Growing Through EYP

The Impact on Skills and Beliefs

At the heart of the European Youth Parliament (EYP) lies a simple yet powerful idea: by engaging young people in open dialogue, intercultural exchange, and democratic simulation, we empower them to become active, responsible citizens. This vision outlines how participation fosters personal development, civic engagement, and long-term societal impact. Each year, the EYP runs a Member Survey intended to capture the impact of our work on young people. More about EYP’s approach to measuring impact here.

Unlike traditional schooling, the EYP offers a dynamic space outside of school and university for peer-to-peer education, where learning unfolds organically through teamwork, debate, and problem-solving. Participants take on policymaker roles, confront complex real-world challenges, and refine essential life skills. As one survey respondent reflects:

“As a person who was previously very scared of public speaking, the EYP has encouraged me to speak my mind while reflecting upon my own beliefs and prejudices. My skills in organisation, management, communication & leadership have also improved.” 

But do all members of our network experience this impact?

Measurable Growth in Skills

The 2024 Member Survey offers evidence of the EYP’s positive impact in the following areas:

• More than 92% of respondents believe the EYP has influenced their skill development across areas such as public speaking, negotiation, critical thinking, and intercultural competence.
• Members in specialised teams of volunteers (such as organisers, academics or the media team) report even greater EYP influence over skills gained than other respondents. As examples, media team members experienced a larger influence over media and marketing skills than other respondents; and team leaders reported larger influence over leadership, team management, and project management skills than other respondents.

As such, the EYP’s approach to skill development is closely aligned with the EU’s Key Competences for Lifelong Learning, especially for creating personal, social, and learning-to-learn competences. This demonstrates that EYPers acquire highly valued skills that not only enhance their employability but also support their long-term professional and personal growth.

Substantial Knowledge Gains

Participation in EYP significantly boosts members’ EU institutional, socioeconomic, political, and cultural knowledge:

• 98% report that EYP influenced their knowledge of EU institutions and processes.
• Members who reported being most influenced by EYP also reported having greater institutional and cultural knowledge.

These gains compare favourably with broader EU youth data, where knowledge of democratic processes remains a key educational challenge.

Transformative Attitudes and Values

EYP fosters values essential to democratic societies:

• Across all measures of positive attitudes, such as supporting intercultural understanding, dialogue and cooperation, more than 94% of respondents indicated that EYP had an influence on them.
• Members who felt most influenced by EYP demonstrated the strongest positive attitudes.

These outcomes directly support EU priorities on fostering tolerance, dialogue, and democratic resilience among youth.

Beyond Sessions: Broader Life Impact

The report doesn’t stop at personal development. It also highlights how EYP influences participants’ career paths. The experience often translates into higher civic engagement, with members actively participating in elections, community initiatives, and even policymaking. Diversity and inclusivity remain central themes, and the report offers encouraging signs of progress.

Curious to dive deeper into these insights? The full Member Survey 2024 Report offers an in-depth analysis of these findings and much more. We invite you to explore it and reflect on how EYP continues to shape lives across Europe and beyond.
We’re excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Member Survey! If you are a member of our network, either actively or as an alumni, let us know if participating in the EYP has impacted you through the form  here.