Imagine a kaleidoscope of youthful energy and a symphony of ideas harmonizing in the grand halls of European democracy: that was the European Youth Event 2025, and in addition to attending, The New Federalist joined its lively chorus, a resonant voice influencing the conversation of Europe’s future.
From the vibrant European Parliament to the creative hive of the EYE Village, our journey demonstrated our steadfast faith in a bolder, more connected, and genuinely limitless European future: in this regard, EYE is a crucible where the molten ideas of a new generation are forged, not just an event; brimming with purpose and passion, thousands of young people came together to learn, to challenge, and to spark change. For us at The New Federalist, it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to interact with the people who shape European policy and to elevate the voices of the generation that will inherit and reshape our continent.
The passionate discussion about “The bigger the better?” was one of the most captivating crescendos of our EYE experience: it was not a mere, dry academic debate; rather, it was a lively exploration of Europe’s essence and a profound exploration of the fundamental principles of our Union. As ardent European federalists, we fought for the idea of a more united and powerful Europe that grows not just in size but also in shared values and democratic resilience, and we argued against the grain, supporting an expansion that strengthens the European project rather than weakens it.
We were completely inspired by “Step up for climate: top tips from European Climate Pact Ambassadors,” a session that wasn’t just about statistics but also about stories: the unvarnished, captivating tales of young trailblazers who are already bending the course of history towards sustainability. The climate crisis, an existential challenge that both haunts and galvanizes our generation, reverberated throughout the hall: we saw the unwavering determination of people like Giacomo Zattini, the driving force behind Fridays for Future Italy; Olivia Mandle, whose campaign embodies the fierce spirit of environmental activism; Svetoslava Simeonova, whose Foody app reimagines our relationship with consumption; and Eveline Haugaard, who turned her dream into a tangible solution by building Rail Voyage; the New Federalist left that session with a renewed belief that empowering young people to take climate action isn’t just an option, but it’s the only way forward. Their experiences, victories, and hard-won lessons painted a vivid picture of what bold youth leadership can accomplish. Additionally, our microphones recorded the pulse of European policy through exclusive interviews with Lukas Sieper and Nela Riehl, two outstanding new members of the European Parliament. These were not just Q&A sessions: they were lively discussions that explored their deep-seated ideas for Europe, their dedication to empowering young people, and their approaches to negotiating the complex web of European issues; their frank observations recently graced our magazine’s virtual pages, giving our readers a unique look into the minds influencing European legislation.
Joining the stirring chorus of the “Don’t Touch My Schengen” demonstration was perhaps the most visceral and unifying experience for us: for European federalists, freedom of movement is not merely a policy, but it is the lifeblood of a united Europe: in addition to being a powerful reminder that the accomplishments of European integration are not static artifacts of the past but rather dynamic freedoms that require unwavering defense and constant vigilance, it was incredibly moving to stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow Europeans and raise our voices in a collective roar against any erosion of this fundamental right.
Beyond these particular activities, the EYE2025 was a vast tapestry of connection and learning: we moved through the lively hallways, from the immersive Hemicycle Hub, where we examined important EU issues, to the enlightening Combatting Disinformation booth, which helped us develop our critical thinking skills; and the EYE Village, a vibrant ecosystem organized by the European Youth Forum, throbbed with creative ideas and fostered a beautiful plurality of viewpoints: every conversation, argument, and shared laugh helped us gain a better understanding of the dynamic, changing identity of young Europe.
There is a strong sense of hope even as the memories of EYE2025 fade: the young people we met in Strasbourg are a powerful antidote to cynicism because of their unwavering dedication, limitless energy, and sheer brilliance; not only are the people in charge of Europe’s future capable, but they are also fearless, creative, and fervent.
In solidarity with this generation, The New Federalist is dedicated to elevating their voices, supporting their causes, and advancing the story of a Europe that is increasingly cohesive, sustainable, and genuinely limitless in its potential; and as we continue to advocate for a federal Europe that dares to dream bigger, the connections and inspirations made at EYE2025 will surely fuel our journalistic efforts for months to come.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Parliament. Neither the European Union nor the European Parliament can be held responsible for them.
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