Antonio Tajani
President of the European Parliament
"Through all its activities, the Schwarzkopf Foundation encourages and enables young Europeans to be more active democratic citizens, which is something Europe needs in these times. The European Youth Parliament is an excellent example of a program that allows young people to discuss the pressing topics of our time, in a peaceful and respectful setting.
The European Youth Parliament is tremendously valuable, because it teaches young Europeans that by acting together, they can overcome the challenges of today as well as those of tomorrow."
Margrethe Vestager,
European Commissioner for Competition
Picture by Olli Geibel
"No one has a bigger stake in Europe’s future than our young people. And the Schwarzkopf Foundation helps to make sure their voices are heard. The programs of the Foundation bring young people together with European decision makers, to learn how the European part of their democracy works – and to share their opinions. It helps them understand what it really means to work together in Europe, by getting them involved in the European Youth Parliament. And by doing that, The Schwarzkopf Foundation helps to secure the future of our democracy."
Margot Friedländer
"The Schwarzkopf Foundation is my most important partner in completing my life’s work. I took it upon myself to keep the memory of the effects of National Socialist regime alive. I reach out to young people in order to make my massage clear- you have to be the witnesses, that we cannot be for much longer. Especially in these times of controversy, young people must be supported in their democratic thinking, their involvement and their political work. The Schwarzkopf foundation takes care of the young generation, and for that, I am very grateful!"
Michael Roth,
MdB Minister of State Europe in the Foreign Office
Picture by Michael Farkas
"Europe depends on young people. Young Europeans who know about their opportunities for participation in Europe and the EU will also take advantage of their opportunities, offered to them by our democratic co-existence in Europe. The Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe and their programs have been contributing for over 45 years to young people’s voices being heard and sustainable exchanges on European politics. I expressly thank them for that."
Vytenis Andriukaitis,
Commissioner for Health and Food Safety at the International Session of the EYP in Brno
"There are many issues that the European Union faces today – Brexit, refugee crisis, environmental issues and climate change, terrorism and security – I am glad to see all these topics on the agenda of international sessions of the European Youth Parliament. How our future will turn out, how we manage to meet these challenges, and what lessons future generations will draw from history depends on the collective will of each and every one of us."
Manuela Schwesig,
Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
"I support the goals and work of the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe. I think it is very important to encourage young people to stand up for a tolerant and democratic Europe. We should inspire more people to create a peaceful co-existence for all people in Europe and to support acceptance and mutual respect. The Foundation’s activities help foster diversity which is so important for Europe and address the challenges and opportunities associated with Europe."
Georg Fahrenschon
"What we need now – more than ever – is a lively debate about Europe. All of you are willing to play an active part in shaping Europe. The European Youth Parliament brings together delegates from over 40 European countries. That is fantastic.Worldwide, young people have the privilege of being particularly honest and outspoken. For this reason, I’m pleased about the lively debates here in the European Youth Parliament. Please share this enthusiasm with your families and friends at home! "
Martin Schulz,
President of the European Parliament a.D.
"The commitment of young people to Europe is essential because they are the future of our continent. It is the youth whose commitment we need when we discuss how our Europe will look in the future, what tasks it will undertake, what role it will play in the world and what expectations it will fulfill. And it is the generation of young Europeans whose job it is to preserve a free and peaceful Europe in the future as well. I cordially congratulate the Schwarzkopf Foundation on electing of Louis Alvarado Martinez, Young European of the Year 2014."
Jerzy Buzek,
President of the European Parliament a.D.
"The European Youth Parliament offers young people a unique opportunity to voice their opinion on European issues, to take part in a pan-European debate and to strengthen their intercultural skills. I also consider the European Youth Parliament a very important instrument of non-formal education. As you certainly know, enhancing the active participation of young people is an issue which the European Youth Parliament has always strongly supported in its resolutions and other activities. (…) It is a pleasure to see that an organisation to which I granted my permanent patronage is carrying out such an important work so successfully, and I can only encourage you to pursue your activities in the same spirit."
Torsten Schmidtke,
Teacher at the Docemus Campus Grünheide Gymnasium l Oberschule
"With its events, the Schwarzkopf Foundation offers something that schools cannot do: direct contact with well-known personalities from politics and society. Young people get to know the people who make decisions and shape Europe with their ideas. Without barriers, youth can freely ask their questions and talk to politicians, scientists and contemporary witnesses. That’s the reason why I appreciate the foundation’s work so much."