The Young Elected Politicians (YEP) programme was launched by the Committee of the Regions (CoR) at the 8th European Summit of Regions and Cities in 2019 as a way to give young locally and regionally elected representatives a first-hand look into the EU. The programme has grown both in size and scope since its inception. With a network of almost 1000 young representatives from the EU and its neighbourhood, the YEP programme has become an integral part of the CoR. As such, YEPs get the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with CoR members, take part in tailored trainings and participate in the CoR’s flagship events.
Who can apply? Young politicians who are no older than 35 and hold a mandate at regional or local level in the EU and candidate countries for EU accession.
The YEP programme aims to
- promote and facilitate the exchange of best practices among local and regional politicians;
- provide networking opportunities with CoR members, Political Groups and peers;
- help understanding and seizing opportunities offered by the EU for local and regional areas;
- offer opportunities to speak for EU regions and municipalities in the European legislative process through consultations with CoR rapporteurs and debates on priority policies;
- invite young representatives to Plenary sessions, meetings of the CoR’s thematic commissions (in Brussels and beyond) and EU Local Dialogues;
- invite young representatives to participate in CoR flagship events such as the European Week of Regions and Cities, EuroPCom, European Summits of Regions and Cities;
- strengthen the outreach of young elected representatives through communication support and tailored trainings.
The call for applications to join the YEP programme is now open until 1 May 2025. To learn more or apply, check out the dedicated page.
More info on the YEP programme.
