Press information: European Youth Event (EYE) 2016

The second edition of the European Youth Event (EYE2016) takes place at the EP in Strasbourg on 20-21 May. "Together we can make a change" is the motto of the event where 7,500 young Europeans (aged 16-30) will make their voices heard in debates and workshops with Members of the European Parliament and other political decision-makers and opinion-builders. The ideas discussed at the EYE will be presented to MEPs. Journalists not present in Strasbourg can follow key parts of the event online

Mairead McGuinness and Sylvie Guillaume, EP vice-presidents for information policy, press and citizens relations, will open the ceremony today Friday at 10am, together with vice-presidents Rainer Wieland and Ulrike Lunacek.

“EYE is a big occasion as young people, from different backgrounds and across the EU, meet, chat, listen and learn from each other. I look forward to participating in and listening to the debates on the big societal issues facing us - from climate change to the refugee crisis, security and jobs. The ideas will be brought back to Parliamentary committees in the European Parliament and further debated by MEPs.” said Mairead McGuinness.

“At present, Europe finds itself at a crucial crossroads, facing bigger challenges than ever, such as the refugee crisis, an increasing nationalism, a long-lasting economic crisis, a possible exit of the UK from the EU and the terrorism threats. Today, the participants of the EYE have the opportunity to tell us which Europe they really want from us. With their contribution to a vibrant European democracy, they will make the difference in the future.” added Sylvie Guillaume.

The EYE will continue until Saturday evening and focus on 5 main themes

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  War and Peace - Perspectives for a peaceful planet

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  Apathy or Participation - Agenda for a vibrant democracy

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  Exclusion or Access - Crackdown on youth unemployment

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  Stagnation or Innovation - Tomorrow’s world of work

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  Collapse or Success - New ways for a sustainable Europe.

Events will include a discussion about the future of Europe with EYE participants and European Parliament Vice-Presidents as well as Commissioner Marianne Thyssen, a debate with Sakharov Prize winners Denis Mukwege and Kirill Koroteev, as well as Ensaf Haidar the wife of Sacharov Prize winner Raif Badawi. European astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti will share magical moments and scientific challenges from her mission aboard the International Space Station and European Parliament Secretary General Klaus Welle will debate with EYE participants whether European integration is the way forward.

Follow EYE online

The main debates will be streamed online to enable those not in attendance to follow. The schedule of and links to these debate are available at .

For the full #EYE2016 experience, there is a dashboard with live Twitter feeds, Snapchat, Instagram, Periscope and our rolling #EYEtv coverage of top activities and exclusive interviews with speakers and participants.

Audio visual media

Multimedia and radio studios as well as other audiovisual facilities and services will be available for media covering The EYE.

Contact: VoxBox@europarl.europa.eu

All the technical equipment brought into the buildings of the European Parliament will have to be security-checked. Recording permits are available at the usual office in Strasbourg: LOW N00307. If possible, please contact Georg Tenhagen in advance: media.accreditation@ep.europa.eu

Press facilities:

The press room with work stations for journalists will be open as usual during plenary sessions. - Room LOW N00.401.

Parking:

Due to sport events happening simultaneously nearby, there will be no parking places available for cars in the area. The nearest “Park & Ride” parking lot is located near Droits de l’Homme tram stop.

REF. : 20160512IPR27154