The Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS) 2026 program is a fully funded youth event organized by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). It will take place in Brussels, Belgium, on 19–20 March 2026. This event brings together young people from the 27 EU Member States, 9 EU candidate countries, and the United Kingdom. YEYS helps students and young adults learn how the European Union works and gives them the chance to share their ideas with real EU representatives.
Each year, YEYS selects a total of 137 participants. These include school students, teachers, young adults, and youth delegates. The event includes group discussions, workshops, debates, and big meetings called plenary sessions. The goal is to teach young people about democracy, teamwork, and leadership. Participants work together to create recommendations that are later shared with EU institutions. This gives young people a real voice in shaping Europe’s future.
YEYS 2026 is fully funded, which means the organizers pay for round-trip travel to Brussels and accommodation during the event. This support helps young people from many backgrounds take part. Participants only need to pay for small local costs, like transport inside their own city. The program is open to students aged 16–18 and young adults aged 18–25. It is a wonderful chance to learn, grow, and meet new people from all over Europe.
Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS) 2026 | Fully Funded Youth Event in Brussels:
Host Country:
- Belgium
Host City:
- Brussels
Organizer:
- European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)
YEYS Event Dates:
- 19–20 March 2026
Total Participants: 137
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Eligible Ages:
- Students: 16–18
- Young Adults: 18–25
Benefits of the YEYS 2026:
- You learn how the European Union works and how important decisions are made.
- You get better at speaking, listening, sharing ideas, and working in a team.
- You travel to Brussels for free and stay in a hotel without paying.
- You meet new friends from many different countries.
- You feel more confident when talking in front of others.
- You add a strong experience to your CV or scholarship applications.
- You get the chance to share your ideas with EU leaders and make your voice heard.
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Funding Coverage Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS) 2026:
- Round-trip travel between your country and Brussels
- Hotel accommodation during the event
- All event activities, workshops, and sessions
Eligibility Criteria for Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS) 2026:
General Eligibility (applies to all participants)
- Must live in one of the 27 EU countries OR
- Must live in one of the 9 EU candidate countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine OR
- Must live in the United Kingdom.
- Must be able to speak and understand English.
For Secondary School Students (Age 16–18)
- Must be 16–18 years old.
- Must be studying in a secondary school or vocational training school.
- School must be located in an eligible country.
- Student must be in their second-last year of school.
- Student must speak English.
- Student must join all parts of the event in Brussels.
- Students cannot apply directly.
- School must apply for them.
- School must choose one student and one teacher.
- School must also choose backup replacements.
- School must be a recognized educational institution.
- School must have an official email and internet access.
- School must not have attended EU youth events in Brussels / Strasbourg / Luxembourg in the past two years.
- School must host an EESC member visit before the event.
- School must work with the European Parliament Liaison Office (EPLO).
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For Young Adults (Individuals Age 18–25)
- Must be 18–25 years old.
- Must live in an eligible country.
- Must speak English.
- Must have internet and an active email address.
- Must be involved in a youth group, youth council, NGO, parliamentary youth activity, or another civil society group.
- Must not have attended EU youth events (YEYS or similar) in the past two years.
- Must apply directly through the online application.
For Youth Delegates (18–25) — Nominated, Not Applying
- Must be 18–25 years old.
- Must speak English.
- Must have internet and email access.
- Must live in an eligible country (for EESC Youth Group nominees).
- Must be Brussels or Belgium-based (for European Youth Forum nominees).
- Must not have attended EU youth events in the last two years.
- Do not apply — nominated by an organization:
- 15 nominated by EESC Youth Group.
- Up to 5 nominated by the European Youth Forum (EYF).
Applications Prcoess of the YEYS Europe 2026:
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First, check your age group:
- Students aged 16–18 apply through their school.
- Young adults aged 18–25 apply individually.
- Youth delegates aged 18–25 are nominated, not applying.
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Students (16–18):
- Cannot apply directly.
- Their school submits ONE application form for one student and one teacher.
- The student answers two motivation questions inside the form.
- The school gets parent/guardian consent before applying.
- The school must provide contact details of the headteacher and teacher.
- Young adults (18–25):
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- Fill out the online YEYS application form themselves.
- Provide personal details, email, and residency information.
- Answer two motivation questions.
- Mention involvement in a youth or civil society organization.
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Youth delegates (18–25):
- Do not apply on the website.
- Are chosen and nominated by the EESC Youth Group or European Youth Forum.
Your Europe, Your Say! (YEYS) Deadline:
- November 30, 2025.
