This event takes place every two years. This time, the Youth International Programme Agency (JSPA) supported three young people - Elīza Elizabeth Loja as successful participation project authors from the association Laiks Jaunāmņi, Jelizaveti Savčenko as an active young person who successfully participates in the Eurodesk information point, the Jūrmala Youth Initiative Centre and Eva Evelina Kļaviņa - a member of the youth-historical network.
Programme and activities of the event
For two days, more than 450 different activities took place in the European Parliament (EP) and in the nearby event town of EYE Village. It was an opportunity to take part in activities and workshops on various topics, such as mental temperament, youth participation, inclusion, digital development, job and internship opportunities in the EP. Everyone could find activities and areas of interest in which to improve their knowledge. The event began with a common focus on creating a more informal environment, which allowed participants to develop already the first mutual contacts and twinnings, as well as to get to know the event territory, in order to know the venues already on the first day of the event.
Addressed at the opening of the event were Rares Voicu, President of the European Youth Forum, Jeanne Barseghian, Mayor of Strasbourg, and Sabine Verheyen, Vice President of the EP. During all days, alongside activities, it was possible to talk to MEPs, to find out how the translation process is going on in the EP, providing translation in all 24 EU languages, as well as to get to know the European Commission, the EP radio and other institutions, which play an important role in the work of the EP on a daily basis. During the event it was possible to obtain several valuable insights on various issues of importance to young people, to listen to the experience of experts from different fields, as well as to work practically in activities themselves, sharing Latvian experience on various issues.
Each evening after the closing of the activities there was an opportunity to attend concerts held in the event area. Young musicians and groups from different European Union (EU) countries participated in the concerts, representing diverse musical styles and musical tastes.
All in all, two days was a positive and joyful atmosphere in which every visitor had the opportunity to participate and explore topics of interest, as well as to network with participants from different countries.
Elīza Elizabeth Loja about her emotions after the event: I visited activities on participation of young people, the role of NGOs in society, the development of democracy in the future and the increase in participation of citizens. Each activity was able to gain new knowledge and prospects on these issues. These days certainly gave new ideas and a substantial part of motivation to all the future!