20 - 22 September 2023

From 20 - 22 September in the European Parliament, the first ECR Group Youth Summit will bring together more than 130 passionate and engaged young individuals from 12 EU Member States, to engage in thought-provoking discussions, exchange ideas, and shape the future of Europe from a conservative perspective. #ECRYouthSummit

The aim of this three-day long study visit is to look closely at the state of the European Union, which has been in crisis for at least two decades. In a time when the European project has faced numerous challenges and its credibility has wavered, this summit stands out as a platform for young people to voice their diverse opinions and ideas.

The European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament is the only constructive non-federalist opposition force in the EU and has always been a strong supporter of the Union’s motto: United in diversity. At the core of the ECR Group Youth Summit is a commitment to a euro-realist vision for the EU’s future—a vision of a Union of sovereign nation states capable of doing less but doing it better. By providing a platform for young Europeans to express their thoughts and concerns, the summit aims to foster a pluralism of opinions and ideas, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to European integration.

#ECRYouthSummit

The event will feature numerous panel discussions and Q&A sessions between audience members and our distinguished guests, which include ECR MEPs.

The conference will open on Wednesday 17:00 with an assessment of the current “State of the Union” from a Conservative perspective, with speakers including Professor Ryszard Legutko MEP, ECR Group Co-Chairman, Roberts Zīle MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament, ECR MEPs Carlo Fidanza, Margarita de la Pisa and Michiel Hoogeveen. The young participants will have plenty of opportunity to comment on the politicians’ thoughts.

Thursday morning will start with a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Clash of values in Europe: common sense vs. radical progressivism”, which will feature an inspiring speech by Professor Ferenc Hörcher from the University of Public Service in Budapest. This will be followed by a panel discussion with Professor Zdzisław Krasnodębski MEP, Alarico Lazzaro (Young Confederalists of Europe) and Shauny Bronders (Jong N-VA), and a Q&A session with the audience.

At noon, ECR Group Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini MEP, will give a video address on the prospects for European conservatives in 2024.

In the afternoon, thematic workshops will take place, where participants will exchange views with experts in small groups on specific EU policy areas.

The concluding plenary session titled “Between more Europe and no Europe: a euro-realist middle way” will commence with a speech delivered by Professor Lucas Bergkamp from KU Leuven, followed by a panel discussion with ECR MEP Jacek Saryusz-Wolski and author Max-Erwann Gastineau, offering insights into the concept of Eurorealism. Eurorealism is the guiding principle of the ECR family and describes a middle way, navigating the delicate balance between further integration and more distance from the EU.

The 2023 ECR Group Youth Summit promises to be an inclusive event where young conservatives from across the EU will come together to discuss pressing issues, challenge the status quo, and contribute to shaping a more diverse and pragmatic future for Europe.

The event is open to journalists. Interviews with speakers and participants can be arranged.

Press contact: Michael Strauss

michael.strauss@europarl.europa.eu

+32470882348

ECR Youth Summit Programme:

Use our Hashtag throughout the week #ECRYouthSummit

Wednesday 20 September

17:00 - 18:30 | Opening session | The State of the Union | ASP 1G3 | EN, PL, IT, ESP

• Welcome by Roberts Zīle MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament

• Opening keynote speech by Professor Ryszard Legutko MEP, ECR Group Co-Chairman

• Feedback round from the participants

• Exchange of views with MEPs (Carlo Fidanza MEP, Margarita de la Pisa MEP, Michiel Hoogeveen MEP)

• Q&A session with the audience

Chair: Professor Zdzisław Krasnodębski MEP

Thursday 21 September

10:00 - 12:00 | Plenary #1 | Clash of values in Europe: common sense vs. radical progressivism | ASP 1G3 | EN, PL, IT, ESP

• Impulse speech by Professor Ferenc Hörcher, University of Public Service in Budapest

• Panel discussion (Professor Zdzisław Krasnodębski MEP, Alarico Lazzaro (Young Confederalists of Europe), Shauny Bronders (Jong N-VA), Frano Čirko (Croatian Sovereigntists Party) and Ewelina Janowicz (young participant, no formal affiliation)

• Q&A session with the audience

Chair: Michiel Hoogeveen MEP

12:00-12:30 | Day 2 keynote | On the eve of the European elections: what are the prospects for European conservatives in 2024? | ASP 1G3 | EN, PL, IT, ESP

• Keynote speech by Nicola Procaccini MEP, ECR Group Co-Chairman

14:30 - 16:00 | Breakout sessions

1. The EU foreign policy and the war in Ukraine, Anna Fotyga MEP, ECR AFET Coordinator, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland | ASP 1H1

2. EU Treaties: Federalist Attacks on the Integrity of the Treaties and the Future of the Europe | ASP 7F387

3. Navigating the European Union: Institutional set-up and decision-making | ASP 4F384

4. The Green Deal, energy and climate policy | SCHOLL 06U003

5. The EU Budget: Where does the money come from and how is it spent? | SCHOLL 03U002

6. The EU and the migration challenge | ZWEIG A1K006

7. Free trade and trade agreements | SCHOLL 01U001

8. Digital rush: the flood of digital policies and their impact on EU competitiveness | SCHOLL 05U002

9. Workshop: Mastering traditional media - How to give TV interviews? | SCHOLL 08U107

Friday 22 September

10:00 - 12:00 | Plenary #2 | Between more Europe and no Europe: a euro-realist middle way | ASP 1G3 | EN, PL, IT, ESP

• Impulse speech by Professor Lucas Bergkamp, KU Leuven

• Panel discussion (Jacek Saryusz-Wolski MEP, Max-Erwann Gastineau, author)

• Q&A session with the audience

Chair: Professor Zdzisław Krasnodębski MEP

12:00 - 12:30 | Conclusions | ASP 1G3 | EN, PL, IT, ESP

• Short exchange of views with the participants