Frequently asked questions

What does the EYP do?

The European Youth Parliament (EYP) is a peer-to-peer educational programme that inspires and empowers young people from across Europe to be open-minded, tolerant and active citizens. We provide participants with a forum to develop and express their opinions on a wide range of topics. By bringing young people from different backgrounds together, we build intercultural understanding and friendships across borders. EYP participants and volunteers get equipped with the knowledge and the skills needed to positively shape the world around them. Thousands of young people are actively involved as volunteers all over Europe, making the EYP a genuinely youth-driven programme – run by young people, for young people.

What is the organisational structure of the EYP?

The EYP is a network of organisations located in over 35 countries in Europe, connecting young people from all across the continent. The network is separated into local branches, referred to as National Committees (NCs), the Governing Body (GB), which, together with the NCs, governs over the shared policies of the network, and the International Office (IO), which overlooks the work of the network and provides support for the NCs. The network organises hundreds of events every year, with thousands of new participants and returning volunteers! Find out here how to join in your country! 

Partners & sponsors

1. Can we partner up with the EYP?

Yes! We are always looking for project-based or long-term partners that can help us grow our peer-education network. You can find more information on our Partner page. For questions related to partnerships, please contact Anya Suprunenko, the Executive Director, at a.suprunenko@eyp.org.

2. What kind of partnerships does EYP do?

The format of the partnership with the EYP can differ depending on the potential partner as well as our activities. With some organisations, we partner on long-term projects. Some choose a specific event or theme-based activity to support and/or participate in. Write to us at info@eyp.org and we will be happy to discuss how the goals of our organisations align and which format of the partnership will be attractive and beneficial.

3. Does EYP post sponsored content?

Yes, but it depends on the content and purpose of your organisation. You can find an example of sponsored content we’ve published previously here. Write to us for more information.

Participation

1. What is an EYP ‘session’?

EYP events are often referred to as ‘sessions’. An EYP session mainly consists of three components: Teambuilding, Committee Work and General Assembly. Depending on the size of the event, there might be additional components such as cultural activities. Read more about our events here!

2. How can I join the EYP?

You can join the EYP by participating in events of the network. Most of the events are catered towards high school and university students. Usually, each National Committee has its own approach to becoming a member, but most include attending EYP events. To hear about events happening near you, contact the EYP National Committee in the country you reside in to get involved! You may find a list of EYP countries here!

3. How are participants selected for EYP sessions?

To be selected as a participant, all you need to show is clear motivation and curiosity about EYP. We are not looking for experts or scientists, just young people eager to learn together in a peer-to-peer learning environment! If you are interested in meeting new people from all over Europe, learning valuable soft skills, as well as gaining new knowledge, then EYP is a place for you.

4. Are there any costs involved in joining or attending an EYP session?

While a lot of smaller events do not have any monetary costs, most National and International scale events have a small, symbolic participation fee. This fee helps the upkeep of the network, and is your small way of contributing to continuation of our work. On the other hand, you will be provided with accommodation, catering, cultural activities, in-event transportation, as well as unforgettable experiences. If you are unable to pay the participation fee, but you still wish to participate, please reach out to the facilitators of the events to see how they can accommodate your needs.

5. Accessibility at Our Events

EYP represents an inclusive & safe space. We try to cater to the needs of every participant to the best of our capacities, whether this correlates to food preferences, accessible spaces, transportation, or unique approaches to our standard work. Please always feel free to reach out to the volunteers of the event you are attending if you need any help.

6. Can I volunteer for EYP if I am no longer eligible to participate as a delegate?

Even if you are too old to join EYP in your country, there might still be a way to help and participate! Reach out to your local National Committee to see if you may assist them in any way. You can find their information in the Get involved section.

Events and Sessions

How often and where are EYP sessions held? 

More than 400 events are held annually all over Europe. These events differ in scale and duration. A lot of National Committees usually have set times for their events – so you will always have somewhere to attend, no matter time of the year. If you want to know when there are events near you, contact your local National Committee! You may find a list of EYP countries here! 

Skills and Benefits

1.What can EYP teach me?

A LOT! The EYP will equip you with skills ranging from leadership, intercultural communication, and time management to media production, event management, and academic writing. Each role has a different purpose and teaches you a different set of skills, let alone the hundreds of young people from all over Europe you will meet and with whom you will share unique experiences!

2. Does EYP provide certificates or official recognition?

Yes, each event can provide you with a participation certificate. While we do not often provide in-person certificates due to sustainability, you should always receive a digital one. If you have not, please contact the organisational committee of the event you participated in.

3. Which languages are spoken in the EYP? 

English is the working language of the EYP. Whereas we celebrate the diversity of cultures that we have within the network of 40 European countries, we use British English as the official language for any event.

For Educators and Organisations

1. How can schools get involved with the EYP?

If you are a teacher who wishes to get their school involved in an EYP session, reach out to the National Committee in your country! You will be welcomed by an enthusiastic group of volunteers happy to collaborate with you, and ready to inform you about the opportunities for your students.

2. What can I do as an educator?

In EYP, teachers play a vital role in supporting their students throughout the process. We encourage a competitive spirit and good preparation. You can learn more about your role here! 

Alumni

1.Who are the EYP alumni?

For nearly 40 years, EYP has created a large community of volunteers and alumni. Over 200,000 young people have participated in EYP activities, fostering peaceful collaboration across Europe and contributing to a pluralistic democratic society. Today, EYP alumni work in all sectors of life, and are involved in many important processes throughout Europe.

2. How can the alumni contribute to the network?

EYP alumni can contribute to the network through multiple of our programmes. A lot of EYP alumni have participated at sessions as experts for certain topics, help contribute to the network through private donations as members of The Circle of Friend, or were part of our Mentorship programme, which encourages personal growth of our younger members through interactions with our more experienced alumni. EYP also hosts various alumni events and reunions, that you could be a part of! Register to our EYP alumni database, and you will get all the information you need.

Contact us!

 1. I have a general EYP question. Who should I speak to?

If you are wondering about something EYP related in your country, you can find their contact information in our Get involved section!  

On the other hand, if you have more broad questions, the team at the International Office will be happy to help! Send us your ideas, questions and remarks via:

Email: info@eyp.org
Phone: +49 30 726 21 95 42

Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe
European Youth Parliament
Sophienstr. 28 / 29
10178 Berlin
Germany

Furthermore, if you are a member of the EYP and need to contact the Governing Body, the International Board of the EYP, you can find their information here.

2. I have a press enquiry. How can I contact you?

For press-released enquiries or any further information, please contact us at communications@eyp.org  .

3. I am reaching out as an international organisation wanting to collaborate with the EYP. Who should I talk to?

EYP is often very excited to collaborate on different projects. If you wish to collaborate with your local National Committee, please find their contact information in our Get involved section! If you wish to work with EYP in general, you can contact us at info@eyp.org.

European Youth Parliament Dictionary

Event types

IS: International Session – a cross-network large-scale event, usually lasting between 8 to 10 days, and having over 200 participants. Learn more about them here!

IF: International Forum – a large-scale event with international delegations, usually lasting between 6 and 10 days

NS/NSC: National Session / National Selection Conference – a medium scale event mostly for delegates of the hosting National Committee.

RS/RSC: Regional Session / Regional Selection Conference – a medium scale event mostly for local delegates.

Event roles

Every EYP session consists of three main teams: the Organising Team, the Chair’s Team, and the Media Team. You can learn more about them here! 

Organising Team 

Head Organiser, Core-Organisers, and Organiser  – Participants who prepare and implement the entire project.

Chair’s Team 

President, Vice-President, Chairpersons – They develop the academic content, and lead committees of delegates during the event and debates.

Media Team 

Editor, Editorial Assistant, Media Team Member – This team creates media content for and about the event.

Event terms

Every EYP event consists of three components: Team Building, Committee Work, and General Assembly. Additionally, most of our events also have a fourth component – a cultural programme. You can read more about each aspect here!