Welcome to young Europe!
The EYP the Netherlands is the Dutch branch of the European Youth Parliament. We organise conferences, trainings and events for high school students since 1998, differing in size, location and structure. Here, young people aged 15 to 25 come together to exchange ideas, form connections and develop their vision for Europe. Through an interactive process and by simulating the procedure of the European Parliament, our participants engage in active citizenship, improve social skills and form their own opinions on European politics.
Why EYP?
The mision of the European Youth Parliament is to inspire and empower a young generation of informed, open-minded, responsible, and active citizens that shape society and drive impact.
Our vision is a democratic, peaceful, sustainable, and open society where every young person is informed and empowered to play an active role in the shaping of their own lives and society at large.
How EYP?
The European Youth Parliament brings young people from all over Europe together for cross-border dialogue about European politics. This leads to personal development and intercultural understanding. EYP is an informal educational program of conferences, trainings and other events happening every week throughout the year, all over European Union and beyond.
EYP is about competence rather than competition. We focus more on the motivation and personal development of young people than on their current skill level.
What EYP?
Our conferences are built up of 3 main program elements and complemented by cultural activities. The European Youth Parliament is not just a debating simulation of the European Parliament, but an intense experience of new friendships, personal growth and cultural exploration. As such, the EYP is not just a network of conferences, it is a large family of young Europe.
Teambuilding
Through a series of physical, creative and intellectual games and puzzles, participants quickly build trust in their committee. The main purpose of teambuilding is ensuring that everybody feels relaxed, energized and comfortable with expressing their opinion. It also aims to improve communication and productivity for Committee Work.
Committee Work
Participants will try to gain a solid understanding of the assigned topic and find problems, solutions and facts related to the subject. Collectively committee members write a resolution, presenting their vision to solving the key issues at hand. The focus of committee work is on create solutions together, reached by consensus and supported by well-grounded arguments.
General Assembly
All committees present and defend their resolutions in a public meeting. Participants get the chance to speak from the podium, ask questions from the floor and eventually vote in favour or against the proposal. As the General Assembly usually takes place in a special venue and is followed by the Closing Ceremony with guest speakers, formal clothing is appropriate.
Eurovillage
Eurovillage is a fantastic opportunity to learn about other cultures and their delicious cuisine from all over Europe. Bring something that represents a region/ culture in the Netherlands or Europe. Don’t forget to bring your own special dishes and drinks! It is a fun cultural event where everyone can taste different types of food and drinks.
Who EYP?
The conferences of EYP the Netherlands are targeted at high school students between the age of 15 and 18. Undergraduate (onderbouw) havo and vwo students can participate as delegates in the Regional Conferences in Autumn. The best delegations are selected to take part in the National Conference in February.
Currently, there is no program for mavo or MBO students. They are however encouraged to reach out and get involved! HBO and university may take part in special academic forums.
When & Where EYP?
Every year, EYP the Netherlands organises 4 Regional Conferences in Winter (January – March ) and 1 National Conference in April. Every 3-4 years, we host a large international event. Twice a year camp weekends take place for volunteers to have fun and train their skills. Throughout the year small social activities are planned for anyone interested in EYP. We facilitate workshops at high schools to introduce the EYP to students and prepare their participation.
In the 2022-2023 season, the Regional Conferences took place in Maastricht, Haarlem, Delft and Wageningen. The National Conference was hosted in Amsterdam!