The One Where EYPUK Goes to Berlin

What is our stance, as the European Youth Parliament (EYP), on Artificial Intelligence? How does EYP reflect its values and mission in its online spaces? How far do we entrench our values in our Network Charter? And, maybe most importantly… Why is it so difficult to find fridges in Cyprus?

The BNC (Board of National Committees) is an event of two halves. On the one hand, we have the flurry of placards, amendments, direct responses and debate; we discuss the policies which dictate the day-to-day running of our network, from online spaces to international delegations, leaving no stone unturned. In my experience, it is these discussions which truly make me feel like we’re part of a network; despite our vastly different ways of operating from country to country, our volunteers’ enthusiasm, energy and genuine desire to improve our organisation is palpable. 

On the other hand, though, the BNC offered me the chance to take a step back, ignore my emails for a day or two, and focus entirely on this network and how extraordinarily happy I am to be in it. Through lakeside chats, late-night games of table tennis (I lost, in case you’re wondering…) and the rotating daily seating order, I got to hear about the collaboration and synergy of the Mediterranean Summer Training, the sense of possibility and new beginnings in freshly recognised EYP Lithuania, and the excitement building over the next International Sessions in Serbia, Germany and Portugal. Who knew that 3 days of discussing policy could be so enjoyable?!

Prior to attending a BNC, I had assumed they would be abstract, lengthy debates which, I thought, were miles away from the day-to-day work we do in this organisation. I also remember fearing I wouldn’t have a lot to add to debates or policy discussions. On both counts, I was wholeheartedly wrong. Interacting with EYPUK members on Slack during debates, contributing to genuinely constructive dialogue and representing EYPUK’s unique perspective will remain a highlight of my year in EYP… and that’s not even to mention the fun stuff: sunsets by the Wannsee, attempts to decode Swiss German, memes during debates, reunions with friends I’ve had since 2023, and so much more.

Active citizenship and open dialogue drives the way we, as the EYP Network, interact with the world around us. The BNC reflects these values in all of their glory, and I can safely say that I can’t wait to see both the policies and the people of BNCM 26.01 somewhere in Europe!

-Sophie Woodward, EYPUK President