Europe for You(th)

Prague, 12th – 13th April

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.

IED General Assembly in Nuremberg

8/05/2023

On May 8th 2023, we had the honour of participating in the 23th Institute of European Democrats General Assembly, a remarkable event that brought together representatives from various organizations, including YDE. It was a great honor to secure two seats, represented by our president Asier Aretio and our secretary general Alice Bernard-Montini who actively engaged in discussions contributing their insights and perspectives.

The Vice president of IED Gabi Schmitd took us on a captivating journey to the Bavarian Energy Center, where we explored various pioneering projects in hydrogen energy as a means to produce sustainable power. Witnessing Bavaria’s commitment to renewable energy was truly inspiring.

During our visit, we had the opportunity to delve deeper into the vibrant region of Bavaria. We learned about its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and its reputation as a hub for innovation and excellence.

To complete this extraordinary experience, we indulged in Bavaria’s delightful traditional cuisine. From the tantalizing flavors to the warm hospitality, each dish embodied the region’s unique heritage. It was a true celebration of Bavarian culture, enjoyed alongside fellow attendees of the assembly.

Spring Academy in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

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!

IED Call for papers – Migration, borders control and solidarity: is Schengen at risk?

Following the Winter Academy co-organised with our organisation in December in Brussels, the IED (Institute of European Democrats – European Democrats’ think-tank) aims at involving young generations in its reflections, this call for papers is therefore specifically addressed to applicants who have not reached 35 years of age by the 31st of May 2016

Since its foundation, the main goal of the IED has been to promote an in-depth discussion on the core aspects of the European integration process while playing an active role in strengthening the confidence of European citizens and furthering their understanding in the European Institutions and common policies. With the current migration management’s crisis and the consequent debate on the Schengen acquis, the EU is facing a new challenge that will demand a more comprehensive approach. With a view to shed some light on this issue and better understand the solutions ahead, the Institute of European Democrats has decided to launch an external research project on “Migration, borders control and solidarity: is Schengen at risk?” and intends to award 10 grants for “Research Fellowships”.

The draft papers will be object of discussion at the event “Schengen at risk. Can we keep the freedom of movement?” in May 2016. Some researchers could be invited to attend the conference (the IED will cover the expenses). The final result will be published online on the website of the IED (www.iedonline.eu).

Eligibility criteria:

  • Master’s degree in the relevant field
  • Age limit of 35 years old by the 31st May 2016
  • Proven excellence in writing skills in English

More info here:

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Beyond the gloomy present: your Democratic impulse! – IED/YDE Winter Academy

This first IED/YDE Winter Academy Edition gathered in Brussels about 30 young centrists from all over Europe.

Speakers with various backgrounds and responsibilities participated in making this event interesting, lively and a general success. Amongst these speakers were François Pauli (deputy Secretary General of the ALDE Group), François Lafond (member of the Scientific Committee of the IED), Claude Rolin (Belgian MEP), Henri Malosse (Former EESC president), as well as young experts such as Marinella Davide, Wilhelm Bargum, Stepan Berko, Mihai Sebe, Jeremy Van Gorp, and Mathieu Baudier.

IED/YDE Winter Academy – Dec'15 – Beyond the gloomy present: y…

What do more than 30 young Centrists do just a week before Christmas? Reflect, exchange, learn and plan on a brighter future for Europeans and #Europe

Posted by Young Democrats for Europe (YDE) on Tuesday, 29 December 2015

The European Union is facing one massive challenge and all the participants agreed on it: the EU has nearly no budget and is facing great adversity and expectations both internally and externally. The EU’s Budget – 1% of the EU-28’s Gross National Income (just a little bit above Hungary’s GNI) – is far too small for 508 million Europeans. With 75% of its expenditure going to the Common Agricultural Policy and the Regional Cohesion Policy, there is very few left to tackle tremendous crises and challenges at a continent scale such as those currently faced by the EU.

We understand that we need more Europe where it is necessary to tackle those challenges. However, the current organisation of European institutions and the Eurosceptic climate in Europe is a break we, Democrats, will have to handle.

Improving our messages and how the EU is functioning are the only ways to tackle challenges such as youth unemployment, which is “a cancer for our societies”, as Claude Rolin explained. A dematerialised economy and politicians understanding what it means for someone to be unemployed for several months or years are one of the key issues Europe needs to address.

Our internal challenges should not make us forget about external challenges, those just happening at and within our borders. We need to rethink the way we approach the Eastern partnership considering the current and the potential future geopolitical situation. We need to support Democrats where they are, battling for a better, independent, society, just like in Ukraine.

No practical solution can be found without values. Solidarity was exuding from our different talks. Solidarity between citizens after the recent terrorist attacks, solidarity with smaller countries threatened by climate change, solidarity with youngsters who thrive to integrate, solidarity between Member States in tackling the refugees’ crisis.

It is crystal-clear that European Union members have not found the answer yet to handle the refugees’ crisis following a truly humanist path regarding refugees and migrants; nor in a fair way for Member States such as Greece, Italy or Spain which have been asked to handle on their own a region-wide situation, or Germany and Sweden showing solidarity for all others. Fighting opposition one by one is the best way to fail and fall one by one.

While the present does look gloomy, it is not too late to avoid more deadlocks. But solutions will not happen without everyone’s contribution and it is about time to roll up our sleeves.

Special thanks to Eimys Ortiz and Mathieu Camescasse for making it happen.

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Young Democrats for Europe (YDE)
Jeunes Democrates Europeens (JDE)
YDE is the youth wing of the European Party.We embrace the key role of democratic principles, underlined in the Lisbon Treaty and shrined in our political belief: democracy, freedom, equality, participation, sustainability and solidarity.

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