As a member of the Rise and Reflect alumni group, I represented the Platform at the opening event of European Youth Week 2026, held on 24 April at the European Parliament in Brussels.
The event brought together over 1,000 young people from across Europe and beyond, providing an opportunity to discuss European policies, exchange perspectives and explore opportunities for youth participation in EU decision-making.
During the plenary session, participants were addressed through messages from the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, as well as the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. They outlined the EU's priorities, particularly their vision for improving opportunities for young people across Europe.
Discussions on the priorities of the European Union
During the day, there were parallel sessions on a wide variety of topics concerning youth policy.
Firstly, I attended a panel on space and security policy, where I learned more about the European Union's role in the space sector, including its ambitions in satellite security and plans for what could become the world's first comprehensive space law framework. It was interesting to see how space is becoming an important strategic priority for the EU.
I also participated in a panel on health and innovation, which highlighted the importance of cooperation, research and technology in improving healthcare systems. Particular attention was paid to how we can strengthen collaboration between member states to ensure faster information sharing, which is critical to achieving greater convergence in healthcare coverage standards.
Finally, I attended a panel on youth research, where I learned how important it is to give young people more opportunities to engage in research and innovation. The discussion emphasised that involving young people in research helps develop critical thinking and active participation in shaping the future. By providing more opportunities for young researchers in schools, we strengthen the next generation of scientists and their ability to respond to emerging challenges.
Main takeaways
In addition to the formal programme, the event provided opportunities to exchange views with participants from different European countries. The discussions highlighted the distinction between providing opportunities for young people to express their views and ensuring that those views are taken into consideration when developing policies.
I was glad to bring the knowledge I gained from these discussions to my involvement in the Platform's Rise and Reflect alumni group, particularly regarding how we can adjust our strategy to increase our outreach.
Attending European Youth Week was a great learning experience. I was especially glad to represent the Platform, which, in a relatively short time since its inception, has become an important stakeholder in discussions regarding youth policy. This is a true testament to the work of both the Platform's members and its leadership.
About Jan
Jan is from Zagreb, Croatia and was involved with the Ombudswoman for Children in Croatia through his teenage years. He was also a member of our Platform's Advisory Board and is now a part of our group of young alumni who continue to support our work and the voices of children.