European Committee of the Regions welcomes 150 young leaders in 2024 cohort of the YEP programme

​To foster youth participation in democratic processes in the EU, the European Committee of the Regions has announced the establishment of the 2024 cohort of the Young Elected Politicians Programme (YEP), making it the sixth successful year of the innovative programme. 150 young leaders were selected to contribute to the work of the Committee of the Regions, engage in meaningful debates with CoR members – in Brussels and beyond – and take advantage of comprehensive training and outreach opportunities. 

Since its launch at the 8th European Summit of Regions and Cities in 2019, the YEP Programme has become a vital part of the Committee's efforts to foster meaningful youth participation. It empowers young representatives from across Europe to actively engage in the Union's democratic processes, bringing fresh perspectives from diverse regions and cities to the forefront of key events. The conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe as well as the European Charter for Youth and Democracy, launched in December 2022, both stress the need to further involve youth within the EU decision-making process. 

Apostolos Tzitzikostas (EL/EPP), First Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions, stressed the importance of the YEP Programme during the welcome session on 28 June, stating that: “The European Committee of the Regions is turning 30 years this year, and our commitment to meaningful youth participation is stronger than ever. Five years ago we launched the Young Elected Politicians programme to associate young leaders to our work. Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey for 150 new members of the YEP programme, as their role is vital in ensuring that EU policies remain close to the citizens and that they resonate with the younger generation." 

More information: 

The Young Elected Politicians programme (YEPs) is a network of representatives who are no older than 35 and hold a mandate at regional or local level in the EU or in EU candidate countries. More than 800 young politicians have joined it since its creation in 2019.  

The YEP Programme immerses young politicians in the EU decision-making process. It enables them to contribute to the work of the Committee of the Regions, engage in meaningful debates with CoR members – in Brussels and beyond – and take advantage of comprehensive training and outreach opportunities. 

Each year, the YEP Programme expands through a call for applications launched in the first quarter. To discover the criteria for becoming a YEP and apply for the next round, please refer to the 2024 call for applications. 

For more information on the YEP programme and its past activities, visit the YEP dedicated webpage or download the 2024 press kit. 

Contact: 

Theresa Sostmann  

Tel. +32475999415 

Theresa.Sostmann@cor.europa.eu