97th Summit of the European Youth Parliament is taking place in Kortrijk

‘In a different light’

Following the Conference on the Future of Europe and the European Year of Youth, there is now momentum to get young people more involved in policy making. Kortrijk 2022 is therefore themed ‚in a different light‘, with which the 97th Summit of the European Youth Parliament aims to highlight issues on the political agenda from the perspective of young people. As the gap between young people and politics is so significant, this is an absolute necessity. Kortrijk 2022 will bring together young people and political stakeholders to reflect on the challenges that will determine the course of their future.

President of the European Youth Parliament Belgium, Jef Druyts (21), is looking forward to the start of Kortrijk 2022: „The last time Belgium welcomed ‘Young Europe’ was in 2009 when hundreds of young people gathered in Leuven. Now it’s Kortrijk’s turn. In times of crisis, it is more than ever necessary to listen to young people, as the future is theirs. I am therefore happy to know that policy makers are open to their ideas“.

Kortrijk as host city, Flanders as host region

„We have been preparing for Kortrijk 2022 for three years now. Together with the City of Kortrijk and Visit Flanders, we are trying to put Kortrijk and Flanders on the map with the 97th Summit of the European Youth Parliament. We want to encourage political commitment and active citizenship among young people by facilitating dialogue between young people and decision makers. Kortrijk is the ideal host city for this because of its active commitment to involving young people in policymaking,“ says Cristian Peca (22), one of the three project managers.

Engaging young people in politics

Twelve political issues will be addressed, resulting in twelve resolutions with policy recommendations. Topics include, among others, Ukrainian membership of the European Union, a transatlantic trade agreement with the United States, a digital euro, and the housing crisis. These resolutions will be debated on the 4th and 5th of November, with the first day of the General Assembly taking place in the heart of European democracy: the European Parliament. The General Assembly will be opened with a message by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, and Frederica Mogherini, former High Representative of the European Union. The approved resolutions will be shared with various decision makers.

Furthermore, several moments of interaction between young people and political stakeholders will be organised. The Mayor of Kortrijk, Ruth Vandenberghe, will address the participants at the Opening Ceremony on the 31st of October and the Secretary-General of the Benelux Union, Alain de Muyser, will give a speech at the Closing Ceremony on 5th of November. While drafting the resolutions, the young people will also be guided by policymakers and experts during Expert Talks taking place on the 1st and 2nd of November. A few social and cultural activities are planned, such as Eurovillage on the 30th of October and Euroconcert on the 3rd of November.

You can find more information about the session here.

During the Opening Ceremony of the General Assembly in the European Parliament on the 4th of November from 10:30 – 12:00 CET there will be an opportunity for interviews with key figures and volunteers behind the event. Please get in touch with press@eyp.be or call +32 470 30 43 97 for an informal accreditation.