European Youth Parliament Events and Session Structures
The European Youth Parliament (EYP) organizes a diverse array of events designed to foster citizenship participation and develop essential leadership and debate skills among young people. These events, primarily known as sessions, serve as the core mechanism through which the charity achieves its educational goals, moving participants through a structured journey of regional, national, and international engagement.
Key Facts
- Sessions are the primary debate events used to develop citizenship skills.
- International Sessions are the flagship events, with 103 sessions held as of Summer 2025.
- Selection processes allow high-performing delegates to progress from regional to national and eventually international levels.
- Committee Work involves drafting resolutions on current European political issues, modeled after the European Parliament.
- Training events, such as Member Training Weekends (MTW), prepare members to become event officials.
Types of EYP Sessions
Regional Selection Conferences (RSC)
Regional Selection Conferences are local events that typically last between 3 and 8 days. Their primary purpose is to select delegates to progress to the national level. In the United Kingdom, however, most regional sessions are one-day events that mirror the format of a Small Scale Session.
National Selection Conferences (NSC)
National Selection Conferences gather delegates selected from RSCs, though some sessions also accept individual applicants. These events are generally more prestigious and upscale than regional sessions, typically lasting 4 to 8 days. While most countries have one, the National Committee of the United Kingdom is an outlier with two National Sessions.
International Sessions (IS)
Considered the flagship events of the network, International Sessions are the most prestigious. Hosted by a specific country with support from the International Office, these sessions bring together delegates selected from various National Selection Conferences.
An International Session typically follows a specific timeline: a two-day teambuilding phase followed by four or five days of Committee Work. During this time, a member of the European Parliament or another subject matter expert usually visits to discuss the topic and answer questions.
Since the first session in Fontainebleau, France, in 1988, the network has seen significant growth. As of Summer 2025, 103 international sessions have taken place, including the Extraordinary International Session in Lillehammer, Norway, in Winter 2010.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
International Forums (IF)
International Forums are similar to International Sessions in that they host delegates from both the host country and abroad. However, they receive limited funding from the International Office and typically last between six and eight days.
Session Structure and Components
Multi-day sessions are composed of several distinct phases. While the length of these sections varies by session type and National Committee, the general flow remains consistent. For one-day sessions, only the General Assembly is conducted.
CMOJ Day
The Chairpersons, Media, Organisers, and Jury (CMOJ) day is dedicated to the event officials. It begins with teambuilding and is followed by educational modules delivered by experienced facilitators to junior officials.
Teambuilding (TB)
Teambuilding occurs upon the delegates' arrival. It starts with general activities to introduce officials to delegates, followed by committee-specific games. These activities are designed to break the ice and create an open atmosphere conducive to efficient work.
Committee Work (CW)
During Committee Work, delegates analyze a problematic topic regarding current European political matters. They collaborate to write a resolution—a formal proposal for solving the issue—modeled after simplified versions of real European Parliament documents. This phase may also include seminars or workshops with experts.
General Assembly (GA)
The General Assembly is the culminating debate where committee resolutions are presented and discussed. Delegates vote to support, oppose, or abstain from the resolutions, following specific debate procedures that may or may not allow for amendments.
Selection and Training
At the conclusion of a session, Jury Members select the top-performing delegates to advance to a higher-level session. Additionally, the network provides internal training events, such as Training Academies or Member Training Weekends (MTW), where trainers provide modules to help junior members become proficient officials.
Summary of Event Types
| Event Type | Primary Purpose | Typical Duration | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Selection Conference | Local selection for NSC | 1 to 8 days | Local/Regional |
| National Selection Conference | Selection for International Sessions | 4 to 8 days | National |
| International Session | Flagship debate and diplomacy | 6 to 7 days | International |
| International Forum | International exchange (limited funding) | 6 to 8 days | International |
| Training Events | Official skill development | Varies | Internal |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'session' in the context of EYP?
A session is a debate event organized by the EYP to help young people develop skills in citizenship participation through structured political discussion and resolution writing.
How do delegates progress to an International Session?
Delegates typically start at a Regional Selection Conference (RSC), where they can be selected for a National Selection Conference (NSC). From the NSC, the best-performing delegates are chosen to attend an International Session.
What happens during Committee Work?
Delegates discuss a current European political issue and draft a resolution to address it. This process is modeled after the actual workings of the European Parliament.
What is the role of the CMOJ?
The CMOJ (Chairpersons, Media, Organisers, and Jury) are the officials who facilitate the event. They undergo specific training and teambuilding to ensure the session runs smoothly for the delegates.
How many International Sessions have been held?
As of Summer 2025, there have been 103 international sessions, including one Extraordinary International Session held in Norway in 2010.