Europe is more than just a geographical area – it is a promise that every new generation must renew and redefine. But what might our Europe of the future look like? In this seminar, you will connect with motivated young adults from across Europe. Together, we will explore the visions, opportunities, and challenges that shape the European Union today and tomorrow.
How can Europe become more just, more sustainable, and more digitally advanced? What role should the EU play in an increasingly globalized world – and what responsibility does our generation carry for safeguarding peace, democracy, and cohesion? By embracing the diversity of our experiences and perspectives, we will learn from one another, build meaningful connections, and reflect on the issues that unite us beyond national borders.
Through interactive group work and discussions with experts from politics, academia, and civil society, we will create tangible and forward-looking ideas for “our Europe of tomorrow.” Your perspectives and contributions will shape the discussion as well as your ideas and viewpoints will shape the conversation, to foster a reflective, open-minded, and courageous discourse.
The working language of the seminar will be English. While most participants are expected to come from Germany, young people from other EU Member States are warmly encouraged to join.
The registration deadline is July 15, 2026.
PROGRAM
Day 1
Arrival by 3:45 pm
Seminar Opening
Introductions, participants‘ expectations, overview of the program and organisational information
United in diversity? Europe Check: The Normative Promise vs. the Reality of Differences
Input, discussion, and introduction to the group work
Mission Future – Where Are We Headed? Mini Think Tanks
Small group work, presentations and discussion
Day 2
Visits and Discussions
- Visit 1: EUROPEAN COMMISSION: Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC)
- Visit 2: Academic Think Tank, e.g. EUROPEAN POLICY CENTRE
Day 3
Visits and Discussions
- Visit 3: EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Members of the European Parliament from different political groups, e.g. from the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) or the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE)
- Visit 4: Civil society youth organization, e.g. EUROPEAN YOUTH FORUM
Day 4
Vision EU*rope: Our Positions and Perspectives
Critical reflection, discussion and ideas workshop
Generation Impact: From Discourse to Action
Outlook and opportunities for engagement
Closing Round and Seminar Feedback
The seminar ends at 3:00 pm
Team
Lukas Tepasse is studying political science (M.A.) at the University of Kassel. He previously completed a bachelor’s degree in German-French Studies at the University of Regensburg, graduating with a thesis on the reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS). Since completing a voluntary social year at UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe e.V., he has been intensively engaged with the topics of flight and migration. He leads seminars at v.f.h. in Brussels on this and other European policy issues. Since 2018, he has been working as a seminar leader at the v.f.h., where he designs and develops political education programs for different age and target groups.
Isabel Liu studied history and political science at Kiel University (CAU), where she completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. In her theses, she dealt intensively with social inequality in the Federal Republic of Germany in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as with transgenerational trauma resulting from World War II. During her studies, she focused particularly on international relations and inequality research. She is also active in the field of political education and youth education, where she has helped organize events and develop innovative educational concepts that address political and social issues in a way that is appropriate for the target audience and promotes sustainable learning processes.
Organizational Information
This educational trip to Brussels is aimed at students and young professionals (aged 18 and over) from EU Member States. Participation in the entire program and overnight accommodation at the conference venue are mandatory. Accommodation and half-board are included in the seminar fee. Travel expenses are the responsibility of the participants and must be arranged independently. Please note that for the Brussels seminars, only half-board is included in the participation fee, as we will be attending sessions in the city. Therefore, please budget for any additional meals and local public transport costs.
