"On an otherwise ordinary Monday, a bold new chapter began at Europe House. A chapter that brought together the experience of seasoned diplomats and policymakers with the bold and fresh insight of young people from across the UK.

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The first-ever Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) meeting for the EU Delegation to the United Kingdom united a diverse range of young voices, not simply to sit at a table that would shape the future of EU–UK relations, but to help shape it themselves.

With introductions over coffee and conversations flowing from the very first handshake, the day unfolded with a clear message: young people are not just future stakeholders, they are the leaders of today.


A Voice for a Generation

From Northern Ireland to Scotland, Wales to London, the members of YAC arrived with a shared mission: to advise the EU Delegation to the UK on the real, pressing challenges and aspirations of British youth and to help build durable bridges between young people in the EU and UK.

Each member brought their own unique perspective; from climate advocacy, educational access and trade unions, to youth justice and migrant rights. Yet they were united by a single thread: a fierce commitment to sincere, representative change.

 

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“What inspired me to join YAC?” said one member. “Because young people know what’s not working and we’re ready to help fix it.”

A Day of Dialogue, Purpose and Action

The day began with a welcome from Isabell Poppelbaum, Deputy Ambassador of the EU Delegation, who congratulated the new YAC members and set the tone for what would be a packed and purposeful day.

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Members then took part in a series of in-depth briefings with staff from across the Delegation, including the Political Section, the Economic and Trade Affairs Section and the Citizens, Social, Justice and Home Affairs Section. Each session offered a rare insight into the inner workings of international diplomacy and EU policy, priming members for the work ahead. 

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They also met with representatives from the European Parliament Liaison Office, one of only two such offices outside the EU, the other based in Washington D.C. Discussions centred on how to get more young people actively involved in European politics, with ideas ranging from better introducing EU education into schools to increasing support for youth societies and student networks.

Two- way exchange

But this was no lecture. YAC members were inquisitive throughout, challenging points, raising new ideas and putting forward the issues that mattered most to them.

One member highlighted: “There’s a real need to support rural communities. They don’t get as much attention or support as those in larger cities, and this is crucial.”

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Another spoke out on youth mobility, calling attention to the lack of clarity and concrete steps in the new deal that was agreed at the UK-EU Summit in May 2025: “This is an opportunity to support young Brits, especially at a time when opportunity is scarce.”

By the afternoon, the committee began shaping ideas for the upcoming EU–UK Youth Dialogue 2025, presenting bold concepts to connect young people across borders, challenge assumptions and equip future participants with the tools, skills and networks to drive political change.

A workshop with the Delegation’s Press & Public Diplomacy team followed, giving members the opportunity to shape communications strategy and deliver a clear message: “Speak with us, not for us.”

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The day concluded with a meeting with the EU Ambassador to the UK, Pedro Serrano who acknowledged the gravity and promise of the committee’s work:

“The world you will inherit will not be as stable as the world I inherited,” the Ambassador remarked. “It will be more difficult for you and that is why it’s important you have a seat at the table, to safeguard your interests and ensure that the world you inherit continues to serve you and generations to come.”"

Why YAC Matters - "having a seat at the table"

“YAC is important because it gives young people direct influence on international policy,” said one member. “We’re not just being consulted - we’re being trusted.”

For many, that trust is long overdue. Today’s challenges - mental health crises, insecure work, rising housing costs, climate anxiety, and growing inequality are urgent and interwoven. YAC is a vehicle not only to be heard but to push for real action. As the Ambassador said, in times such as these it is important to have a seat at the table. 

This Is Just the Beginning

The Youth Advisory Committee will continue to meet, advise and contribute to the work of the EU Delegation in the months and years ahead. But 16 June 2025 will be remembered as the day it all began, when a space was finally made for young people to shape the policies that shape their lives.

Let the Future Lead.

Words by K. Selimi and photography by Lars Stephan (@larssthephanista)