Dance Battle
As the last challenge for day one, a total of seven groups were given a song to perform a dance to. After a few hours of intense preparation, we performed the dances in front of a lively crowd and strict jury. We all got a good laugh and in the end, the team of SEDE has come out victorious!
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"The dance battle was our favorite part yet, even though every group voted for themselves. We are both already finished with the ICs in our group and are excited for the General Assembly tomorrow" - Alexandra and Alesia from Romania
Motivating words - Delara Burkhardt
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Delara Burkhardt has kindly sent us a motivating video message, which will be presented in full during the General Assembly. As a member of the European Parliament (Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats), she recorded the message from her workplace, sharing her encouraging thoughts about the difference young people make with participating in this event and encouragement. Although she is unable to join us in person this weekend, we deeply appreciate her inspiring words and support for our event.
(ek)
Photochallenge
For our second team challenge, we had to walk through the school and take interesting photos at different locations. It was a very fun and exciting experience, that connected the teamspirit.
Not only did we get creative with our photos, but we also strengthened the dynamics of our teams. We shared ideas, laughed a lot, and worked together to capture the best shots.
It was definitly a highlight so far!
AFCO
AFET
INTA
SEDE
ECON Team
Media Team
Teambuilding and "breaking the ice"
Our EYP journey began with two fun teambuilding activities that brought everyone together in a very warmhearted atmosphere.
First, we had to line up in alphabetical order of our names. It helped to break the ice and to communicate as a team right from the start.
The second amusement was a big game of Rock-Paper-Scissors. Every time someone lost, they had to support and cheer on the other players. The winner was Dajana Schlichtemaier from the 12b from the Carl-Maria-von-Weber-school. At the end the teamspirit was high, and everyone was filled with joy.
Overall, the mood was fantastic and it was a perfect start to the EYP!
"I usually don't like teambuilding games, but the ones we did [...] were actually very cool and engaging! I really think we are a great team now." - Merle Plambeck from Germany
Interview with the EYP presidents Oliver and Elina
Today, two members of the media team, Elias and Emilia, interviewed the two presidents Oliver and Elina. They told us about their EYP background, what motivated them to be here again and a fun thing, that happened last time at the EYP. Oliver and Elina started participating as chair persons two years ago. For both of them the EYP was always a special and fun event! Oliver's and Elina's main tasks are their preparation for the General Assembly on Sunday. Elina's motivation as the president is to lead the chairs, to be the best version of themselves at the EYP 2025!
Of course the EYP is mostly about learning, but Elina also told us about the exciting social activities. Last year, there was a dance battle on Friday evening and she and her delegates had so much fun dancing!
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Opening ceremony with keynote speaker: Insights into current challenges the EU is facing
Today, at the Carl-Maria-von-Weber-Schule, we had the opportunity to listen to an inspiring speech from the young expert Julia Jamilia Werner from the Institute for Security Policy in Kiel. At just 26 years old, she has already founded her own association, the “Transatlantic Student Initiative,” and remains motivated despite many negative geopolitical events. Her message was clear: We can make a difference! We have the power to shape the future of politics and society.
The speech should be a preparation for the committees This discussion took place as part of our European Youth Parliament (EYP) event, where students from Germany, Italy, France, Sweden, and Romania gathered to debate Europe’s future. It should be a preparation for the committees to debate in the following days more about these themes. The key question she posed was: “Are we (as the EU) trapped between Russia and the USA?” In examining this question, additional geopolitical challenges for Europe came into focus.
First, she asked, if we (Europe) did prepare for the worst? Her answer was straightforward: Probably not – because there was hope. She mentioned that since Trump’s election, “We see a clash of vision and different morals,” signaling a significant shift in global dynamics. “So here we are,” she said, referring to the current situation of the European Union. She observed that the USA now thinks more in terms of quid pro quo, while Europe has become more reliant on itself militarily than ever before. Russia has little, if anything, to lose and can either gain concessions through talks with the USA or continue the war as it has been. Meanwhile, China, the People’s Republic, seems to be watching events unfold with its own interests in mind.
After analysing the geopolitical situation students were given the opportunity to ask questions, bringing additional challenges into the discussion. One question addressed the influence of social media in politics. In Julia Jamilia Werner‘s opinion: “Social media has become extremely political.” It’s clear that some parties, like Germany’s AfD (a right-wing conservative and nationalist party), have mastered using digital platforms to reach young audiences, while others, like the FDP (a liberal, centrist, free Democratic Party), have struggled. Political messages are often framed as engaging stories or reels, making them more accessible but also more manipulative. The challenge lies in distinguishing reliable information from misleading narratives, especially in echo chambers like Telegram.
Another question asked, “How can we achieve a more united and stronger EU?” She responded that we should view each other as equal partners, taking advantage of our independence, both economically and militarily.
This speech and the Q&A session gave us plenty to think about. Europe faces enormous challenges: shifting global power dynamics, military independence, media influence, and economic competitiveness. But our speaker’s message was clear: We have the power to shape the future. It is up to us to engage in politics before others decide for us, and this must be done as a united Europe. With these perspectives in mind the delegates now go into their committees to work on possible solutions to the challenges the EU is currently facing.
(sg, jw, ak)