Published on 30/11/2021 under News
The European Youth Event (EYE2021) took place from the 8th to the 9th of October 2021 and brought together 10.000 young people online and in Strasbourg, to shape and share their ideas for the future of Europe. EYE is a unique opportunity for 16 to 30-year-olds to interact in-person and online, inspire each other and exchange their views with experts, activists,influencers and decision-makers, right in the heart of European democracy. Under the tagline “The future is ours”, EYE2021 ran online activities from the 4th of October, leading up to the main event on the 8th and 9th of the same month, which featured both online and in-person activities in Strasbourg, as well as new hybrid formats. EYE strives to promote equality, inclusiveness and sustainability with a strong commitment to accessibility for everyone.
Thus, from the 8th to the 9th of October, 15 members of the European Youth Parliament Greece visited Strasburg in order to participate in the European Youth Event. They represented our National Committee in the Event, joined activities and debated with experts, activists, influencers and decision-makers on almost any topic in the Parliament and took part in modules and trainings regarding various European matters.They promoted youth engagement with the Conference on the Future of Europe, and talked about youth participation with young Europeans from across the continent. All of the participants’ presence was really important for our National Committee and it has been a one-of-a-kind experience for them. We are happy to have some of them sharing their thoughts on the event, so let's read what they have to say:
Maria Deliporanidou - The European Youth Event 2021 in Strasbourg was the an unforgettable experience. After almost two years of lockdowns we finally had the chance to come together with other young people from all around Europe and discuss about our thoughts and concerns regarding the future of Europe and our role in the European people as the young citizens of the world. This event marked for me the beginning of a new period in our lives which includes active participation. It reminded me that there is an open and safe space where we can express our concerns and that our voice matters. It gave me the motivation I needed in order to continue participating in youth events and ambitiously try to make the change we all wish.
Ilias Pagkozidis - The European Youth Event 2021 in Strasbourg was an extremely valuable opportunity to actively participate in shaping the Future of Europe. Over the course of the event we exchanged views on an endless array of topics of interest, from sustainable development and climate action to rule of law, LGBTQI+ rights and the delivery of environmentally conscious Olympic games. Embracing the opportunity to engage in fruitful converstations with Members of the Parliament, Comissioners and policymaking actors is pivotal to understanding that we, as young active citizens, are the drivers of change and can substantially influence the societies we live in. With more than 10000 individuals coming together in the Cornerstone of European democracy, intercultural bridges were built whilst fostering the exchange of innovative ideas. I would like to thank the European Youth Parliament Greece for empowering its members and supporting active participation in such an important event.
Elvira Metzelioti - The European Youth Event 2021 was a unique experience. The opportunity to interact with thousands of young people, to inspire and to be inspired by peers and experts while exchanging views inside and around the European Parliament was too great to be overcome. Workshops after workshops about equality, inclusiveness and sustainability in order to shape and share ideas on the future of Europe were music to the ears both for us as participants and the EYE’s hosts and guests. May our ideas fed into the political debate of the Conference on the Future of Europe because “The future is ours”. I want to sincerely thank the European Youth Parliament of Greece because I cannot get over how thankful I am for being part of that delegation in this event.
Sofia Sdrali - The European Youth Event 2021 gave me the opportunity to meet and communicate with young people from all over Europe, discuss current issues with Members of the Parliament and dream about the future of Europe. Both online and in person we had the chance to express our ideas and questions regarding a variety of topics ranging from environmental issues to diversity and inclusion. It was an one in a lifetime experience in Strasbourg and I hope that EYP will continue to actively participate in such events that promote youth engagement.
Elena Ignatiadou - If I had to describe the European Youth Event 2021 in a concise way, I would say that it was one of the most unique, fruitful and unforgettable experiences that I had this year. Having the chance to meet and interact with young people from all over Europe, discuss current European issues with members of the Parliament, exchange views and opinions on sustainability matters was something that definitely affected the way I see the future of Europe, and also something that made me rethink my role in it. However, the thing that made this event really special to me was the fact that I had the chance, through some of its workshops, to find out how I can contribute to the issues that I am interested in through media, which is my studying area. Learning about possibilities and practices, and interacting with people from the field doubtlessly elevated my experience of the event.
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