Founded in 1987, the European Youth Parliament (EYP) is a truly unique organisation, reaching out to young people across Europe, and encouraging them to have their say in shaping the future of their continent. The EYP thus seeks to promote the European dimension in education and to give students in the 16-22 age group the opportunity to participate in a practical, positive learning experience. As the citizens of the future, the EYP experience encourages young people to be aware of the thoughts and characteristics of other nations, respect their differences, and learn to work together for a common good. The EYP constitutes a forum in which these young people can express their own opinions, without any political connotations and without reverting to role play. Students are encouraged to take an interest in current affairs and the democratic process, practice independent thinking and take personal initiative.
The most prominent part of the EYP´s activities are the 3 international 9-day sessions organised each a year. These are held in different European countries each time, bringing together 250-300 students and teachers from Europe in its widest sense - not just the 25-member EU. For more information about this key element of the EYP, visit the [Sessions] section of the website.
The EYP´s work at the international level is supported and reinforced by the national committees representing EYP in the various European countries. Their aim is to promote the above objectives of the EYP within their own country. Specifically, it is their responsibility to select the delegates that will represent their country at an international session. For more on the work of these groups, visit the [National EYP] section of the website.
The EYP has been instrumental in the establishing of European studies programmes, research libraries, databanks and exchange programmes - for both teachers and students - in more than 600 schools in Europe. Furthermore, in conjunction with the Heinz Schwarzkopf Foundation´s "Junges Europa" initiative, the Young European of the Year Award was established, with an annual prize of €5,000, which enables the winner to gain an even wider insight into Europe through the funding of a six-month traineeship for them in Brussels.