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.
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.
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.
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