other young Europeans, inspired thinkers, political decision-makers and key figures from business, research, culture and society to exchange ideas and perspectives on issues that are critical for our common future. The discussions will be captured as a set of ideas, which will be handed out to the elected Members of the European Parliament in 2014 and serve as a source of inspiration for them throughout the legislature.

The European Youth Event will include a large variety of discussions and activities, inside and outside the EP building. You will be invited to engage in workshops, debates, and other activities linked to the motto of "Ideas for a better Europe". Cultural and sports activities outside the Parliament building will give you a more informal opportunity to get to know other participants and have a taste of the cultural diversity in Europe.

The Youth Event 2014 aims to...

...give the young generation a chance to “re-invent” Europe through exchanging perspectives and ideas in order to develop new, innovative ways and solutions to crucial questions of the future and discuss these with European decision-makers;
...to encourage a Europe-wide public discussion among young people about future European policy issues in a wide range of policy areas in the run-up to the European elections and to serve as a jump start for young people to look into and engage in European debates on the long term, thereby strengthening a participative European democracy;
...invite young people to stage cultural performances and showcase the rich cultural diversity within the EU in an inclusive way;
...inspire participants through their exchanges with other young Europeans and Europe's political, economic and cultural world, and let them discover their own European identity in their encounter and discussions with other young Europeans;
...give young Europeans the chance to present their set of ideas of a better Europe to European political decision-makers - in particular the Members of the European Parliament elected for the new legislative period 2014-2019.

The European Parliament - a forum for young ideas

The EYE will take place from 9 to 11 May 2014 at the European Parliament's seat in Strasbourg.

The European Parliament is the Union's legislative assembly where EU issues are debated from very different viewpoints and from a citizens' perspective. The EYE puts this assembly at the service of young people, as the Parliament will open its doors, allowing you and up to 5,000 other young Europeans aged between 16 and 30 from 28 Member States and beyond to come and actively participate.

More on EYE 2014: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/eye2014/en/about-eye.html