Two intense days were enough for the EPP party to condense announcements, adopt resolutions, gauge the state of Europe from leaders of different countries, and present its Manifesto in view of the next Elections for the European Parliament in June. March 6th and 7th also marked the electoral Congress of the EPP in Bucharest, which officially designated the current president of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, as the Spitzenkandidat for the next mandate, with 400 votes in favor and 89 against.
“We, the EPP, have always stood up for the values that unite us. We believe in the rule of law and the respect for human rights. We believe that people should live in peace and freedom. We believe in the social market economy. We believe that access to health care and education is not a privilege for a few; it is a right for all,” the newly elected Spitzenkandidat stated in her speech.
The Congress was also the perfect occasion for YEPP to present its own Manifesto for the elections. The need to strengthen safety and defense in Europe, the commitment to act on environmental policies, to facilitate access to mental health care, and to fight youth unemployment are some of the points of our vision for the future of the Youth.
Seizing this opportunity to promote its agenda, YEPP met some of the highest representatives of EU politics. Among these were Von der Leyen herself, the president of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, former Commission President Durão Barroso, the PM of Luxembourg, Luc Frieden, of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, MEP Francois-Xavier Bellamy, and many others. The Youth of EPP renewed its willingness to fight for Generational Renewal in political institutions by pushing for Young Candidates.
YEPP also engaged in discussions with various companies to address current political challenges. On the main stage, President of YEPP Lidia Pereira participated in a Panel titled “Intergenerational Solidarity”. Also, during a Cleantech lunch, we explored emerging technologies, including new carbon removal methods, and discussed how competitiveness and the Green Transition are necessarily linked. Additionally, we had a fruitful discussion with Microsoft and the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU, focusing on the importance of digitalisation and new technologies like AI to enhance competitiveness in Europe.
As YEPP, we welcome the appointment of Ursula von der Leyen to lead the centre-right in the next EU Elections which we very much look forward to. To ensure the voice of Young Europeans is heard. To shape a brighter future for Youth!
