Call for Applications: European Youth Summit 2026 – Your Europe, Your Say

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📢 Call for Applications: European Youth Summit 2026 – Your Europe, Your Say!

Overview:
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has officially opened applications for the 17th edition of its flagship youth event, “Your Europe, Your Say!” (YEYS) scheduled to take place in Brussels, Belgium on 19–20 March 2026. (European Youth Portal)

This summit gathers young Europeans to engage in meaningful debate, dialogue, and decision-making discussions that influence the work of EU institutions. Participants collaborate on ideas and recommendations that are circulated across the European policy landscape. (European Youth Portal)

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🎯 Who Can Apply?

Eligible Participants:

• Secondary school students (typically aged 16–18) and their accompanying teachers.

• Young adults (18–25 years) including individual applicants, representatives of youth organisations, youth councils, and other civic actors. (European Youth Portal)

Geographic Eligibility:

• Youth from the 27 EU Member States

• Youth from 9 EU candidate countries

• Youth from the United Kingdom
  All participants must be able to communicate effectively in English, as the event will be conducted in that language. (European Economic and Social Committee)

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📅 Key Dates

• Application Deadline: 30 November 2025 (for open call applications) (European Youth Portal)

• Event Dates: 19–20 March 2026 in Brussels, Belgium (European Youth Portal)

• Selection Notification: Applicants are typically informed by December/early January following the assessment of submissions. (Organisation process overview available via event info). (European Economic and Social Committee)

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📝 Selection Process & Criteria

Selection for the YEYS programme is competitive and structured to ensure diversity and representation. Criteria include:

• Age eligibility (specific brackets depending on category)

• Involvement in civic, academic, or community activities

• Motivation and potential contribution to discussions

• Geographic and gender balance considerations
  Successful applicants may be invited to complete registration and logistical arrangements. (European Economic and Social Committee)

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🤝 Why It Matters

The summit is designed to amplify youth voices in European policymaking, enabling young people to:

• Debate current socio-political issues affecting Europe

• Develop policy recommendations

• Engage directly with decision-makers and institutional leaders

• Build networks with peers from across the continent and beyond. (European Youth Portal)

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📌 How to Apply

Interested participants should:

1. Visit the official EESC Your Europe, Your Say! event page. (European Youth Portal)

2. Complete the application form relevant to their age category or organisation. (European Youth Portal)

3. Submit before the 30 November 2025 deadline. (European Youth Portal)

Additional eligibility details, guidelines, and tips for application submission are available on the official European Youth Portal and EESC website. (European Youth Portal)

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🟢 Summary

• Purpose: Engage youth in EU civic and policy dialogue. (European Youth Portal)

• Who: Secondary students, young adults 18–25, youth leaders/organisations. (European Youth Portal)

• When: 19–20 March 2026 in Brussels. (European Youth Portal)

• Apply By: 30 November 2025. (European Youth Portal)