Young people are driving change for a sustainable future. Being at the heart of the relationship between the EU and the UK, they are the leaders and decision-makers of tomorrow. In the follow up of the 2022 European Year of Youth, the EU is committed to help young people around the world make their voice heard.

That is why for the first time, the EU Delegation in the UK, in the framework of the Youth Action Plan on EU External Action, and in partnership with the European Institute of University College London, organised a Youth Gathering bringing together over 100 young persons from all corners of the UK with the goal to identify key challenges faced by youth and to collect their views on the future of the EU-UK relationship. The gathering, held on 25 October at UCL, builds on months-long engagement with youth organisations across the UK -  offering the opportunity for direct engagement between EU officials and youth leaders. A delegation of the European Economic and Social Committee also took part in the gathering.

In his opening remarks, EU Ambassador to the UK, Pedro Serrano said: “The EU is engaging with young people to find innovative answers to global challenges. Never before has youth been so well informed and interconnected. This comes with responsibilities. It also brings an obligation to the older generations to develop sustainable communities that respects your aspirations. The European Union and the United Kingdom share resources, interests and values. Our relationship is now being built on a new framework. Your ideas and commitment are crucial in shaping our common future.” 

In closing the session, EU Deputy Ambassador to the UK, Nicole Mannion noted: “We have had excellent discussions today both on the EU and on how we can strengthen youth connections between the EU and the UK. This first gathering has demonstrated the energy and passion that young people have for strengthening EU-UK relations, and continue to learn from each other and benefit from each other’s talents and abilities.”

Also speaking at the Youth Gathering, Maurizio Cuttin, UK Young Ambassador to the European Youth Forum said: "This Youth Gathering represents a valuable opportunity for UK and EU youth leaders to come together in the spirit of European unity and discuss the future of our collective engagement. Beyond the Gathering’s innovative format, its co-creative and youth-led qualities are sure to produce great successes.”

The Youth Gathering also saw students from 18 UK Universities launch a Network of European Affairs Societies that will seek to foster good relations between the EU and the UK. Furthermore, beyond the societies represented on the day, more EU student societies are in the process of being created across the country.

Young people at the Gathering highlighted their desire for  excellent relations between the EU and UK, emphasising the need for cooperation in various domains with many highlighting the value of programmes such as Erasmus+.