Fighting ISIS back; at their home and ours
The latest wave of terrorism, this time in the seat of the European Institutions, should be the final warning for our society and for our governments to respond to the threat of IS collectively and with determination. So far, the citizens have answered proudly and defiantly. Throughout Brussels, people are coming together peacefully, leaving […]
Ukraine: The Danger Within
My first visit to Kiev last week – with the Youth of the European People’s Party, to commemorate the second anniversary of the Euromaidan – was marred by what is an inauspicious conclusion: it is political populism that stands tantamount to Russia as the gravest threat to the country’s frail stability. Consciously promoting seemingly anodyne […]
Liberté, égalité, fraternité
At this difficult time for France and for Europe I cannot help but reflect upon the national motto of the historic French nation. The results of the French elections have sent us a clear message, one that has been repeated throughout the member states. The citizens are tired and disillusioned by mainstream politics, turning to […]
New Commission: Europe’s last chance to inspire
I don’t want to repeat the countless statements about welcoming the new European Commission. The truth is that we are talking about a team of younger, high-level and experienced politicians who said they’re ready to invest in people, create jobs and cut bureaucracy. From the selection of common candidates to the hearings and today’s voting, […]
Freedom for Belarus
YEPP stands united for freedom for the last dictatorship of Europe – Belarus. Our delegates during summer school in Lithuania showed their support for the supporters of democracy during a manifestation. Dictator Aliaksandr Lukasjenko got his office on July 20th 1994. Last Sunday it was exactly 20 years ago. He has remained in power […]
Our challenge is to be Better Europeans
Excerpts from a speech given by Secretary General Colm Lauder to a gathering by young politicians from across Europe hosted by Young Fine Gael, on the eve of the 2014 EPP Congress in Dublin. 5th March 2014 Today we are only a day away from when we, the EPP family, will select the captain of […]
The equity between the Generations is in danger!
The German Grand Coalition is about to vote in favor of a law which is increasing the retirement payments dramatically and will also reduce the retirement age to 63 if you have been for 45 in the statutory pension insurance scheme. The whole package will cost until 2030 Around 160 billion Euros. These is a […]
Introduction of Taoiseach at Young Fine Gael Congress
Speech by YEPP Secretary General, Colm Lauder, to introduce the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD at the Young Fine Gael Congress, November 2013. “Those who know Young Fine Gael, will know we have never been a populist in either our politics or our policies. In fact, we have probably been the opposite, putting our own […]
In Memory of our President Wilfried Martens: PM Reinfeldt gathers 9 former presidents of YEPP
We, the former Presidents and President of the Youth of the European People’s Party, which was founded under the guidance of the late President of the European People’s Party, Wilfried Martens, in 1997, express our heartfelt condolences upon his passing on Wednesday, 9th October 2013. President Martens was a true European. He believed in ensuring […]
Elections in Luxembourg: My support for Christophe Hansen
I am proud that Christophe Hansen, our active YEPP member from CSJ, is running for National elections in Luxembourg. I know him for his inspiring commitment to the European project, the Common Agricultural Policy and youth employment measures. Christophe, always on the side of PM Juncker was raising CSJ’s voice in Europe, and the European voice in […]
