Leading with Purpose: EYP Presidents Meeting in Prague, Czech Republic

In early February 2026, Presidents of EYP’s National Committees gathered in Prague for the Presidents’ Meeting (PREM) – a space designed not for formal presentations, but for honest exchange on how to lead better. Held every 18 months, it is one of the most significant moments in the calendar of EYP’s network leadership.

PREM brings together the elected leaders of EYP’s national organisations across Europe, each responsible for steering their teams, running events, and keeping their corner of the network alive. This year’s edition, hosted by EYP Czech Republic and a team of organisers led by Sophie Victoria Elbs (CZ), and facilitated by Matej Bojić (RS) and Nadia Schnider (CH), centred on the challenges that Presidents navigate daily: building sustainable organisations, managing volunteer teams, and leading with purpose.

Running throughout the entire programme was EYP’s FOCUS project, which places the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights at the centre of how EYP organisations work: not as a policy to endorse, but as a principle to embed in everyday leadership. It set the tone from the very first evening, when the group was welcomed at the offices of A&O Shearman by Jan Nedvídek, former EYP Czech Republic President and Associate at the firm.

The main sessions took place at the University of New York in Prague, covering topics from team management and fundraising to HR practices and organisational strategy. A visit to the Europa Experience offered a timely reminder of the democratic institutions that EYP exists to connect young people with.

By the end of the four days, Presidents left with practical takeaways, strengthened connections, and a collective commitment to keeping Fundamental Rights at the centre of their work.

The event was funded by the European Union.