The European Youth Parliament in Germany (EJP) organises two to three-day-long German-speaking parliamentary simulations for schools from all over Germany. The events are suited to students from Year 9 onwards. The aim of these events is to sensitise as many students in all of Germany as possible for European political topics. Voluntary moderators from the EJP prepare complex political topics to make them accessible to the students, who then discuss them and develop their own solutions to the proposed political problems.

Usually the EJP coordinates with a number of schools and businesses within a given region to enable as many students from different school forms as possible to take part in our events. This type of event is especially tailored to students and trainees attending schools, that have not previously taken part in the National Selection Process.

"Making Europe tangible for young people while also preparing them for the job market."

"Europa - Erleben und Lernen" ("Europe - Experience and Learning") is a cooperation between the European Youth Parliament in Germany and the State Government of North Rhine-Westphalia. With the support of several chambers of commerce, clubs, associations and organisations, as well as societally committed companies from the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the initiative promotes the outgoing mobility of apprentices and makes the European Union tangible for them.

For any questions regarding "Europa - Erleben und Lernen" please contact our Board.

Companies that are part of the initiative enable a European experience for their apprentices in two steps:

Before the event begins all participants have the chance to prepare research on an exciting committee topic. The events themselves consist of three main elements: teambuilding, committee work, and the general assembly. There will also be enough time to get to know eachother better during and after committee work and the general assembly.

Teambuilding

At the beginning of each event the delegates meet in their allocated groups, the committees, and engage in teambuilding to get to know eachother better. Guided by experienced chairpersons from our network the participants can overcome inhibitions, build trust, and create a team spirit. Additionally, joint consensus finding and problem solving are practiced and the participants are sensitised towards group dynamic processes.

Getting to Know Eachother Practicising Problemsolving

Committee Work

During committee work each committee develops a resolution on a current and controversial topic. During this the participants exchange their knowledge and arguments on their particular topic. The chairperson supports the committee in finding a compromise that all the members of the committee can agree on. Each participant contributes their own opinion and ideas to the resolution.

Exchanging Knowledge Analysing the Situation Working on Solutions

General Assembly

During the general assembly the delegates discuss the resolutions they produced during committee work according to parliamentary procedures. The participants present their positions to the assembly and contribute their thoughts on the other resolutions. Lastly, the participants vote on the results of the committee work.

Defending Resolutions Voting by the Delegates

As an informal educational project for young people by young people our events focus on exchange between people. Thanks to the diverse committees including both apprentices and students rich discussion arise which allow new perspectives on pressing political topics.

Besides the debates many young people experience for the first time the feeling to be involved in the democratic decision-making process and to hold their own parliamentary speeches.

We offer apprentices and student also the opportunity to stay active within the European Youth Parliament. They can voluntarily engage in the organisation or take part in more than 600 events across the continent. We gladly offer advice for financial support; especially regarding our travel grant.

Generally, the programme is open to all types of schools. We want to particularly encourage apprentices and student from geographically remote regions to apply to our sessions. To the extent we can secure external funding no additional costs will arise for the hosting school. However, we depend on the support when it comes to the planning and execution of the event; especially regarding the availability of rooms. We gladly answer your questions during a meeting in person.

We work closely with companies who want to offer the apprentices the chance to take part in our events. Requests will be accepted by our Board .