EWSA-Delegierter und CSO-Vizepräsident Baurat h.c. DI Rudolf Kolbe war Gastgeber der österreichischen Teilnehmer beim diesjährigen Your Europa, Your Say! 2026:
Every spring, Brussels becomes a crossroads for youth voices from across Europe. Since 2010, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has opened its doors to young people from EU Member States, candidate countries, and the UK, inviting them to step into the heart of European dialogue.
The event, “Your Europe, Your Say!” (YEYS), is more than a gathering – it is a living laboratory for participatory democracy, a place where ideas are not just exchanged but transformed into recommendations that ripple through the EESC’s advisory and political work. In 2026, YEYS will bring together 137 participants – secondary school students, their accompanying teachers, and young adults, associated with youth organisations, each selected for their motivation, diversity, and commitment to civic engagement.
Rudolf Kolbe: „Today marks the start of Your Europe, Your Say! 2026 at the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels.
I had the pleasure of welcoming a student and her teacher from Austria, who are taking part in this inspiring initiative. Together with peers from across Europe, they will discuss their ideas and expectations for the future of Europe and the wider world.
At the same time, accompanying teachers are engaging in workshops and exchanges, strengthening cooperation and sharing best practices in education. A great example of how we can empower young people to actively shape Europe’s future!
I also had the opportunity to contribute directly to a workshop for accompanying teachers. Together with fellow EESC colleagues, we presented the role, tasks, and working methods of the Committee, highlighting its importance as a bridge between European institutions and organised civil society. The exchange with the teachers was particularly valuable — their questions and perspectives led to an engaging and meaningful discussion, which I very much enjoyed. Initiatives like YEYS not only empower young people, but also strengthen dialogue with educators across Europe!
