EDS Bureau Meeting Brussels 2023
The EDS Bureau Meeting was held in Brussels between 25th and 27th 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.
