July 30, 2025

The 102nd International Session of the EYP in Turku, Finland!

The European Youth Parliament goes up north once more for the 102nd International Session of the EYP in Turku, Finland!

The event brought together over 250 participants from 38 countries across Europe to engage in topics surrounding the theme “Piecing Together: Innovating, Reflecting, and Connecting”. Turku 2025 celebrates the 30th anniversary of Finland’s accession to the European Union and draws from lessons of the past to build a  sustainable future. The participants  discussed topics in both a historical and a current global context, such as the rise and impact of AI on creative industries, the protection of Sámi people, and the integration of asylum seekers into the workforce.

Young people in Turku were addressed by key political decision-makers on the future of the Union, such as Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, Li Andersson, MEP, Ville Niinistö, MEP, and Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy. 

The participants separated into 13 working groups, each led by a young facilitator, and delved deep into modern issues facing Europe and the global stage. Many of the working groups had the opportunity to engage with an expert on their given topic, ranging from session partners in UNHCR, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, IPSOS, Covestro, Finanssiala + Energiateollisuus, University of Turku, and University of Helsinki.

Turku International Session also promoted the cultural heritage and traditions of both Finland and Europe as a whole, through events such as the Eurovillage, Finnish cultural evening, and Euroconcert. During the Eurovillage, participants from various delegations brought national dishes from their home countries to share with their newly found international acquaintances. The Euroconcert allowed participants to showcase their talents, with a mix of poetry, song, and dance presenting the styles and traditions of their countries. The Finnish cultural evening included games, exploring the world of Moomins, and traditional food like Lohikeitto with Ruisleipä (a traditional dish of salmon soup with rye bread).
Around the Euroconcert, an alumni event took place, bringing together alumni from across EYP’s  history, allowing them to once again reconnect with the EYP spirit.

The event could have not taken place without the hard work of the National Organising Committee, EYP Finland, Eeva Ferrer (FI) & Jasmin Alanko (FI) as Head Organisers, Clara Gaughan (IE) as President, Eclair Plashchynski (BY) and Nareh Honarchian (AM), and their teams of young volunteers. Their work and dedication shaped the vision of the event and made it a memorable one for all participants.

Thank you to all who took part in Turku 2025!

Turku International Session was made possible by the patrons who supported the event: The Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, Hertie Stiftung, E.ON Stiftung, Covestro, the US Mission to the EU, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Finance Finland, Finnish Energy and the supporters from Visit Turku, Åbo Akademi, University of Turku and the City of Turku . 

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