From 5th to 13th of April, the Hague International Session took place, gathering over 250 young people from 36 countries to discuss 15 topics about peace, security, and democracy.
For the 101st time since 1987, the European Youth Parliament has brought together a diverse group of young people from all over Europe, to engage in topics under the theme of “Young Vision of Peace and Security.” The Hague, city of justice, presented the perfect location for hosting productive discussions about peace and democracy in the modern world.
The event brought together over 250 young people spanning from 36 countries, creating a unique, intercultural exchange of thoughts on 15 topics. As 2025 marks 80 years since the end of World War II, and security is becoming of increasing relevance in European society, the topics at the event were based on four thematic pillars: Peace and Remembrance, Defence and Conflict, Democracy and Participation, and Economic and Internal Security. The participants were addressed by important figures in modern safekeeping, including Prof. Costas Kadis, the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, video message from Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space, H.E. Ambassador Odette Melono, the Deputy Director-General of the OPCW and other partners of the event.
Young people from all over Europe spent the week talking about potential solutions for safeguarding freedom of expression, data sovereignty, importance of harbours in security, energy supply security and affordability, external infringement in democratic elections and the dangers of chemical weapons.
During group work in committees, participants got to immerse themselves with modern problems surrounding discussion topics and wrote down their findings in a policy proposals document (in the EYP we call this a “Resolution”). Each committee had the opportunity to engage with an expert on their given topic. and after committee work, they also got to engage in workshops with several stakeholders, like Eurojust and College of Europe, among others. This evening was introduced by a short address by the Director of Eurojust, Vincent Jamin. You can read the Resolution Booklet in the sidebar to see the innovative solutions proposed by our delegates!
The Hague International Session showcased cultural diversity through two event elements: Eurodessert and Peace Concert. The Eurodessert presented a place for participants to share sweets and pastries from their homelands with their international friends, with a fun party twist at the end,. whereas the Peace Concert commemorated the end of World War II with a show full of singers, dancers, poets, and actors, showcasing their talents. The event also showcased typical Dutch culture, through the Remembrance Evening, where young people got to experience the Dutch tradition of breaking bread and eating soup, while discussing important issues of acceptance and peace in modern society. This was a chance to remember all the lives lost 80 years ago, and reflect on the meaning and importance of peace, now more than ever. During the event, an Alumni Reunion was held, where EYP Alumni, spanning the thirty-eight years of the network’s existence, gathered to reflect and remember their own journeys.
A special thank you goes out to the Leadership of the International Session: Sara Huseby (DK/NO) as the President, Valérie Cafaro (CH) and Hana Vicherková (CZ) as the Editors, and Yu Vos (NL) and Bente Presse (DE/NL) as the Head Organisers. Their dedication and hard work isare what made the event possible.
The Hague was made possible due to our partners, Erasmus+ programme from the European Union, Dutch ministry of Defence, Dutch ministry of Economic affairs, Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, North Sea Port, Peace fund, the Hertie Foundation, Insurance Europe, and the E.ON Foundation.
The Media Team of the event captured all the magical moments through videos, pictures, and several special projects. We invite you to check out Visions of Peace, Voices of Justice, The Garden of Youth, Crafting Memories of #THIS25, the Session Video, and many others you can find over at @eypnetwork and @eyp_the_netherlands.
