Are you passionate about Europe’s future? Do you want to make your voice heard at the heart of EU policymaking? The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) invites young people from across Europe to apply for Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS) 2026—a unique youth event taking place on 19–20 March 2026 in Brussels, Belgium.
Since 2010, YEYS has given young people the chance to learn how EU institutions work, debate pressing issues, and propose recommendations directly to European leaders. These recommendations are sent to the European Commission, the European Parliament, and are used in the EESC’s advisory work—meaning your ideas could impact real EU policies.
Event Overview
- Date: 19–20 March 2026
- Location: EESC Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium
- Format: In-person only (no online participation)
- Activities:
- Two plenary sessions
- Interactive workshops
- Youth assembly discussions and policy recommendation drafting
- Two plenary sessions
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
You can apply for YEYS 2026 if you:
- Are between 16 and 25 years old
- Live in one of the EU’s 27 Member States, one of the 9 EU candidate countries, or the UK
- Have not participated in EU youth events (including YEYS, Strasbourg, or Luxembourg youth programs) in the last two years
- Have a good command of English (the event will be held entirely in English)
Eligible applicants include:
- Secondary school students (16–18) with one teacher accompanying them (one application per school)
- University students (18–25) representing student organisations
- Young members of civil society, including:
- Youth councils, NGOs, student associations
- Trade unions, farmer groups, environmental movements
- Entrepreneurs, activists, volunteers, human rights defenders
- Youth councils, NGOs, student associations
Selection Process & Timeline
- Applications close: 30 November 2025 (midnight)
- Participants selected: 80 young people + 20 through partner programs (total 100)
- Results announced by email: 15 December 2025
- Selected applicants will complete a registration form for travel and accommodation arrangements
Selection is based on:
- Age, gender, nationality & residence (to ensure diversity)
- Involvement in civil society or student organisations
- Answers in the motivation section of the application form
Travel & Accommodation (Fully Covered)
Selected participants will receive:
- Return travel to Brussels (economy flight, train, or bus)
- Hotel accommodation in Brussels
- Meals during the event
- Local transport in Brussels not fully covered (airport/train station to hotel/EESC is your responsibility)
Important:
- The EESC will arrange bookings through an agency.
- Self-booked travel or accommodation will not be reimbursed.
- Travel to your departure airport/train station is not covered.
Why You Should Apply
By participating in YEYS 2026, you will:
- Be part of an international youth assembly shaping real EU policies
- Meet and collaborate with young leaders, policymakers, and activists
- Develop public speaking, negotiation, and leadership skills
- Share your ideas on Europe’s future—and help turn them into action
- Join a community of youth contributors across Europe
How to Apply
- Applications are submitted via the official EESC website
- Deadline: 30 November 2025 (midnight)
- Only one application per school is allowed (including student and teacher details).
Check other opportunities:
Applications Open: Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2026 (Fully Funded Fellowship in India)
Applications Open: WAAW Foundation Scholarship 2025/2026 for Young African Women in STEM
UTokyo Amgen Scholars Program 2026 in Japan (Fully Funded Summer Internship)
Study in Europe for Free: Erasmus Mundus PROMISE Scholarship 2026 (€1,400 Monthly Stipend)
