| Project Code | 2018-1-ES02-KA347-010853 |
| Type of Action | Youth Policy Dialogue |
| Countries Involved | ES,RS,AM,DE,GE,CZ,FI,BA,CY,LU,NO,SE,AL,NL,TR,SK,DK,HR,EL,AT,RU,BE,RO,IT,PL,LT,FR,EE,UA,UK,PT,SI,IE |
| Duration | 18 months |
| Budget | 49.945,00 EUR |
| Objectives | -Promote active citizenship and democratic engagement by involving young participants in parliamentary simulations and discussions on current European issues. -Foster intercultural exchange and European values through cultural events and collaborative work in international, multicultural teams. -Encourage youth leadership and non-formal learning by supporting youth-driven initiatives and providing experiential learning opportunities. |
| Target Group | -Young Participants (Aged 16-26): Youth from 38 European countries, including local youth from Valencia and Spain. -Youth Workers and Volunteers: Young individuals actively involved in organizing and supporting the event. -Policy Makers and Decision Makers: Officials and experts engaged in discussions and providing input on European issues. -Youth Organizations: Groups and organizations focused on youth development, citizenship, and education. -Cultural and Educational Institutions: Organizations promoting intercultural exchange and non-formal learning. -European Youth Parliament Network: Members of the EYP network and broader youth networks across Europe. |
| Summary of the Project |
| The International Session of the European Youth Parliament (EYP) in Valencia, themed “Sailing towards new horizons,” was a landmark event that brought together 287 young participants from 38 European countries, including a substantial number of local youth from Valencia and Spain. For many attendees, this was their first opportunity to engage in an international forum and interact directly with high-level decision-makers. The event’s theme, reflecting Valencia’s coastal location, aptly symbolized the exploration of new possibilities and the array of challenges that youth face globally. This setting provided a meaningful backdrop for participants to reflect on past achievements and chart new goals for their future engagement and development.Over the course of seven days, the event offered an immersive parliamentary simulation experience, allowing young delegates to dive deeply into the mechanics of parliamentary democracy. Participants were divided into 15 international working groups, where they engaged in collaborative discussions on pressing European issues. Each group worked to draft resolutions that were then presented and debated in a two-day General Assembly, designed to replicate the structure and processes of the European Parliament, albeit tailored for the youth audience. In addition to the parliamentary activities, the session was enriched with cultural events that promoted intercultural exchange and celebrated the diversity of Europe, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives.Valencia 2019 was more than just a series of structured activities; it was a comprehensive non-formal and informal learning experience that emphasized the principles of European citizenship, active participation, and democratic engagement. Entirely organized by a team of passionate young volunteers aged 16 to 26, the event was supported by a steering group and involved 33 participating organizations from across 38 countries. The project’s outcomes were widely disseminated to partners, youth organizations, and the broader EYP network, which includes over 19,000 members. This extensive sharing of results ensured that the valuable insights and achievements from the event resonated throughout the European youth community, fostering continued engagement and dialogue beyond the confines of the session itself. |
| Results of the Project |
| The project has created a resolution developed by the young people to engage with the policy makers and influence the policy making process. In addition to that, the project provided place for young people to engage in political discussions and directly provide their opinions to the policy makers. As a result of the project, Final Resolution Booklet was developed in 15 different themes and can be accessed from here : https://issuu.com/valencia2019/docs/_resolutionbooklet_v3 |
| Significance of the Project |
| The project has been recognized as a best practice primarily due to its direct involvement of policymakers in the policy document creation process, which significantly enhanced its impact. By integrating policymakers into the development stages, the project ensured that the resulting policies were not only well-informed but also had a stronger influence. Additionally, the project engaged over 200 young people, who were not just passive participants but played an active role as organizers. This hands-on involvement allowed them to take ownership of the event and contribute meaningfully to its success.Furthermore, the project provided a vital platform for young people to engage in discussions on global and EU-level issues with their peers. This interaction enabled them to explore and develop new ideas and solutions for the challenges they perceive as important within their own communities. By facilitating these exchanges and providing a space for collaborative problem-solving, the project empowered young participants to address pressing issues and drive positive change both locally and internationally. |
