Paris, France – The Youth of the European People’s Party (YEPP) gathered in Paris from the 20th to the 23rd of April and discussed key issues related to the modernisation and digitalisation of Europe’s armed forces in overcoming present threats. This Conference was hosted by Les Jeunes Républicains and welcomed over 80 delegates from our 63 member organizations.
During the conference, participants were given the opportunity to debate, engage and address the present concerns and possible solutions to Europe’s most pressing security problems.
President Pereira stated that : “We must take into account the current threats that we, as Europeans, face today. We have to think and discuss these matters to ensure that we stay a step ahead. ”
The discussion on day one focused on the role of NATO and Europe’s transition into having strategic autonomy. During the first panel discussion titled ‘NATO and beyond: Towards EU strategic autonomy’, delegates were addressed by Christine Lavarde (Senator & Member of the European Affairs Committee), Bertrand Ract-Madoux (Former Chief of Staff of the Army) and Karlo Ressler (MEP & Former YEPP Board Member). The day ended with a panel on ‘The Digital Age: The Future of Europe’s Defense Strategy’, addressed by Philippe Juvin (LR Deputy & former MEP). The delegates also had the opportunity to have a tour of both the Senate and the National Assembly, which was followed by a visit to Les Invalides.
On the last day of the conference, delegates also attended a Plenary Session on the ‘Current threats: Europe’s reaction on defense matters’, focussing on the current military threats Europe faces. This was led by Lidia Pereira (MEP, YEPP President), Francois-Xavier Bellamy (MEP, Les Republicains), Guilhem Carayon (President of Les Jeunes Républicains) and Théo Michel (Secretary General of Les Jeunes Républicains).
Delegates adopted numerous resolutions which focused on various themes ranging from circular sustainability, the Single Market, pragmatic green transition as well as Lebanon and its democratic journey. These can be accessed here.
We are thankful to Les Jeunes Républicains, Les Républicains and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung for their contributions and look forward to future collaborations.
