From January 30th to February 2nd, young delegates from across Europe gathered in Rabat, Morocco, for YEPP’s first Council Meeting of 2025. The event focused on key issues such as youth opportunities, green energy, Mediterranean cooperation, and education, featuring insightful discussions with EU and Moroccan leaders.
The Council opened with remarks from Lidia Pereira, MEP and YEPP President; Steven Hofner, Director of KAS Morocco; and Lahcen Essady, Secretary of State for Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, as well as President of RNI’s Youth, with Marouane El Hajjaji EL Idrissi, director of cooperation of RNI, as a moderator.
The event opened with a special video message from Dubravka Šuica, the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean. She emphasized key regional issues and the importance of strengthening EU-Mediterranean relations. We were also honored to hear from Mariya Gabriel, First Vice President of the EPP, and Doris Pack, Honorary President of the Robert Schuman Institute. They shared their insights on the challenges and opportunities facing young people in Europe and beyond.
Mariya Gabriel emphasized the need to expand Erasmus+ to the Mediterranean region, fostering greater collaboration in education and vocational training. She highlighted Morocco’s leadership in Erasmus+ mobility programs and youth exchanges, stressing the importance of bridging the gap between young people and policymakers. She also called for more collaboration, particularly in strengthening youth participation in politics and increasing the presence of women and girls in both politics and the economy. Innovation was another key theme, as she noted that young people bring fresh, transformative ideas that Europe can learn from.
Doris Pack addressed common misconceptions about Morocco’s democracy, urging a shift away from outdated preconceptions. She highlighted Morocco’s potential as a crucial bridge between Europe and Africa and a key player in strengthening EU-Maghreb relations. She called for deeper cooperation between the EU and Morocco, positioning the country as a strategic partner in the region.
The first panel featured Amina Benkhadra, RNI Women President and General Director of the Office of Mine and Hydrocarbon Office, alongside Anis Birou, former Minister and member of the Political Bureau. They provided valuable insights on political leadership, economic development, and regional cooperation.
Daniele Dotto, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union, also shared his expertise on EU-Mediterranean relations, emphasizing the importance of fostering strong diplomatic and economic ties between both regions.
Another key highlight was our discussion with Saad Berrada, Morocco’s Minister of National Education, Preschool, and Sports, who provided valuable insights into the country’s educational policies and future plans.
A highlight of our visit was meeting with Speaker Rachid Talbi Alami at the House of Representatives, where we discussed EU-Morocco relations. He outlined Morocco’s current and future plans in agriculture, green energy, and national security, as well as the country’s significance on the international stage, tourism, and the upcoming World Cup. Discussions focused on the empowerment of women in Morocco, globalization, and the relationship between the EU and Morocco, along with his vision for the future.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our RNI colleagues and KAS Morocco for their warm hospitality and for welcoming us to their beautiful country. This Council Meeting was an inspiring and productive experience, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between young leaders across Europe and the Mediterranean.
