National Selection Process

Would you like to discuss European Union issues with other young people? Or would you like to meet like-minded young people from all over Europe? And express your own opinion on current political challenges? Then take part in the National Selection Process and experience the European Youth Parliament!

Young people between the ages of 15 and 19 can apply either individually or as a school delegation of seven people. Teachers can accompany them, but participation is also possible without accompanying teachers. Schools are limited to one application per year, but it is possible to join forces with nearby schools.

Apply now!

What Positions are there?

Would you like to join us? Then write to mitmachen@eyp.de! They will answer all your questions and find the right position for you. Until then, you can read about what the different positions involve here:

Delegate

You will work in an international committee of approximately 12 people on a specific, current issue with the aim of developing a joint solution and then debating it with other committees.

Organiser

You are responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and implementing events. You coordinate a specific aspect of the event independently and consult with a team.

Media Team Member

You will cover a session through journalistic articles in a specially created and printed session newspaper, as well as through video blogs, social media channels, and much more. The design of the reporting, its format, and its layout are up to you.

Chair Person

You chair an international committee for the duration of an event. You provide information materials on the committee topic, lead discussions, and bring the delegates together.

How does the Competition Work?

From May 9 to November 11, 2026, young people between the ages of 15 and 19 can apply with a thematic paper. The applications will be evaluated by an independent jury of over 60 members, including members of the European Parliament. The best 22 delegations and 24 individual delegates will be invited to the regional selection meetings.

At the sessions, there is a jury that observes the committee work and participation during the General Assembly. The five best delegations and individual delegates are selected for the National Selection Conference. There is also the possibility of being selected for sessions abroad. The dates for the Regional Selection Conferences will be announced during the summer.

As at the Regional Sessions, there is a jury that selects the two best delegations and the four best individual delegates at the end. The winners then go on to one of the International Sessions, where they represent Germany.

How do the Sessions Work?

Our EYP sessions are parliamentary simulations, which means that we simulate the various components of a real parliamentary session throughout the session period. Organized by young people, for young people!

Our sessions at home and abroad include various program items, including:

Teambuilding

Teambuilding describes the process a group of strangers goes through after first meeting. At the EYP, we often use playful methods to present groups with new challenges, giving them the opportunity to build trust and learn how to work together effectively during committee work.

Committee Work

During committee work, the committee works on current issues related to its main topic and records its findings in a resolution.
After the delegates have established a common working method and communication rules during team building, they devote themselves to academic work during committee work.
The objectives of committee work include developing a deeper understanding of European policy issues and improving one's own ability to discuss and compromise.

General Assembly

During the General Assembly, delegates debate the resolutions they have drafted in accordance with the rules of the European Parliament. The culture of debate requires a high degree of cooperation, concentration, and communication between the individual delegation members.

Further program points

Of course, your free time will not be neglected during the meetings! A varied cultural and evening program always accompanies all events. For example, there is the ‘Euro Concert’ where all participants in the event can showcase their talents.
In addition, many events also offer the opportunity to engage directly with politicians and decision-makers. For this purpose, panel discussions or digital discussion formats are offered, for example.

Questions and Answers

The European Youth Parliament’s National Selection Process is one of the most traditional and demanding competitions for school students in Germany. Since 1990, participating young people have been offered the unique opportunity to discuss politics with other interested young people from all over Europe, to help shape the democratic decision-making process themselves, and to experience Europe up close.

This year’s competition once again promises exciting discussions on current European political issues, intensive debates in committee work, debates modeled on the European Parliament, and an extensive supporting program. In addition to all the challenging discussions, there will also be plenty of opportunities to get to know the other participants and discover the respective venue—an exciting experience that will be remembered for a long time to come!

Young people aged 15-19 who are interested in politics and Europe can apply as part of a delegation of four to eight people or as individuals. Delegations do not necessarily have to be formed by a single school. Each school may only submit one delegation application.

The application phase for the 2027 National Selection Process runs from 9 May to 11 November 2026.

An application consists of a topic outline in English, written on a given selection topic. The selection topic for the 2027 application process is:

“The online generation: 97% of young people in the EU use the internet daily. Digital spaces offer them opportunities for entertainment, connection and education. At the same time, however, harmful content, cyberbullying and the addictive nature of social media platforms pose a serious threat to their wellbeing and mental health. How can the EU strengthen the protection of minors online while ensuring young people can safely engage in the opportunities of the digital world?”

Helpful materials and a template for preparing the current application phase are available for download here.

[EN] National Selection Process 2027: Guide and Aides

[DE] National Selection Process 2027: Guide and Aides

Topic Outline Template

Example Topic Outline

Guide for the Competition

Question Overview Application Form

The topic outlines are then uploaded to an online application form, where further personal details of the participants are requested. The outline incorporated into the template must be uploaded directly to this form as Word documents (.doc/.docx). To facilitate assignment, the name of the contact person and the school should be clearly indicated in the title of the documents: ‘First name.Surname_School.docx’.

Submit application!

Participation in the Regional Selection Conference costs €40 per person, while the National Selection Conference costs €75 for accommodation and meals. Travel expenses must be covered by the participants themselves. In the past, young people have usually been able to find sponsors for this, such as local businesses, banks, or members of the federal or state parliament.

To assist you in acquiring funds for your participation in the session, we have created this document as a guide.

The guide, which can be viewed and downloaded here, provides an overview of the competition process and answers frequently asked questions.

Guide for the Competition

The applications are evaluated by an independent jury. This jury works independently, with the majority of its members having no connection to the sponsor or the administrative office. Together, they evaluate the students’ entries and work in an open-minded manner. All applications are carefully reviewed and evaluated individually. The evaluation criteria communicated to the participants also apply to the jury’s work. In addition, the jurors are prepared for their work. The evaluation is, of course, free from discrimination on the basis of race or ethnic origin, gender, religion or worldview, disability, or sexual identity.

The following individuals formed the jury for the 2025 national selection process:

Julia Ablaßmeier, Verona Bähr, Katarina Barley MdEP, Jorinde Bauer, Hildegard Bentele MdEP, Delara Burkhardt MdEP, Jacob Düringer, Engin Eroglu MdEP, Fritz Fehlert, Markus Ferber MdEP, Prof. Dr. Matthias Freise, Fabia Feykens, Jens Geier MdEP, Anna Geist, Philip Girvan, Colin Gutsche, Dr. Axel Heck, Martin Hoffmann-Döring, Eka von Kalben MdL, Dr. Eike Kehr, Moritz Körner MdEP, Chantal Kopf MdB, Laura Libera, Helge Lindh MdB, Karsten Lucke, Alexandra Mehnert MdEP, Andrea Müller, Christopher Nölte, Maria Noichl MdEP, Jan-Christoph Oetjen MdEP, René Repasi MdEP, Katja Ries, Markus Rinderspacher MdEP, Victoria Saad, Oliver Schenk MdEP, Christine Schneider MdEP, Rebekka Ostrop, Sabine Verheyen MdEP, Marion Walsmann MdEP, Tiemo Wölken MdEP

Officials include Organisers, Media Team Members, Jury members and Chairpersons.

Most application processes are handled through the Members Platform. Official positions for meetings in Germany are advertised through our association mailing list. If you would like to be added to the association mailing list, simply send us an email at mitmachen@eyp.de.

Although it is recommended, you do not have to have participated in a meeting as a delegate in order to apply as an official. Before each meeting, you will also receive comprehensive training, so even as a newcomer, you will be well prepared for your role.

Upcoming Dates

The 2027 National Selection Process determines the delegates who will represent Germany at the upcoming International Session of the European Youth Parliament. The parliamentary simulations serve to promote understanding of the European Union and cultural exchange across the continent. If you are interested in supporting our events, please do not hesitate to contact our responsible board member Luca Gaurieder (luca.gaurieder@eyp.de).

Between Febuary and April 2027, around 150 young people from all over Europe will come together in the south of Germany.

The Regional Selection Conference is a closed event. Participation is only possible after consultation with the organizers.

Between Febuary and April 2027, around 150 young people from all over Europe will come together in the north of Germany.

The Regional Selection Conference is a closed event. Participation is only possible after consultation with the organizers.

Early Summer of 2027, around 150 young people from all over Europe will gather for the National Selection Conference.

The National Selection Conference is a closed event. Participation is only possible after consultation with the organizers.