The kick-off event of the European Youth Week 2026, co-organised by the European Commission and the European Parliament, took place at the European Parliament in Brussels, gathering together around 1,000 young people from across Europe and beyond.
ESN had the opportunity to participate with a small delegation of volunteers and with the staff from the office that delivered the session "Youth Voices in Action: Designing Tomorrow’s Engagement”, but among the participants there were many ESNers and former volunteers involved in the event as speakers, trainers, or participants.
Designing Tomorrow’s Engagement
ESN International had the opportunity to deliver an interactive workshop during the event, which looked at how young people can become changemakers in their local and national communities. Using inspiring examples from ESN International’s Speak Out and Voices of Change projects, the session showcased how youth-led initiatives across Europe have encouraged participation, solidarity, and active involvement in society.
Participants started by exploring concrete examples of successful activities, such as community discussions tackling misinformation, local solidarity actions, and youth-led advocacy projects. These examples highlighted how European mobility and volunteering programmes can create positive change beyond personal experience.
The workshop then focused on active participation. Through small group discussions and interactive exercises, participants reflected on the challenges young people face when trying to get involved in their communities. Together, they explored practical ways to speak up, influence change, and take part in inclusive and solidarity-based initiatives.
By the end of the session, participants left with fresh ideas, practical inspiration, and a clearer understanding of how they can get involved and make their voices heard—locally, nationally, or across Europe.
Testimonials of the ESN Delegation
Matilde Quaglia – President of ESN Italia: “For me, the European Youth Week kick-off was not just an opportunity to listen: it was an opportunity to speak.
As President of ESN Italia, I went to Brussels with a clear sense of responsibility: to make sure that the voices of young people, and especially of students in mobility, were part of the conversation. Spaces like this matter precisely because they connect lived experiences with the people and institutions that shape European policy.
The highlight of the event was a direct exchange with Commissioner Glenn Micallef. I used that moment to bring forward the perspective of the thousands of young people ESN works with every day, their experiences of mobility, the challenges they face, and the difference that solidarity-driven programmes can make in their lives. It was a small window, but an important one. Showing up is not enough. What matters is what you bring to the room, and I hope to have left Brussels having contributed, even in a small way, to a more youth-centred conversation at the European level.”
Zsanett Anga, who used the European Youth Week as an opportunity to speak out on a pressing issue for young people: housing affordability.
“As a young university student who will soon enter the housing market, the situation in Hungary is not just an abstract issue to me—it is my near future. In Budapest, rental prices have risen to such an extent in recent years that independent living is becoming increasingly delayed for people my age. Demand consistently exceeds supply, while wages have not kept pace with these rising costs.
At the same time, moving to other parts of Hungary is not a simple solution either. Although housing may be more affordable in some rural areas, job opportunities are often limited, and infrastructure can be underdeveloped. This creates a dual challenge: the capital is becoming unaffordable, while many rural regions do not offer sufficient prospects for young people.
I believe the housing crisis is not only an economic issue but also a social one. We need solutions that support young people in becoming independent, reduce regional inequalities, and ensure more predictable and accessible housing for future generations.
Without meaningful change, an entire generation risks being locked out of stable housing and long-term financial security. For many of us, the question is no longer when we can afford a home, but whether we will be able to at all. Addressing this issue today is essential to ensuring a more balanced and sustainable future for young people across the country.”
Giulio Del Giudice - Liaison Officer for the European Youth Forum
“It was the 1st time for me participating in the kick-off event of the European Youth Week, and it has been an honour to lead the small ESN delegation through this unique experience. After the plenary session, I had the chance to attend 3 breakout sessions on the past, present and future of Europe, research & innovation and participation. At the event, I got the opportunity to network with many young people coming from diverse organisations, countries and backgrounds. Meeting with friends, discussing with functionaries and enjoying a stimulating experience.”
Matilde Mendes - Liaison Officer for European Affairs for ESN Portugal
“Having the privilege of representing the ESN network at the kick-off of European Youth Week— in my role as Liaison Officer for European Affairs at ESN Portugal — was both an honour and a deeply rewarding experience. It marked a moment of immense pride and responsibility.
Entering the European Parliament and witnessing its inner workings firsthand was truly enlightening. It helped demystify the space where so many critical decisions are shaped, offering a clearer understanding of how European institutions operate in practice.
What made this experience genuinely meaningful, however, was the people. I had the opportunity to engage with inspiring, driven young individuals and youth representatives from across Europe. Whether exchanging perspectives on our local realities or discussing broader ambitions for the future of Europe, there was a strong sense of shared purpose and collective energy.
We were united by a fundamental conviction: that young people are not only capable of driving change, but must play an active role in shaping it. This event served as a powerful reminder that our voices matter — not only as the future of Europe, but as its present.
I leave this experience deeply inspired, with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to bringing this momentum back to our network, continuing to advocate for youth empowerment across our communities.”
Daniel Caro - Liaison Officer for Europe of ESN Spain
“First of all, I would like to thank ESN International for giving local and national ESNers the opportunity to attend and represent ESN at events like this. It allows newer generations of volunteers to experience more closely how ESN works at a higher level and to share these experiences with our local ESNers from all around Europe. For me, it was truly motivating to see how ESN has become a reference point in the youth field, leading impactful projects and even being invited to facilitate a session during the event.
As a young European, this opportunity renewed my enthusiasm for the European project and for the new generations. During the event, I had the chance to meet incredible young people who are genuinely willing to work towards a better future, starting from local actions and bringing a European spirit to regions that often feel disconnected from it.
Another highlight was learning more about the work of people in the European Commission and the European Parliament. It was inspiring to realise that these career paths are accessible to everyone and not as distant as they may sometimes seem.
Finally, the best part of this experience was meeting other ESNers, not only those attending the event, but also those currently living in Brussels. Each of us comes from a very different background and stage in our ESN journey, and it was truly inspiring to see how strongly connected we all are through our network.”
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