YO! Fest 2013: Young people as important actors in re-launching European Democracy

Brussels, 27 May 2012 // The European Youth Forum is pleased to present the YO! Fest, that will bring together EU representatives and young people within the framework of the European Youth Week. The fourth edition of the festival focuses on projecting youth as important actor in re-launching European democracy. The festival is taking place on 30-31 May, on the European Parliament’s esplanade in Brussels.

The European Youth Forum is mobilising youth organisations, civil society partners and thousands of citizens for young people’s cause in Europe on the 30 and the 31 May in the framework of the European Youth Week. “By occupying the Esplanade of the European Parliament for two days we are demonstrating the power of youth and calling for a stronger investment in young people and their organisations in order to re-launch European democracy” Peter Matjašič, European Youth Forum President, stated in the light of this celebration.

On 30May, the festival will open with a radio debate in partnership with Euranet Plus, challenging politicians and young people if youth absenteeism is a threat for democracy?', leading into a gigantic European Citizens Picnic, to be closed by the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy. Later Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, will officially launch the 'League of Young Voters' between 19h30 - 20h00. The League of Young Voters aims to tackle the ever decreasing youth participation at the European Parliament elections by increasing the level of youth-related information available about the elections as well as ensure that political parties and candidates focus on issues relevant to young people, particularly related to education, employment and mobility at European level.

On 31 May, President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz and European Commissioner, Androulla Vassiliou will address the audience to celebrate 25th years of EU Programmes dedicated to youth and project such achievements into the future.

Many interactive activities and events will be organised on the Esplanade of the European Parliament, such as debates, workshops and many great music concerts during the festival. The event can be followed on Twitter via the #YOFest13 hashtag, or on the mobile site that can be viewed or downloaded from the website www.yofest.eu, which contains the full detailed programme and practical info.

[ENDS]