From November 21st to 24th, YEPP convened in Athens for the conference titled “Securing Europe’s Future: Overcoming Challenges”.
This YEPP initiative, organized by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, was hosted by our Greek members from Organossi Neon Neas Demokratias (ONNED). The event brought together 80 young delegates from across Europe to engage in discussions addressing some of the most pressing challenges Europe has been facing, including migration, security, artificial intelligence, and digitalization.
The meeting officially commenced on Thursday evening with a welcome dinner hosted by ONNED. Delegates were greeted by key figures from the Greek mother party, Nea Demokratia, including Tasos Chatzivasileiou, Member of the Hellenic Parliament and International Secretary of Nea Demokratia, alongside Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, MEP and Head of the Greek Delegation of the EPP Group in the European Parliament.
Friday’s session took place at Nea Demokratia’s headquarters, and it opened with welcome remarks by Orfeas Georgiou, President of ONNED; Vassilis Sakellaris, YEPP Deputy Secretary General and International Secretary of ONNED; Marian Wendt, Director at KAS for Greece and Cyprus; George Dimakos, Project Officer at Martens Centre. The participants took part in engaging panel discussions moderated by the YEPP Board and other experts, where they had the opportunity to interact with prominent leaders and Members of the Hellenic Parliament. These included Nikos Panagiotopoulos, Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum; Giannis Kefalogiannis, Deputy Minister of National Defence; Sophia Zacharaki, Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs; Konstantinos Kyranakis, Deputy Minister of Digital Governance; and Giannis Smyrlis, Director at Nea Demokratia. A keynote address by H.E. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, was the highlight of the day. Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of empowering the younger generation and involving them in high-level EU decision-making processes.
Saturday opened with remarks by Dimitris Tsiodras, Member of the European Parliament, who inspired delegates to continue their active engagement. The day featured three workshops where delegates engaged in dynamic discussions. The participants addressed the impact of DANA in Valencia and the urgent need for international assistance, the critical situation in Lebanon with a call for a pathway to peace, and the reinforcement of the European pillar within NATO to enhance security and defense collaboration.
The Conference in Athens underscored the critical role of youth in shaping the future of Europe, delivering actionable solutions and fostering international cooperation. As YEPP concludes its activities for 2024, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower young leaders and provide a platform to address Europe’s challenges head-on. Together, we will continue building a stronger, more united Europe, ensuring the voice of youth is heard in shaping its future.
