Last week the international edition of the Erasmian European Youth Parliament (EEYP) took place in Rotterdam. This year, Erasmiaans Gymnasium served as the programme's organiser and host, bringing together around 75 students from over 15 different European countries. During this intensive week, participants were challenged to formulate solutions to urgent social and political issues facing Europe. Erasmus School of Law proudly contributed as an academic partner to this initiative.
Global citizenship and a fresh perspective on European issues with relevance for all Member States
The EEYP programme aims to unite young Europeans from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, empowering them to collaborate on innovative and sustainable solutions for major European challenges. Through teamwork and debate, participants not only develop skills in European politics but also lay the groundwork for international friendships and future collaborations. The project aligns seamlessly with the philosophy of Desiderius Erasmus: "The whole world is my homeland." This Erasmian value of global citizenship is central to the continuous quest for solutions that transcend national and disciplinary boundaries.
Students were divided into groups simulating the functions of permanent committees of the European Parliament. They worked diligently on parliamentary resolutions covering topics such as migration, economic challenges, and EU expansion. During the project week, they also had the opportunity to present their insights to experts during the ‘Meet the Boss’ session, held on Monday evening, 3 February, at the HAL Millennium Tower in Rotterdam. Fabian Amtenbrink, Professor of European Union Law at Erasmus School of Law, participated as one of the experts.
A notable contribution came from René Repasi, Professor of Public and Private Interests at Erasmus School of Law and a Member of the European Parliament, specialising in EU law and the law of the Economic and Monetary Union. On Saturday, 1 February, he visited the Erasmiaans Gymnasium to introduce students to the world of European cooperation.
Visit the Woudestein Campus and inspirational lectures
On Tuesday, 28 January, Erasmus School of Law welcomed the participants to the Woudestein campus. In various rooms of the Langeveld building, the students continued working on their cases. In the afternoon, a simulated press conference was held in the Forum Hall.
The week concluded with an impressive simulation of the General Assembly, also held on campus in the Forum Hall, opened by a speech from our Dean, Harriët Schelhaas and ended with a closing speech by Amtenbrink. During this session, the committees presented their resolutions and defended their positions in an open debate.
Bridging the gap between science and society
Erasmus School of Law proudly supports Rotterdam-based initiatives that raise political awareness among young people and encourage them to think about solutions for pressing societal issues. The EEYP programme reflects the core values of our School, where students in both bachelor- and master programmes are challenged to approach social issues from a scientific and critical perspective. In this way, Erasmus School of Law aims to bridge the gap between academia, politics, and society.
- More information
For more information on the EEYP click here.
