If you’ve ever dreamed of standing at the heart of European democracy—this is your moment. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has officially opened applications for Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS) 2026, the EU’s flagship youth event that empowers young voices to directly influence policy conversations in Brussels.
Scheduled for 19–20 March 2026, the event will bring together 100+ students, youth leaders, and educators from across the EU, candidate countries, and the UK for two action-packed days of debate, collaboration, and real policy impact.
What Is YEYS 2026 All About?
Since 2010, Your Europe, Your Say! has been the EESC’s annual youth assembly where young people gather to debate key European topics and craft formal recommendations. These proposals are later transmitted to the European Commission and European Parliament, feeding directly into EU advisory and political work. In short, this is not a simulation — it’s a chance to influence real European decisions.
The 2026 edition, themed “Giving Youth a Voice,” will be held in person at the EESC’s premises in Brussels. The event will feature two plenary sessions and interactive workshops where participants collaborate on real-world policy challenges, from climate action and digital inclusion to civic engagement and equality.
Who Can Apply?
YEYS 2026 is open to:
- Secondary school students (aged 16–18), each accompanied by one teacher.
- Young adults (aged 18–25), including university students, members of youth organizations, and active citizens engaged in local or national civil society initiatives.
Applicants must live in:
- Any of the EU’s 27 Member States, or
- One of the 9 EU candidate countries — Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, or Ukraine — or
- The United Kingdom.
All sessions will be held entirely in English, so participants should have a good command of the language.
What Does YEYS 2026 Offer?
Selected participants will:
- Join interactive workshops and policy debates in Brussels.
- Learn directly from EU officials and EESC members.
- Contribute recommendations that reach the EU’s top decision-makers.
- Build lifelong connections with youth leaders across Europe.
The EESC covers travel and accommodation expenses (including return flights, train or bus tickets, and hotel arrangements). This ensures that financial barriers never prevent talented youth from participating.
Selection and Notification Timeline
The application deadline is 30 November 2025 (midnight CET). The EESC will announce selected participants by 15 December 2025, inviting them to complete registration forms for travel and accommodation arrangements.
Selections are based on:
- Age, gender, nationality, and residence balance;
- Involvement in youth or civic organizations;
- The strength and creativity of your motivation statement.
Why You Should Apply?
YEYS 2026 is more than an event — it’s a gateway to Europe’s democratic heart. Whether you’re a high school student passionate about policy, a university representative shaping civic action, or a young activist eager to bring real change, this is your stage to speak up for your generation.
Applications close on 30 November 2025. Visit the official EESC page and apply now to secure your place among Europe’s most inspiring youth voices.