The Programme

Prior to the event there will be a research phase. The 10 discussion topics of the conference will be published on our website. These form the basis for the participants’ own research, facilitated by one of our peer-to-peer educators.

In addition,  Online Trainings will be given to the fifty volunteers who implement the event. They will gain didactic skills needed to facilitate and moderate online discussions, as well as leadership skills, technical skills and communication skills. Educators and moderators will receive training to improve their facilitation skills, while our photographers and editors will use the training to improve their skills in photography, videography and public relations. Trainings are also youth-led, although partners may be invited to give a training to our diverse young volunteers. 

During this first evening, a Welcome Event will bring all participants together for the first time, explain the programme and make sure every participant has what they need in order to fully participate and enjoy the event. 

The conference is opened with an official online ceremony, including speeches by participants and keynotes delivered by guest speakers. Past speakers at such ceremonies in the Netherlands included Ms. Violeta Bulc (European Commissioner), Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands, Mr. Frans van Houten (CEO Royal Philips N.V.) and Ms. Ockje Tellegen (first Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives).

Throughout three days, the participants are split up into 10 working groups – the 10 Committees – to discuss a topic under guidance of a young facilitator.  During a few hours of Team Building, through games and puzzles, every Committee establishes principles of cooperation and teamwork. This enables them to work respectfully together during the next programme part: during Committee Work, each group researches and discusses their chosen issue. They come up with their own suggestions and innovative ideas for Europe’s future.  Every committee will be visited by policy-makers and experts, who provide their stance and expertise on the topic. Each Committee compiles their new policy ideas for the future of Europe into an Action Plan. The EYP’s youthful and innovative policy recommendations have been considered by international organisations such as the European Parliament, Commission and the Benelux Parliament.

On Monday, 19 April from 9.00 to 12.00, together with Studio Europa Maastricht, we are organising Workplace Europe: an online workshop about digital innovation issues in the Maastricht region. Regional businesses can meet with our 200 ambitious young participants to discuss digital challenges of the future. Workplace Europe offers the opportunity to learn from each other, and explore concrete solutions for the problems real companies are facing. Read the official invitation to this event here.

On the last day, all Committees will come together in a plenary meeting – the General Assembly – to present their Action Plans to each other and to the visiting policy-makers and experts. This includes speeches, debate, amendments and voting. The General Assembly will be ended with a Closing Ceremony, which includes livestreamed speeches or interviews with notable guest speakers, with whom the participants can engage in a Q&A.

The event is completely online. Participants are at home and join through video-conferencing technology. Based on evaluation of past digital events, we will introduce the following improvements to fully support our participants: reimburse costs for temporary internet service if necessary; limit screen time to only 5-6 hours per day; organise regular breaks with physical activities; send care packages with materials and supplies to each participant’s home. Care packages also include products from the region, supporting local businesses.

Throughout the whole conference, a Cultural Programme gives the participants the possibility to get to know each other’s cultures, for example through online music performances and traditional cooking workshops which can be followed from home. This creates intercultural awareness and tackles prejudice. The volunteers who are on-site in Maastricht will work to create various interesting productions that showcase the city, such as livestreams with interesting speakers at notable locations in the city, videos and podcasts, and a virtual tour through the city.