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The YEPP Show EP. 10

Why is Europe the best environment for AI Development? - With MEP Arba Kokalari

Who writes the rules of the digital world? Over the past decade, the EU has set the pace, with flagship policies like GDPR, the Digital Services Act, the Digital Markets Act, and the AI Act. Now, a new chapter begins with the Digital Omnibus, aiming to simplify the rulebook while strengthening Europe’s digital competitiveness. 

 

In this episode of The YEPP Show, MEP Arba Kokalari, member of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, helps us understand the European Union’s real potential to lead in the digital age — not only by setting the rules, but by driving innovation and shaping the future of the digital economy. 

 

Together we explore:  

 

🧠 How the AI Act aims to protect EU citizens in practice 

 

🚀 How AI can be a driver of European competitiveness rather than a threat 

 

📊 How current digital regulations may impact Europe’s own growth

NEWSYEPPer 18th Edition

What is MERCOSUR, Europe’s new bridge to India, YEPP past events and News from the EU Bubble  

In this new edition of our newsletter, you will find:

 

  • What is MERCOSUR, explained by YEPP Secretary General Edelmira Ferri
  • Europe’s new bridge to India, explained by László Szepessy, MIERT International Secretary
  • Get to know: JONGCD&V – With Chelsea Nshuti, International Secretary 
 
…and much more!
YEPP Secretary General, MIERT International Secretary and Jong CD&V International Secretary
Download here

Our Political Values

Our Political Program, adopted at YEPP’s 14th Congress in Brussels, is the declaration of our fundamental principles, values, and vision for the future of Europe. It addresses the most challenging issues, calling for concrete measures and policies, presenting our vision of a Europe of innovation, technological and societal advancements, shaped by and for its people.

  • Human dignity
  • Economy and social policy
  • Europe Environment Subsidiarity
More about our values
Read our manifesto

Board Members

"Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.” – Marcus Aurelius
Todor Koneski
Vice President
"Europe is facing its biggest challenges in decades. Therefore, the youth of the EPP must make sure we are the voice of our generation and defenders of a freer and stronger Europe".
Maria Miala
Vice President
"YEPP has demonstrated that we are in touch with the issues that matter. Now is the time for young people to have a real voice in the decisions shaping our future."
Metty Steinmetz
Vice President
"I am committed to amplifying the voice of youth at a pivotal moment for Europe. During my mandate I will focus on security and international affairs, positioning YEPP as a strategic and forward-looking actor on today’s most pressing issues. I will work to grow our network, welcome new member organizations, and firmly uphold our shared values - especially in times of uncertainty."
Max Špachta
Vice President
"We stand at a new frontier — not of borders, but of ideas. United in our diversity and driven by shared purpose, we are called to lead with courage, not comfort; with unity, not uniformity. The future of Europe will not be inherited — it must be built. Let this be our generation’s legacy: to shape a continent that dares to act, dares to dream, and dares to lead."
João Cerejo dos Santos
Vice President
“The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.” – Margaret Thatcher
Žiga Ciglarič
Vice President
"As Europe’s largest political youth organisation, we have a duty to shape the day-to-day agenda - making sure our voices are heard on key policy issues, such as the EU’s economic development, our collective security, and, above all, support for Ukraine amid Russia’s full-scale invasion. Tackling these challenges requires strategic planning, dedicated resources, and close collaboration throughout our organisation."
Carl Pfeiffer
Treasurer
"We are a diverse group, representing various nations, cultures, and backgrounds, but our common goal unites us. Let us work together, shoulder to shoulder, in shaping a Europe that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens and safeguards the environment for generations to come. Let us seize this opportunity to make a difference."
Lídia Pereira
President
"I see YEPP as a family, which is also the reason why I fell in love with this organisation. As the new Secretary General, I want to focus on three key priorities: I want to strengthen YEPP's position and make YEPP bigger in EPP, to improve YEPP as an organisation and finally I want to give more opportunities to broaden our members networks!"
Heidi Hanhela
Secretary General
"I am focusing on a research first-policy, and I am fighting fake-news and disinformation where I can. This is a threat to our democracy, and we must fight that since our democratic values should never be for sale."
Florian Gasser
Vice-President
“My top priority over the next two years will be getting YEPP back to proper campaigning on the key issue facing young people - the high cost of living, in particular soaring housing and rent prices faced by Gen Z and millennials”.
Eoin Scarlett
Deputy Secretary General
"Determination is choosing purpose over fatigue, every single time."
Edelmira Ferri
Secretary General
"I believe in the approach of small but firm steps, and that as leaders of the European youth, we must lead by good examples, we must remain competitive and innovative."
Dora Szilagyi
Vice-President
"Let's envision Europe in 2030. A Europe where there's peace again on the continent, a Europe where the cities have become greener and cleaner, a Europe where the Union between our nations is stronger than ever. Let's fight for this Europe. Let's fight for a Europe with more EPP, and above all, more YEPP."
Derek Groot
Vice-President
"As an organisation, we want to ensure that we grow not only with our activities and finances but ensure that our political values spread across Europe. Based upon the principle of 'value for money,' I want to continue and scale up a transparent, structured and expansive budgetary planning."
Adam Bátovský
Treasurer
"In times of change, values are both our anchor and our compass."
Vassilis Sakellaris
Vice President
"Nobody is strong on their own. Real strength is built together, united, speaking as one. That is the message I want to send: we are young, we are powerful, and we are here, to lead and to be heard."
Tea Jerković
First Vice President
"If there is a one topic I want to focus on within my mandate, it would be fostering innovation, digitalisation of Europe's sovereignty while upholding our European values."
Sophia Kircher
First Vice-President
"I want to bring YEPP closer to its individual members all across Europe. It is important to make sure our network is open to the next generations of political decision makers from the local to the European level."
Severin Hirmer
Vice President
"Only together, supporting each other, we will be able to pass the next dark times in the history of our continent! But after this long and dark night, the sun will rise to illuminate a new victory day of democracy and freedom made by the unbreakable and bravest people of the world."
Oleksandr Afanasiev
Vice-President

Stay in touch with our news!

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Geopolitics of Tomorrow – With MEP Reinhold Lopatka

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  • News

YEPP and Commissioner Reding say ‘Citizens First’

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  • News

Young Republicans join YEPP asking for UN Security Council on Ukraine

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Events

Our events section is your go-to spot for the latest workshops, debates, and meet-ups designed for young Europeans like you. Join us to navigate the complex world of EU politics, network with like-minded peers, and help shape the Europe of tomorrow.

Tuesday
24
Mar 2026
YEPP Brussels Group Network
The Beer Factory Pl. du Luxembourg 6, 1050 Ixelles
More info
Wednesday
4
Dec 2024
Workshop: Mastering the Skills of Writing Effective Resolutions
Via Zoom
More info
Tuesday
8
Oct 2019
Networking Reception
Brussels, Belgium
More info
View all
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