The European Youth Parliament is an apolitical, multinational and non-profit organisation run by young people for young people. It provides a platform for young people to develop their personal skills and to express their own opinions on European issues. The Dutch chapter of the European Youth Parliament (Stichting Europees Jeugd Parlement Nederland) actively works towards this in the Netherlands.

Internationally, the organisation operates under the patronage of Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament, and Thorbjørn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe. José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, is a member of EYP’s Comité d’Honeur.

How does EYP do that?

At the over 50 regional, national and international events a year in the 32 national organisations, the EYP reaches well over 20,000 young people.

Three major International Sessions also take place every year. On each of these occasions the European Youth Parliament brings together 300 young people from 32 countries for 10 days in alternating European cities.

What happens at the EYP then?

The delegates are first split into committees. A Session of the EYP is ordinarily divided into three major parts:

Teambuilding – Guided by an experienced chairperson. A series of exercises, activities and games in which problem-solving and communication skills are developed.

Committee Work – Following Teambuilding, the committees meet for Committee Work. Each Committee is given a predetermined topic, dealing with political, economical, environmental and social issues. Through discussion and consensus, the task of the committee is to produce a resolution including their common ideas, visions and thoughts.

General Assembly – The last part of the session is the General Assembly. Each resolution is presented, debated and voted on.

Please note: at a Dutch preliminary session extensive ‘committee work’ will not be part of the programme.

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