EDP CONVENTION

Florence, 8 March

On the 8th of March YDE delegation attended the Convention of the European Democratic Party. Members of our delegation were Asier Areitio (President), Alice Bernard-Montini (Secretary General), Sergio Medina (Treasurer) and Antonella Velić (Vicepresident).

Preparing for the upcoming European elections, after months of hard work, we finally unvield the EDP Manifesto! With 300 priority proposals the Manfifesto outlines top priorities for shaping the future of the European Union.

We had the opportunity to hear the speeches of Jean-Noel Barrot (French Minister Delegate in charge of Europe), Sandro Gozi (EDP Secretary General), Nicola Danti (Italian MEP), and François Bayrou (President of EDP) along with the insights of many other delegates attending the Convention.

After the statutory part of the Convention we also attended four inspiring panels with topics concerning the future of our continent. Green Europe, Inclusive Europe, Safe Europe and Sovereign Europe are not just the names of those panels, these topics can also be found in the EDP Manifesto!

We were honored to hear the words of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belrusian politician, whose steadfast advocacy for the people of Belarus amidst challenges to freedom of speech and politics is a testament to her unwavering commitment to democratic values.

Let’s Rock EU!

READ THE MANIFESTO HERE

Supporting the unity of centrists

Young Democrats for Europe strongly support the unity of centrists at the European elections.

The growing influence of far-right movements and populist ideologies across Europe necessitates a proactive and united response. As advocates for a strong pro-European stance, we recognize the importance of forming alliances among Renew Europe members in Italy and beyond to counter the divisive forces that threaten the core values of our democratic societies.

In pursuing a cohesive centrist family in the European Parliament, we envision a collaborative effort to establish common lists throughout the continent. By creating a united front, like-minded parties can leverage their collective strength, pool resources, and present a more formidable presence in the European political arena. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of centrist representation but also serves as a powerful deterrent against the divisive rhetoric propagated by far-right entities.

Central to our mission is the promotion of a federalist future for Europe. We believe that deeper integration and collaboration among European nations are essential for addressing shared challenges and advancing common goals. This commitment to a federalist vision aligns with our broader objective of fostering unity and solidarity, not only within individual countries but across the entire European Union.

As Young Democrats for Europe, we understand the younger generation’s pivotal role in shaping our continent’s future. We are dedicated to communicating our message effectively, mobilizing support, and encouraging active participation in the democratic process. Through grassroots efforts, engagement campaigns, and open dialogue, we aim to empower the youth to become active contributors to the political discourse and advocates for a united and inclusive Europe.

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!

4th Summit of Young Elected Local and Regional Leaders

Following on from the success of the previous Summits of Young Elected Local and Regional Leaders that took place in 2017, 2018 and 2019, Renew Europe CoR group have yet again teamed up with European Liberal Youth (LYMEC) and Young Democrats for Europe (YDE) to organise a fourth in 2020. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the event will take place online.

When?

25 September 2020

Where?

Online

Why?

To provide an opportunity for young liberal democrat local and regional elected leaders to meet and share ideas and best practice amongst themselves.

Who?

You are encouraged to apply if: 1) you are between 18 and 35; 2) you hold an elected mandate at local or regional level; and 3) you hold a position of responsibility either in government or in opposition.

How?

Apply by filling an online form.

3rd Summit of Young Elected Local and Regional Leaders

Last year, twenty young elected local democrat and liberal leaders from twelve different countries debated how to address the issue of climate change at local and regional level and also how can leadership be shown to achieve climate action. You can see the highlights from the 2nd summit which took place in 2018 here.

Therefore following on from the success of its Liberal Mayors Summits, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe in the European Committee of the Regions (ALDE-CoR) together with LYMEC and YDE yet again teamed up to organise a 3rd Summit of Young Elected Local and Regional Leaders in 2019: in Brussels on the 20th of September.

 

When?

20 September 2019

Where?

Brussels, European Committee of the Regions

Why?

To provide an opportunity for young democrat and liberal local and regional politicians to meet and share ideas and best practice amongst themselves, and afterwards to meet with experienced local and regional politicians in a joint meeting with ALDE-CoR.

Who?

Young (18-35) local and regional politicians with an elected mandate and having a responsibility either in government or in opposition are encouraged to apply.

How?

Apply by filling an online form. When applying please indicate your elected mandate, your current position of responsibility in government or opposition, the dates these began, and your policy interests under comments. Places are limited and selection will be carried out by ALDE-CoR based on experience, and with a view to ensuring geographical, policy and gender balance. The full agenda and confirmations will be sent in August.
Deadline for applications is 19 July.
Travel arrangements and accommodation will be organized by ALDE-CoR.

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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