breaking the ice

The treaties of Rome establish the European Economic Community and France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemburg signed them on the 25th of March 1957.

The 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome is not only an opportunity to reflect on the last 50 years of European cooperation, but also a time to look forward to the future of the EU. With this in mind, the European Commission and European Parliament, in close collaboration with the Youth Forum, are organising the first ever a European Youth Summit "Your Europe – Your future" in Rome on 24-25 March. 200 young people from different backgrounds in all EU countries will attend the summit to discuss what kind of EU they want for the next 50 years. The Youth summit will take place in parallel with the European Council in Berlin, where Heads of States and Governments will adopt a political declaration setting out the values and ambitions of the European Union.

The Youth summit will deliver messages for the future of Europe to the EU leaders on Berlin.

In preparation of the Youth Summit, a debate and consultation process is to be launched. The process will lead up to the Youth Summit and will kick off in Brussels on 18-20 January with a preparatory meeting. The meeting is being coordinated by Youth Forum, and will be attended by national representatives from Youth Councils and International Youth NGOs. The following six themes will be worked on with the aim of producing a discussion document: the future EU Treaty, the Social and Economic Model, Sustainable Development, the EU’s role in a globalised world, democracy and civil society, youth and education.