Youth Can Do! Summit 2026 in Brussels | European Youth Leadership Summit

The Youth Can Do! Summit 2026 is an exciting international youth opportunity that will bring together around 100 young people from across Europe and selected countries at the European Parliament in Brussels on 19–20 November 2026.

Organised by Renew Europe, the summit is designed for young people who want to become more active in shaping Europe’s future. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), develop practical leadership and communication skills, and connect with other young changemakers.

Youth Can Do! Summit 2026 – Overview

What Is the Youth Can Do! Summit?

The Youth Can Do! Summit is a platform where young people can engage directly with European policymakers and discuss important issues affecting the future of Europe.

The 2026 edition comes at a time when Europe is facing major challenges, including defending democracy, supporting Ukraine, strengthening competitiveness, and creating better opportunities for the next generation.

The summit aims to ensure that young people are not only listening to these discussions but are also actively contributing ideas and solutions.

What Will Participants Do?

The programme will run for approximately 1.5 days and will include several interactive activities.

European Parliament Simulation

Participants will experience a European Parliament simulation, allowing them to step into the role of European decision-makers. This can help participants better understand political debate, negotiation, and decision-making.

Meet Members of the European Parliament

Participants will have the chance to interact directly with MEPs through speed-dating sessions. This provides an opportunity to ask questions, exchange perspectives, and learn more about European politics.

Interactive Workshops

The summit will also feature practical workshops where participants can develop skills and discuss important topics with other young people.

Youth Declaration

One of the key activities will be working together on a Youth Declaration. Participants will share their opinions, ambitions, and ideas to develop a joint vision for Europe’s future.

The detailed programme will be provided to selected participants closer to the event.

Who Can Participate?

The opportunity is open to young people aged 18–29 from EU Member States and several partner countries.

Eligible countries include:

• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Canada
• Georgia
• Iceland
• Kosovo
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Republic of Moldova
• Serbia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Ukraine
• EU Member States

Applicants should consult the Applicant Guide for the complete eligibility criteria and participation requirements.

How to Apply?

There are two ways to participate in the Youth Can Do! Summit.

1. Through Partner Youth Organisations

Members of European Liberal Youth (LYMEC), Young Democrats for Europe (YDE), or Jeunes En Marche (JEM) should contact their organisation directly to find out about participation.

2. Open Call

Renew Europe offered 10 places through an open call for young people who were not participating through the listed organisations.

According to the current information provided by the organisers, the candidates selected through this year’s open call have already been contacted.

Therefore, interested young people should monitor official Renew Europe announcements for future opportunities.

What Costs Are Covered?

Selected participants will receive support from Renew Europe.

Travel Expenses

Travel costs will be reimbursed through a flat-rate system based on the Erasmus+ calculator.

Accommodation

Hotel accommodation in Brussels will be provided for selected participants.

Meals

The organisers will also cover some meals during the event.

Participants should read the Applicant Guide carefully because specific reimbursement rules and conditions may apply.

Why Should You Join?

The Youth Can Do! Summit can be particularly valuable for young people interested in:

• Youth leadership
• European politics
• Democracy and civic engagement
• Public speaking
• Social change
• International networking
• Policy and decision-making

Beyond the event itself, participants can build relationships with young people from different countries and gain practical experience that can support their future academic, professional, or civic activities.

Previous Youth Can Do! Events

The summit is part of a longer initiative that began during the European Year of Youth in 2022.

In 2022, Renew Europe brought together more than 500 young people from 39 countries in Brussels to discuss Europe’s future and turn their ideas into action.

Previous events have included discussions and workshops on topics such as mental health, EU enlargement, public speaking, digital storytelling, and countering far-right narratives.

The 2026 summit continues this effort by creating another platform for young people to contribute to discussions about Europe’s future.

Final Thoughts

The Youth Can Do! Summit 2026 offers young people a chance to experience European political life from close range while developing practical skills and building an international network.

With activities at the European Parliament in Brussels, discussions with MEPs, interactive workshops, and a collaborative Youth Declaration, the summit provides an engaging environment for young people who want to make their voices heard.

Applicant Guide

⚠️ Important Notice

Please read carefully before applying: The Youth Can Do! Summit 2026 has a limited number of places. Participation through the open call is already closed, and selected candidates have been contacted. Members of LYMEC, YDE, or JEM should contact their respective organisation directly for participation details. Always check the official Renew Europe information and Applicant Guide for the latest updates before making any travel or financial arrangements.