On the second day of the session, delegates from all over Europe are divided into committees of up to 12 members. These people, coming from very different backgrounds and having never met before, need to function as a strong team, depending on and respecting each other by the end of the week. The aim of these teambuilding activities is to prepare them for challenges ahead. With assistance of an expert team-builder, in conjunction with the committee Chairperson, the delegates in committees engage in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Some of these are physical, others creative or “problem-solving” but all of them are designed to get the group of people working as one team, creating the foundation for an open, productive and fair political discussion in an atmosphere of mutual trust among the participants.

The General Assembly conveigns all the participants of the session, to consider the results of Committee Work. Each committee presents and defends its motion for a resolution, which is debated upon by the Assembly for approximately 40 minutes. At the end of each debate there is a vote – based solely on the personal conscience of each delegate. Those resolutions that are passed are subsequently presented to the European Parliament, National Governments and other national and international bodies. While it is true that the European Parliament has gone on to discuss issues brought up by EYP resolutions, the main aim of the EYP is not to exert political influence but to enable the participants to experience democratic decision making.

 

Evening Programme

Like all young people, participants at an EYP session value the chance to relax from the very demanding pace of the session schedule and the evening programme is designed baring this in mind. Evening activities include parties, Eurovillage, where delegations present their national drink and foods, and Euroconcert, where participants can show off their muscial qualities.