European Forum in Essen - Meeting of the European Youth Parliament
General Assembly / Photo: Jim Cramer
Essen - as European Capital of Culture 2010 - hosted the inaugural European Youth Parliament forum under the patronage of Greens politician Cem Özdemir and Mayor Reinhard Paß. From 8 to 11 May, 60 young people from all over Europe convened at the heart of the Ruhr to discuss pressing issues relating to the key topic of structural change.
How will the Europe of the future look? What approach should the EU adopt in tackling the primary challenges of our time? These were the issues debated at the first European Forum in Essen by the 60 youngsters from ten European countries. They met in the Ruhr to address current topics in European politics, including climate change.
The Forum was organised into three parts: team-building, committee work and a General Assembly.
Team-building
Mutual trust, shared motivation and the acknowledgement of strengths and weaknesses are the basis for successful teamwork. Working in a team presents a major challenge, which is why the meeting kicked off with a one-day team-building exercise. A series of enjoyable tasks gave the young people the opportunity to develop their own set of rules as a foundation for cooperation in an international team.
Committee work
During the subsequent committee work, the participants debated current topics in European politics and compiled the results of their discussions in a resolution written in English. Instead of simply repeating established viewpoints and popular opinions, the focus here was on giving the young people the chance to develop their own visions, ideas and concepts.
General Assembly
During the General Assembly at the Zollverein colliery on 11 May, the youngsters discussed the resolutions they had developed in an open debate conducted in English. All the committees defended their positions with the ultimate objective of having their own resolution passed. Following our events, the resolutions will be handed over to well-known politicians such as the President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek.
The Forum was not open to the public. On 9 May 2010, however, interested persons had the opportunity to meet the international youngsters at the Euroconcert and EYP Café at Unperfekthaus in Essen.
For further information, please visit:
www.eyp.de/sitzungen/foren/essen