European Parliament’s renewed Youth Intergroup meets for first time in new legislature

The European Parliament’s renewed Youth Intergroup met today (February 4th) for the first time during the EP’s 8th term (2014-19), as around 20 MEPs and their representatives outlined a strong desire to build a coalition for young people. Seven MEPs were also elected as Co-Chairs and Vice-Chairs, and will be tasked with organising the intergroup’s work over the next five years.

Though not official European Parliament committees (and thus unable to express the EP’s formal opinion), intergroups are formed by MEPs with a view to debating key issues. During the previous term, the Youth Intergroup of the European Parliament has provided a unique space for MEPs from the EP’s different political groups to exchange views and work together on comprehensive policies affecting young people, such as the Youth Guarantee. Most importantly, this is carried out in conjunction with youth organisations and young people themselves, emphasising the intergroup’s open nature and role as a bridge between elected representatives and civil society

The Youth Intergroup was formally re-established on December 11th 2014, after it received the support of over 100 MEPs and the three political groups that now provide the Co-Chairs. At its first meeting today it elected the MEPs that will lead it during the current term. In addition to the three Co-Chairs, Vice-Chairs will also be drawn from the different political groups:

Co-Chairs:
Eider Gardiazabal (S&D)
Eva Paunova (EPP)
Terry Reintke (Greens)

Vice-Chairs:
Kaja Kalls (ALDE)
Emma McClarkin (ECR)
Brando Benifei (S&D)
Jeroen Lenaers (EPP).

The EP’s Greens & EFDD groups will nominate their vice-chairs at the intergroup’s next meeting, where further consultations will take place to determine the specific issues it will focus on. After agreeing upon common goals the aim is for the intergroup to be the voice of young people at the European Parliament’s official committees, MEPs stated today.

The European Youth Forum is pleased to see the Youth Intergroup meeting for the first time in this new legislature, and urges all MEPs to give it their full support. In doing so they can send a clear signal to young people, demonstrating that they remain a priority for a European Parliament that will listen to their concerns.