The first Euro-Mediterranean Youth Parliament has been convening in Berlin since Saturday, 26 May. On the initiative of the German EU Presidency, more than 100 young people from all the European Union Member States have come together with contemporaries from 11 Mediterranean countries.
The young parliamentarians are to discuss current social issues and will be trained as multipliers for Euro-Mediterranean dialogue through lectures given by experts, various cultural events and team-building sessions from 25 May to 2 June.
The highlight of the Youth Parliament will be the plenary session in the Berlin House of Representatives. Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier will open the session with a speech at 10 a.m. on 1 June.
The goal of the event is to promote dialogue between the EU Member States and their partners to the south and east of the Mediterranean, overcome prejudices and build intercultural bridges. It is designed to make the Barcelona Process, which has formed the institutional framework for cooperation between the EU and its Mediterranean partners since 1995, more accessible for young people.
On 27 May the delegations will provide one another with a taste of their own culture by offering typical culinary specialities and other treats from stands in the Euro-Med Village. The following day will feature a joint Euro-Med concert with music and dance.
The first Euro-Med Youth Parliament is being organized by the Federal Foreign Office with the support of the European Commission, the Goethe Institute, the Heinz Schwarzkopf Foundation, the Anna Lindh Foundation, the European Youth Forum and the Euro-Med Youth Platform.
Please find further information here.
