We met with Spanish MP Nacho Martin Blanco and discussed Catalan Nationalism in Spain, essential relations between the European Union and LATAM, and many other topics. 
EDS Council approved full membership for Students of RPA (Armenia).

We also had elections for the two vacant places for our Executive Bureau and the appointment of new PWG members and BullsEye Magazine co-editors.

Working groups adopted motions related to higher education and human rights. 

Considering AI’s impact on education and why organizing its integration into higher education is essential, we have adopted the Conference Resolution Promoting Ethical and Responsible Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education. 

The summer edition of BullsEye magazine is out and focused on AI integration in politics.

Summer University opened new possibilities

’A year of struggles and changes. For over 60 years we united students across Europe. Remarkable progress has been done this year. The first success was of the EPP family and seeing young members taking roles in the Parliament, for example in Finland and Spain. This year we have seen the engagement of different campaigns, like banning unpaid internships. We did it in collaboration with one of our biggest partners – the European Youth Forum. We have been active there. We are looking ahead to the upcoming European elections. United as the EDS family we are looking forward. We will intensify our work in the elections. The EPP will need our help in different countries and we will support them in the campaigns. Gratitude to the whole team who contributed to the success of this past working year. Together we should continue working.’’ – Beppe Galea, Chairman of EDS

Catalan Nationalism in Spain

EDS Vice-Chairman Ramón Riera has introduced us to Nuria Gónzalez Campañá, a Postdoctoral researcher in European Constitutional Law. She also holds a Ph.D. in Law from the University of Oxford and a Master in Law and Diplomacy from The Fletcher School, Tufts University. With her, we had a thought-provoking discussion about the legal and ideological problems Catalan Nationalism has.

Ties and bonds between the EU and LATAM

Furthermore, we discussed the importance of EU support in Latin American countries with Olga Ruiz, member, and Chief Coordinator in project management for international development cooperation for Reformismo XXI (People´s Party foundation). China’s and Russia’s influence is growing and endangering the already fragile democracies in the region

Business, ethics, and sustainability

We had the privilege to host Joan Fontrodona, professor of Business Ethics and Analysis of Business Problems, at IESE. He put forward the case why we can not let socialists take over in advocating Sustainable Development Goals.

Keynote Speech: Nacho Martin Blanco, Spanish MP

We were honored to host Member of the Parliament of Catalonia, Nacho Martin Blanco. He spoke about the Spanish General Elections and the campaign of the Partido Popular. He also talked about separatism and the division of Spain caused by leftists.

Meet new members of the team

During the Council Meeting, we had some fantastic news. We had elections for two vacant places in our Executive Bureau. Axel Mouffron (Les Jeunes Républicains) has been elected Vice-Chairman, and Dora Miketek (HAZ Croatia) has been elected Vice-Chairwoman of EDS! Also, the EDS Council has confirmed the appointment of Damjan Konjanovski (VMRO-DPMNE) as Deputy Secretary General.

EDS family is growing

During the Council Meeting, we had some fantastic news. We approved the full membership of YRPA (Armenia). This is a sign of the EDS’ ongoing efforts to be the common home of European liberal, conservative, and Christian democratic student organisations.

Conference Resolution: Promoting Ethical and Responsible Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education

During the Summer University in Barcelona, we discussed AI’s impact on education and why organizing its integration into higher education is essential. AI revolutionises the learning process by offering personalized and adaptive learning experiences, catering to each student’s unique needs and learning pace. On the other hand, it also brings challenges. We share with you the whole conference resolution adopted by the EDS Council. Find out more  here.

The new BullsEye is out

The new summer edition of BullsEye magazine has exciting articles and interviews. The focus is on AI in politics. Also, we got a new Editor in chief, Charlie Crumpton (YCGE). We will publish articles soon on our website www.bullseye-magazine.eu/

EPP and EDS will work together for the upcoming elections

’’Mr. Weber emphasized the significance of youth and their participation in the 2024 European elections, as they bring forth new and fresh ideas for the future.

Furthermore, he highlighted the success and momentum of EPP-affiliated parties, which presents an excellent opportunity to strengthen our commitment to center-right values. We thank Mr. Weber for his inspiring words and we look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the European People’s Party!

Time for EDS talks

During our Summer university, we had time to socialise and reconnect. We enjoyed the perfect weather and excellent food in lovely Barcelona. We are happy to see many new faces in the EDS. We will continue to work on improving student and youth life in Europe. We can not wait to see you all soon! We use this opportunity to thank NNGG Spain and its Secretary General Carlo Giacomo Angrisano Girauta for hosting us.

EDS strongly condemns the attack by Turkish-Cypriot workers against the United Nations peacekeeping forces in Cyprus

Following the August 17th incident within the buffer zone near Pyla, Cyprus, EDS, the European’s People Party official student organisation, strongly condemns the attack by Turkish-Cypriot workers against the United Nations peacekeeping forces in Cyprus. The assault took place after the UNFICYP blocked unauthorized construction works within the buffer zone.

The attacks to UN peacekeepers constitute a serious crime under international law as well as a threat to their mission of ensuring stability within the area.

As EPP students, we believe that such acts place further obstacles towards returning to the table of negotiations and distance the outlooks of successful conflict resolution towards resolving the Cyprus problem.

EDS organized with its member organization FPK Protoporia a visit in the Buffer zone of the island in July 2022. During this field trip, EDS delegates visited the UN Council Representation in Cyprus whereby we submitted an urgent motion on the latest developments of the Cyprus Problem, asking for attention to be devoted on the issue as well as peace negotiations to be restarted on the island.

Thus, we shall continue to express our commitment and support towards respect of international laws, peace and stability in Cyprus.

The European Democrat Students (EDS) is currently seeking applications for the position of Executive Officer. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team and help us achieve our goals.

As an Executive Officer, you will be responsible for the following:

• Supporting the day-to-day operations of EDS;
• Organising events;
• Managing social media accounts;
• Liaising with our member organisations;
• Providing administrative support to the Executive Committee;
• Developing and implementing strategies to increase EDS’s visibility and engagement among our target audience;
• Book-keeping;
• Establishment and maintenance of good relations with MEPs.

Typically, these tasks require 4 hours per day, so this is a part-time position.

To be considered for this position, you must be:

• A member of a Member Organisation of EDS;
• Possess a high level of organisational and communication skills;
• Able to be in Brussels for the majority of the month
• You should have a proven track record of working independently, managing competing priorities, and delivering high-quality results within tight deadlines.

What we offer:

• A dynamic environment.
• Travel to different EU countries.
• Communication and networking with young and ambitious people from all over Europe.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit the following documents:

• CV highlighting your relevant work experience, educational background, and any other relevant qualifications or certifications.
• A motivation letter outlining why you are interested in the role and what skills and experience you can bring to the position.

• A reference letter signed by an Executive Member of a Member Organisation of EDS.

Please submit your application until Wednesday, April 12th, 2023, 23:59 CET to secgen@edsnet.eu

The General Assembly in Zagreb was attended by HAZ delegates across the country, both students and alumni members, in a historically important venue – the Faculty of Economy at the University of Zagreb, a place where HAZ was founded in the year 1990. The event also welcomed esteemed guests such as the MEP Karlo Ressler, members of the Croatian government and the ruling party Croatian Democratin Union, representatives from the regional authorities, professional state institutions and the director of Hanns-Seidel Stiftung office in Zagreb. 

HAZ hosted several EDS events, and we’re looking forward to the ones in the future.

Congrats to @Hrvatska akademska zajednica and the new leadership!

The European Democrat Students (EDS) held their Winter University in Tirana, Albania, from the 23rd to the 26th of March, focusing on youth rights and democracy. During the event, we met with the Mayor of Shköder, Bardh Spahia, and visited the Partia Demokratike headquarters, discussing the role of young generations and EU integration of the Balkans. EDS Council approved full memberships for PAS (Moldova) and Les Jeunes Républicains (France), and we welcomed the grant from the European Commission through the Erasmus+.

Working groups adopted motions related to European education, new technologies, trade, human rights, and the political and social situation in the Balkans. The new BullsEye magazine edition featured interviews with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and EPP Secretary General Thanasis Bakolas.

Winter University gave us new momentum

’’As the Chairman of European Democrat Students I am hopeful more than ever after this event. I saw so many of our young and ambitious delegates from all over Europe give us many new ideas and energy to make Europe better and better for students. Now we have a lot of new projects and initiatives in our pipeline as well. We are an inspiration for other organisations to join and work with us for a better future.’’ – Beppe Galea, Chairman of EDS

Meet up with Mayor of Shköder

During this past Winter University in Tirana, under the title “Democracy? A Youth Right!”, we had the opportunity to meet the mayor of Shkodër, one of the oldest and most historic cities in Albania. The mayor, Bardh Spahia, outlined new initiatives designed to attract young people to the city.

Youth involvement in Albanian politics

Furthermore, we visited the headquarters of the Democratic Party, where we were pleased to see a large number of young Albanian politicians eager to defend freedom in their country. We discussed the role of younger generations and the EU integration of the Balkans, with a particular focus on Albania’s integration. Additionally, we extended our complete support to Belind Kellici, a promising young Albanian politician and long-time friend of EDS, who is running for mayor of Tirana.

EDS family is growing

During the Council Meeting, we had some fantastic news. We approved the full membership of PAS (Moldova) and Les Jeunes Républicains (France). This is a sign of the daily effort of EDS to be the shared home of European liberal, conservative, and Christian democratic student organisations. In the coming months, we plan on maintaining this trajectory, and we will undoubtedly be able to announce new partnerships and memberships within the Council.

New motions for a better future

Following discussions in the working groups, we adopted several motions related to European education and new technologies, trade and human rights, and the Balkans’ political and social situation. Motions will be submitted to the relevant European officials for their knowledge, to receive advice on how best to take the initiative on the relevant issue, or to ask that they make specific decisions.

The new BullsEye is out

The new BullsEye magazine edition has exciting articles and interviews. It includes interviews with the European Parliament’s President and EDS alumni, Roberta Metsola, and the Secretary General of the EPP, Thanasis Bakolas.

EPP continues to invest in EDS Future

’’EDS will once more play an important role in the 2024 campaign. As the largest students” organisation in Europe, I expect you to come up with new ideas and a fresh perspective.” Watch President’s of the EPP Manfred Weber’s message to EDS for the Winter University here.

Vladimir Kljajic in now acting Secretary General of EDS

EDS Council approved the appointment of a new Secretary General after the resignation of Ivan Botoucharov due to his latest work in the European parliament. Vladimir Kljajic was holding a deputy position before the new role.

Conference resolution “Enhancing the Role of Youth in European Elections”

European youth is at a critical juncture for their future, amid the aftermath of the pandemic, Russia’s hybrid warfare across Europe, and its unlawful conflict in Ukraine. It is essential that we play a significant role in these European elections and support parties that champion freedom over socialism. This is why we have adopted the conference resolution “Enhancing the Role of Youth in European Elections“, which outlines its significance. Furthermore, we have collaborated with the European People’s Party group in the Committee of the Regions, YEPP, and the network of Young Elected Politicians to establish a shared policy framework for young Europeans, wherever they may be.

Time for a new approach

To consolidate our aim to be that common home for liberal, conservative, and Christian Democrat students, we have set up a taskforce consisting of some representatives of member organisations with different profiles and backgrounds and EDS alums to identify and foster collaboration with more organisations. Let’s continue our joint effors!

It is my honour to contribute to this edition of BullsEye Magazine of 2023, a year that marks the beginning of an important time for our political family as we prepare for a number of national elections and the European elections that will take place in 2024.

The past few years have been turbulent, geopolitically, economically and societally. From a global pandemic to Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine, an energy crisis that has hit our citizens and businesses hard to sky-high inflation rates, the European Union has been confronted with many challenges. But this has also given us the chance to show solidarity and unity when confronted with difficulties. Once more the European Union has shown that in the face of crises, we stand together. 2023 is another opportunity to show that the EPP remains committed to providing European solutions for common European problems. The EPP campaign for the European elections in 2024 will ensure that we remain the biggest pan-European political party and the EU’s driving political force, delivering answers on the issues that matter to our citizens.

2022 was the European Year of the Youth, a project which proved vital in identifying the needs of the younger generations today and gave us the chance to listen to young voices on the political stage. Now the task is to show that we heard their calls for improvement and show willingness to make the necessary effort and changes in the run up to the next elections. The European People’s Party remains committed to incorporating new and innovative ideas on the European agenda, making our economy and societies more inclusive for all.

2023 is a year in which the collaboration between the EPP and EDS is of crucial importance in preparing the ground for 2024. We must listen to the voices of students across Europe, their ideas and their concerns so that our policies reflect their realities. With the rising cost of living, many Europeans are under financial pressure. Students in particular are struggling to perform well academically and pay for their studies, while also navigating the uncertain future and employment prospects. It is therefore more important than ever that political parties in Europe take into account the opinions of those students. EDS has always been a valued organisation within the EPP family and we count on their ongoing engagement and contributions this year.

As we approach the next European elections, we must work together to bring with us the centre-right, EPP values that make us unique – putting people at the heart of our policies and offering real solutions, instead of empty promises and slogans. The involvement and perspective of EDS and its network are essential in this process. As the future of our political family, I put great hope in our student organisation and I look forward to continuing our work together over the course of this year.

Thanasis Bakolas

EPP Secretary General.

We stand in solidarity with the people of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) who are being held hostage and are deprived of basic necessities such as food, electricity, gas and medication. We demand Azerbaijan to immediately reopen the Lachin corridor and respect the statement of 9 November 2020.

The continuous aggressive actions of Azerbaijan, the rhetoric of hatred and threats of force against Nagorno-Karabakh are unacceptable.

We urge Azerbaijan to resume negotiations on the settlement of the conflict and re-engage in the process of the OSCE Minsk Group, based on the Helsinki Final Act principles including the self-determination of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh). Furthermore, we call on the member states of the European Union to consider sanctioning Azerbaijan to address the repeated military aggressions by Azerbaijan on the territory of the Republic of Armenia, in violation of its sovereignty.

The European Democrat Students will continue to stand with the people of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) and demand justice for their rights and security.

We recognise the coercive tactics of Russia and its aims to reverse Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic foreign policy aspirations. We think the EU should support Tbilisi without reserve, but much-needed reforms must be secured. We, the European Democrat Students (EDS), the official student organisation of the European People’s Party (EPP), support pro-democracy protests, and we do believe that Georgia’s place is in the EU as a young and promising democracy. We urge the international community to pressure the government to give up on such an anti-democratic law.

credit: www.Euractive.com

EU condemns Georgia’s ‘foreign agents’ law as protest continue

            The EDS Bureau Meeting was held in Brussels between 25^th and 27^th of January, 2023. Considering it was held in the European capital, we used the opportunity to meet members of the European Parliament, expert from the Committee of the Regions, and Brussels’ local central right sister party.

The event started with a dinner with a representative of the KAS Europe Office, Mr. Kai Gläser, who shared his thoughts about the current situation in Brussels, hot topics, and trends.

On the first day, we had the pleasure of meeting Andrey Novakov, MEP, and Kalin Zahariev, APA. Mr. Novakov gave us advice regarding youth involvement in politics. He shared his personal story as a member and Vice-chair of EDS, and his first steps after being elected as an MEP. He also explained to us how policies are made and why patience is essential.

After that, we spoke with Mr. György Hölvényi MEP. He talked to us about the implications of the war in Ukraine and why the EU must stay united at this difficult time. He raised the question of arming Ukraine being controversial for some stakeholders.

We had a Working lunch with Mr. Andrey Kovatchev, MEP, Head of the Bulgarian Delegation in the EPP Group in the European Parliament. With him we had a fruitful discussion on the situation in the Western Balkans, the enlargement of the European Union and the role of the young political leaders and EDS particularly in this process.

During the second part of the day, we were honoured to speak with Mr. Tibor Navracsics, the European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport from 2014-2019 and the Vice-Chair of the EP Committee on Culture and Education Michaela Šojdrová. We had a discussion with them about the Erasmus+ program and its benefits for young people across Europe. Mr. Navracsics shared his story about his role and his advocacy for the budget increase for the program in the next decade.

We also had a great meet-up with Mr. Andrius Kubilius, MEP. Mr. Kubilius served as Prime Minister of Lithuania for two terms. He shared his long career in politics, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the current support of Ukraine.

The last meeting we organized was with Mr. Karl Agius, Director of Communications in the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions. He explained to us on how the Committee works, its activities in connecting Europe, and the potential for cooperation between the EDS and the institution. 

We finished the day with our fantastic partner Les Engages, the EPP Member Party in Belgium. They welcomed us at their headquarters and organized a party where we met many party members.

Photos from the event here.

Location: Skopje, North Macedonia

Date: 01^st-04^th December

Organization: EDS- YFU of VMRO-DPMNE

EDS has held a successful Council Meeting and Youth Political Academy in Skopje, North Macedonia, 01-04 December, hosted by YFU of VMRO-DPMNE and supported by KAS. The event was opened with welcome addresses by the main organizers of the event. Daniel Braun, the representative of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung gave an address where he emphasized the unity of the youth of the European People’s Party during the great geopolitical challenges facing Europe. The vice-presidents of VMRO-DPMNE, Aleksandar Nikoloski and Timcho Mucunski, the Secretary General of the European Democrat Students, Ivan Botoucharov, as well as the President of the Youth Forces Union, Sergej Popov, gave introductory speeches, where they welcomed the delegates to Skopje and wished them a successful council meeting.

The working part started with a panel discussion where the speakers were the vice-presidents Nikoloski and Mucunski, the international secretary of VMRO-DPMNE, Stefan Andonovski and the member of the Executive Committee of the Youth Forces Union of VMRO-DPMNE, Todor Koneski. The panel was focused on the topic of the expansion of the European Union in the Western Balkans during the war in Ukraine. The panelists focused on the geopolitical effect of the conflict on the Western Balkans and how the countries’ actions could be more effective in order to speed up the process of integration. The panel discussion was followed by a large number of questions from the delegates, but also from the guests from the Youth Forces Union. After the panel, there was a cocktail opening of the event where the participants together with the panelists informally opened the event.

The second day began with a visit to the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, where the participants first took part in the parliamentary tour of the assembly where they got to know the working areas of the people’s representatives in North Macedonia.

After the tour, the group had a meeting with the representatives of the Club of Young Deputies, Jovan Jauleski, Marija Petrushevska and Bojan Stojanoski, and the President of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Antonio Miloshoski. The representatives from the Assembly held their presentations where they explained in detail what it is like to be part of the assembly and from a personal capacity presented their efforts towards the European integration of Macedonia.

A panel discussion was held in the central headquarters of VMRO-DPMNE, where the speakers were the President of EDS, Beppe Galea and the President of VMRO-DPMNE, Hristijan Mickoski. As the leaders of the two host organizations of the event, they commented on the direction in which their organizations are moving in order to guarantee the stability of the Western Balkans and Europe in times of challenges, the role of young people in making important decisions, and the expansion of the European Union.

After the end of the panel in which the president of VMRO-DPMNE, Hristijan Mickoski, participated, a panel discussion was organized on the topic: “The political, economic and energetic effects of the war in Ukraine on Europe”. The participants in this panel discussion were: Gordana Dimitrieska Kochoska, vice president of VMRO – DPMNE, Aleksandar Spasenovski, professor at the “Justinian First” Faculty of Law, Elena Markova Velinova, expert in the field of energetics, as well as Ivan Botoucharov, Secretary General of EDS. The panelists addressed the effects of the war in Ukraine in their areas of expertise. The panel discussion was followed by great interest, and the participants asked a number of questions for which they received substantial answers.

During the working day, EDS working groups were also organized. The organization itself consists of 4 working groups, i.e. working group for Gender Equality, Higher Education, Policies for Europe and Economy and Trade. Depending on their area, these working groups prepare the motions that are later voted on at the Council Meeting. After voting, the passed motions are submitted to the European Institutions.

The third day of the event was dedicated to the EDS Council Meeting. At the event itself, the motions were presented and voted by the working groups of EDS. The Youth Forces Union of VMRO-DPMNE presented an urgent motion that referred to the inhumane conditions faced by the Macedonian students, improvement of the student standard as well as the law on student meals. During the presentation of the urgent motion, the members of the council were shown a video, which referred to the inhumane conditions in the student dormitories in the Republic of Macedonia. The members of the council expressed strong disappointment regarding the conditions in which the Macedonian students are placed. The urgent motion was voted with unanimous support by the EDS council. The rest of the working day was spent reviewing the financial report of the organization, the technical details related to the next activities of the organization itself, as well as the presentation of the situations in their countries by the members of the council.

After the end of the EDS council meeting, a panel discussion was organized on the topic: “Politics in times of war, the role of the countries of the Western Balkans in the war in Ukraine”. The participants of the panel discussion were: Vladimir Gjorchev, former deputy in the assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Vladimir Bozhinovski, professor at the “Justinian First” Faculty of Law, Victoria Trajkov, professor at the Faculty of Tourism and Management, as well as Irina Shahotina, VIce-Chair of EDS. The panelists condemned the Russian aggression in Ukraine and expressed the unreserved support that Macedonia gives to Ukraine. The panel discussion itself was followed with great interest by the members of the EDS council, a discussion that started a large number of questions and answers.