European Christian Political Youth Network

ECPYN Winter School 2012 - Where European politics met emotion and Christian beliefs

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:45:57 +0100

ECPYN members from all over Europe gathered for this year's next Winter School in a cutting-edge conference and education complex nestled next to the breathtaking World Heritage site of the Basilica in Esztergom. The week-long event provided the young Christian participants with the chance to take part in thought-provoking lectures, interactive workshops and in a wide range of extra-curricular programmes.

Though not everyone was present for the opening ceremony on the first evening due to travel difficulties, this was the moment for the ECPYN board to officially kick off the week, and for everyone to soak in the atmosphere of this lovely hilltop town, with its splendid views of the Basilica’s riverfront surroundings. Journeys from crowded airport terminals and railway stations were rewarded with a gourmet welcome meal in a tucked-away wine cellar restaurant.

After the ECPYN’s presidential address, on the menu for the first day were two insightful lectures on the effects of the economic crisis on Eastern Europe and a training on Socrates debating techniques, followed by a stroll across the historic town, which proved to be a wonderful base for the Winter School. The curtain came down on the day’s events with the ECPYN movie evening, in which we even met Meryl Streep – but on screen as former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher: the embodiment of British conservatism.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) action in a Christian way: the smile of disabled people is the joy of ECPYN.
The young participants were briskly energised on a snowy Wednesday morning when the day opened with a lecture by a Hungarian Christian Democrat MP on European energy policy, in the context of a sustainable oil and natural gas supply system: a highly strategic international pipeline across the continent. This was followed by a useful intellectual dialogue on Christian morals and the financial crisis, guided by Patrick Eagan, a political and PR adviser from the USA.

No matter how much the events of ECPYN examine moral principles in European policy, all such efforts are just words without faith-driven action on the spot: for the first time ECPYN introduced its CSR campaign, with the aim of it becoming a regular feature of the ECPYN’s activities in the future. Participants paid a long-awaited visit to a local home for disabled people in Esztergom, to spend Wednesday afternoon together with patients, whose overwhelming love made every guest feel at home. We were received with a dance performance and an abundance of joy: smiling disabled children and shared prayer brought home the realisation of God’s presence with us.

Alfresco spa and Slovakian snowballs
Deeply impressed by the genuine hospitality of the home for disabled people, participants could not have been better prepared for an afternoon lecture by an analyst from the KDNP (Hungarian Christian Democrats), on the role of the human being in European Christian politics. After a day of contrast it was time for all participants to relish the local fare and airy atmosphere of the Basilica wine cellar, sampling wines from an exclusive selection of boutique vineyards. The end of the day saw a chilly walk across the Danube to Slovakia, and a relaxing spa under the stars supplemented by a game of snowballs in swimming costumes.

Picturesque excursion and action for Belarus
Day Four offered an exhilarating excursion to Budapest, one of Central Europe’s most beautiful cities, with a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour along the banks of the romantic Danube, savouring architecture from the baroque to the modern, culminating in a visit to the commanding Parliament building.

‘Europe and Christianity’ offered views from a Jesuit, and former manager of a leading European cosmetic company, brought constructive criticism on current European policies on how to address economic issues while preserving a Christian outlook. The highlight of the day, however, was yet to come: in the afternoon WS participants pooled all their energy to gather outside the Belarusian Embassy in Budapest and express their serious concerns for the fate of that country. A candlelit protest against the authorities there included a banner with the inscription: ‘Free Belarus’. Emotion embraced the ECPYN members as they urged the ambassador to arrange for the immediate release and rehabilitation of Pavel Sieviaryniets and thirteen other political prisoners, to make changes to the electoral law and to ensure the unhindered official registration of democratic parties, such as the Belarusian Christian Democratic Party.

After all the action planned for the day, there was a surprise folk evening with a Hungarian string band and a dynamic performance in Esztergom, in which even a dancer from the Board displayed his Hungarian roots.

The 2012 Winter School of the ECPYN created a platform for all members to be part of both a practical and intellectual training event and hear lectures on a wide range of topics related to Christian Democracy, while enjoying God’s blessings and joy.

And now...
The ECPYN Winter School 2012 has been, as many other ECPYN event, a very special moment of get together on fruitful discussions and applicable knowledge. This week to be remembered will stay as a milestone of the way of ECPYN and Christian-Democracy in Europe as a next step toward more communication and more political visibility for our values. All participants will spread the word: ECPYN is ready to move forward on the political scene. For these who could not experience it yet, let us catch up at the next ECPYN event!

For an overview in pictures, click here.

Free Belarus! - ECPYN demonstrates outside the Belarusian Embassy in Budapest

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:52:51 +0100

As a prime action during the latest winter jamboree of the European Christian Political Youth Network in Esztergom, participants from all over Europe expressed solidarity with their Belarusian fellow-Christian Democrats, in order to raise awareness against the unlawful registration procedures of authorities with an on-the-spot, candle-lit petition demonstration outside the Belarus Embassy in Budapest.

Whatever the content of an ECPYN event focuses on, Europe-wide Christian political affairs and acute concerns will remain high-profile topics to fight for within our organisation. Therefore, on 9 February 2012 the ECPYN held a protest and handed over a petition at the Belarus Embassy to Budapest in protest against the Belarusian authorities’ continued oppression of political activists fighting for free and fair elections in the country.

The action gave an opportunity to call upon the Belarusian authorities to urge for the immediate release and rehabilitation of Pavel Sieviaryniets and thirteen other political prisoners, who are suffering under the oppression of the current regime. Furthermore, in co-operation with the Belarusian Christian Democratic Party, the ECPYN strongly urges the Belarusian government to make changes to its electoral law, providing equal rights to state and non-state mass media in preparation for free and democratic elections this year.

The ECPM expressly requests that the authorities ensure the unhindered official registration of democratic parties and organisations, in particular the recently-constituted Belarusian Christian Democratic Party.

In handing over a Holy Bible, the ECPYN also reminded the Budapest representation of Belarus of the unconditional love which the Belarusian government – as leaders of a genuine Christian people – will be betraying if it continues to systematically suppress fundamental human rights.

ECPYN presents: the Emergency Exit - Humanity behind the financial crisis in Europe

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:27:20 +0100

In the turbulence of financial challenges, and when the European Union is in severe distress, when dependence and complexity are rapidly increasing, there is one crucial thing we urgently need to find for the Old Continent: the Emergency Exit - Humanity behind the financial crisis in Europe.

The ECPYN introduces its next winter school, taking place between 6 and 10 February 2012 in the picturesque town of Esztergom, in northern Hungary. This is a long-awaited opportunity for all of us to set out and explore possible exit routes for our nations and the EU from our severe financial burdens and economic turmoil, guided by clearly defined Christian policy based on people’s needs. The Winter School will therefore cast a spotlight on the human approach and ways to identify a rapid solution to financial challenges, while underlining Christian Democratic values and the public interest rather than material priorities. The academic quality will be of the high international standard which is now familiar, with the same dual emphasis on intellectual challenge combined with extensive practical application.

This is a unique occasion for all participants to take their position on financial policy in Europe, to extend their knowledge and share ideas on finance-related processes in the EU, with first-hand accounts from top Hungarian and international politicians, intellectuals and professionals.
This winter the youth Christian political event will take place in the St. Adalbert conference complex: a landmark building in the eclectic style which has been restored to its former glory. It is in a historic location, in the shadow of Esztergom Basilica: a World Heritage site looking out over the southern lowlands of Slovakia. The ECPYN WS ‘one-city-two-countries’ venue has been exquisitely transformed with ultra-modern comforts, and its location on the bank of the Danube boasts panoramic views of the international border and the surrounding hills. Most importantly of all, it will play host to a wide range of political themes.

In addition to all this, we have certainly not forgotten about extra-curricular events. Among these will be: a local quality wine-tasting evening; a visit to Parliament; behind-the-scenes presentations by Hungarian government representatives; Budapest ‘hop-on hop-off’ sightseeing; a Hungarian folklore evening with the closing stage of a ‘social responsibility campaign’; and an ‘Aqua Park’ visit.

The ECPYN Winter School – with participants of more than fifteen nationalities, international lecturers and high-ranking politicians – continues to offer you and your organisation or party one of Europe’s best youth political platforms, distinct for the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills it delivers related to European Christian politics and new approaches on relevant topics and practice.
Let’s meet and greet in Hungary!

More information and registration at www.ecpyn.org/winterschool

ECPM & ECPYN send open letter to all Belarusian ambassadors in Europe

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:40:11 +0100

The letter below has been sent by ECPM & ECPYN to all Belarusian ambassadors. Both organisations are very worried about the unexpected detentions of political activists that occurred this week. One year after the peaceful demonstrations, followed by extremely harsh measures by the Belarusian authorities, it looks like similar tactics are being used again by the Belarusian government to silence members of the opposition. The letter is listed below.

Your Excellency,

Following opposition protests after the presidential election on 19 December 2010, your authorities detained fourteen political activists fighting for free and fair elections in your country. These activists are now serving prison or labour camp sentences in inhuman conditions. Our party strongly condemns this, and finds that your government’s measures violate international human rights and the right to exercise freedom of religion and conscience.

Further to this, we have recently been astonished to hear that co-chairman of the Belarusian Christian Democrats and former presidential candidate Vital Rymasheuski was detained in the early afternoon of 19 December 2011, while leaving his house. He is a genuine Christian Democrat, and it is unacceptable for him to be deprived of the right to religion and conscience and to be prevented from freely holding a political opinion in his own country.

The European Christian Political Movement (ECPM) and its youth section the European Christian Political Youth Network (ECPYN) strongly believe that your Excellency’s direction of a representation in a free European country enables you to see a clear distinction between the democratic country you are currently based in and the deficit of democracy in your own country. The ECPM is a European political party recognized by the European Parliament.

We hereby call upon your Excellency to urge for the immediate release and rehabilitation of Pavel Sieviaryniets and thirteen other political prisoners, who are suffering under the oppression of the current regime. Furthermore, in co-operation with the Belarusian Christian Democratic Party, we strongly urge the Belarusian government to make changes to electoral law, providing equal rights to state and non-state mass media in preparation for free and democratic elections next year.

The ECPM explicitly requests that the authorities ensure the unhindered official registration of democratic parties and organisations, such as the recently-constituted Belarusian Christian Democratic Party.

With the approach of Christmas and the new year we would also remind you that Christmas is a time of unconditional love which the Belarusian government will be betraying if it continues to systematically suppress fundamental human rights.

We request that you convey our concerns to the relevant departments in your government, to seek the earliest possible resolution.

In closing, we wish you and the people of Belarus a Blessed Christmas and a New Year of hope and renewal.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration.

Yours sincerely,

The Boards of ECPM & ECPYN

23 December 2011

'I believe in Christianity as I believe in the rising sun'

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:02:51 +0100

'I believe in Christianity as I believe in the rising sun; not because I see it, but because by it I can see all else.'

The Belarussian Christian Democrats (BCD) and the Young Christian Democrats have held there annual congress on 17 December 2011 in Minsk. On behalf of the European Christian Political Youth Network Peter Danku (director of Communications) was present and delivered a speech. Here you can read it:

Honourable Chairman, Dear party officials,

Ladies and Gentlemen, my dear fellow Christian Democrats,

I am delighted and I feel honoured to have the opportunity to speak to you here as a representative of the European Christian Political Youth Network.

‘I believe in Christianity as I believe in the rising sun; not because I see it, but because by it I can see all else.’

These words of Clive Staples Lewis, twentieth-century British novelist and Christian apologist, came into my mind when I was on the plane from Budapest, on my way here to this beautiful country.

This quotation is one of hope and commitment – of the type you have shown in your efforts to receive legal recognition from the authorities here to be officially established and registered. I am keenly aware that this has been an uphill battle for you this past couple of years, as this is the fourth time you have tried to be registered.

By way of example, yesterday my colleague in the ECPM – Leo van Duisburg, who was visiting me in Budapest, but whose visa application to visit Belarus was rejected – told me that the BCD has been fighting for registration for a long time, and that no one knows if and when they will succeed in becoming a party. And then he asked me what I thought.

My answer was immediate: I am full of hope, and I am almost 100% sure that your application will succeed this time. But over the past twenty-four hours my feelings have changed somewhat, and now I am not sure that this, the fourth time, will be a successful end to the story.

I say this because, first of all, none of us acting alone can ensure the future of the Belarusian Christian Democracy; it is all of us together, showing common commitment in close ties with God, who will find the way to contribute to the development of the BCD and a shared European Christian Democracy.

But I know that no matter how much we co-operate, there is still a long way ahead of you, and you face a huge challenge.

If we look to the Bible we can immediately turn to the story of David, who as a young man achieved what seemed impossible in defeating Goliath in a life or death battle.

But just imagine the years that were needed for him to become the vessel of God’s will, until one day he faced his enemy.

And so I ask you to keep up the good work, because you are doing a great job. Knowing your country and the circumstances, there seems to be a long way to go, requiring great commitment and, most importantly, deep belief in God.

Now, before I finish, here is something special for you from Hungary. (A pot of grass is handed over.)

I would like to ask you, Mr. Vital Rymasheuski, to come up and take it from me – please feel free to open it now. This is a nice little plot of grass: something that you have to water every day, so that one sunny day it will be lush and bushy.

Well, you are these grassroots, yours are the Christian political roots of God in this country. This country may be a garden, but it is one with no fertile soil, and where even if you sow grass seeds, some people will deliberately stamp on them and stop them from growing.

But, my fellow Christian Democrats, there is still hope. This morning I was surprised to see that dawn breaks much later in this country. Light may come later, but still we can see the sun rise. No power, no oppressive regime can stop these elements which come from the Lord: abundant sunshine and ample rain.

My friends, I want to come back when this grass has grown to the size of a football field: the field of the Belarusian Christian Democratic Party. The ECPM and ECPYN are ready to play a great match on your side as one team with you, together for the championship of a common European Christian Democracy.

That is what I honestly envisage and would like to realise in co-operation with you –something I wish from the bottom of my heart. I and the European Christian Political Youth Network – and our mother party ECPM – are on your side, to help you build a strong foundation for the BCD.

I began my speech saying that I believe in Christianity as I believe in the rising sun – for us now you are the rising sun and the fast-growing grass.
In closing, just trust in the Lord: he will guide your actions. »All you need to do is to care for this tiny plot of grass«.

Thank you! May God bless you all, and have a Blessed Christmas time and a promising New Year.

Peter I. Danku
Director of Communication
European Christian Political Youth Network

ECPYN presents: CrossroadS - Christian Political Academy

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:48:24 +0100

Different people, different views, different approach, different potential:

We, young European Christian politicians, still have to seek and identify a common platform for a new, like-minded generation for the benefit of the European societies.

You and us just need a time and place.

Where We Meet…

Where We Share…

Where We Learn…

Where We Enjoy...	Christian Policy in Europe at the:

	CrossroadS – Christian Political Academy

	In association with ECPYN.

Take part in and be one of the successful candidates, who can pursue a four-round, fully professional, cutting-edge academy course.

CrossroadS - Christian Political Academy provides a series of academy events with Christian democratic political content and professional skills for young political decision makers at national or European level, who are close to the Christian democratic political philosophy.

We are looking for young, talented Christian-minded people, who are committed to European Christian democracy and have already shown ability and sufficient motivation. The training course will focus on theoretical, organisation and political leadership, with sought-after lecturers, team building mentors and manager-like coaches.

>>> Read more... >>>

Who is going to pay?

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:52:47 +0100

This was the burning issue that formed the subject for a weekend conference for Western European Christian youth parties organised by the European Christian Political Youth Network (ECPYN) on 14 - 16 October 2011 in St. Vith, Belgium.

This was a picturesque setting for a serious topic, which is now a real hot potato: how we, European Christian democrats can evaluate the current Euro-crisis and plan a Christian-minded approach to illuminating and overcoming complex challenges in the turbulence of present European policy.

Young participants and speakers from several countries had a weekend of thought-provoking presentations, creative teamwork and productive workshops. With an introductory presentation given by Kris Vleugels on Friday (Vice-President of the European Christian Political Movement, ECPM), the series of sessions started with young Christian democrats being asked why we should all help Greece survive this crisis and keep an EU member country in the community. His main point was solidarity – a much-needed word that could provide us Christian politicians with a solution for Europe’s financial problems. Being open-minded European Christians, we should find ways and means to help other brothers and sisters who are in need, and encourage others to do so. A brief synopsis of the current state of play with an apt comparison between Europe and the speaker’s home country Belgium made the session simply stunning for all of us. Following the session we had time for a one-on-one discussion on the topic and liaise with each other while enjoying a hot cup of coffee à la Belgique.

A friend in need is a friend indeed – how to plug the Greek budget gap
The Saturday session started with one of the most challenging workshops of the conference: a business simulation game on how to allocate resources on a European scale. Players were financial decision-makers from four eurozone countries – Greece, The Netherlands, France and Germany – and on-the-spot analysts, who were given the task to set up a state budget divided into ten segments. It almost immediately became clear that Greece was the weakest point in the system, and so it was imperative for its counterparts to negotiate a win-win strategy and make resources available from their own budgets for a bailout action plan for the country. Real fun, much experience and edifying sessions made us realise that –under certain preconditions – decision-makers throughout Europe have to make every effort to stand by Greece.

The Bible and the economy: a good reference point for a clear view
In the afternoon of the second day a presentation by Marie-Caroline Leroux, representative of World Alliance, provided an invaluable insight into the situation arising from an increasing world population and how we are to curb worldwide birth-rates. After an impressive presentation, her clear conclusion was that birth-rates should not be affected by global decision-makers, because we need all people to maintain a high level of welfare in several ways around the globe.

In the afternoon Jannes de Jong, representative of the Brussels Office of ChristenUnie (the Dutch party ChristionUnion), gave a presentation about the crisis and politics, based on the Bible. After he pointed out what some experts had to say about the crisis, a logical link was made with the Bible, and one could at once realise how purely Holy Scripture can provide us with a clear view and a moral compass in the turbulence of the current economic crisis. The audience was divided into four groups and discussed several statements – this was highly informative and gave everyone a lot of fun, especially with the witty metaphors used in discussions to describe the burning topic of the euro crisis.
In the evening participants went out to wine and dine in a local restaurant, with lively conversation and a great surprise for Jeannette Dorothea Schoonderwoord (Deputy Secretary of ECPYN), who was celebrating her 20th birthday.
The Sunday programme began with a church service in the heart of the lovely town. It was impressive for a group of young people from different nations to give praise to God and join in common prayer.
There was time to have a last cup of warming tea and then say goodbye to everyone.

St. Vith, the Belgian centre of German-speaking minority offered a unique location and a great opportunity for ECPYN associates to gather together, enjoy each other’s company and most importantly to have a closer, Christian-minded look in depth at the different challenges faced by EU countries within and outside the eurozone at the present time.

Did you miss this event? Be sure you attend next time – you are warmly welcome!!

Who's going to pay??

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:20:23 +0200

The most discussed topic these days in Europe is the financial crisis. Therefore ECPYN organizes a Western European conference about the Christian Democratic view on the economic crisis in the weekend of 14, 15 and 16 October in St. Vith (Belgium). It will be a training weekend for young people involved in political organisations from Western Europe.

During the financial crisis, a lot of European countries are receiving help from the European Union. We want to share and discuss about our position as Christians during the crisis; do we have the responsibility to pay for the European countries who keep asking for more help and money?

The conference will be organised by the European Christian Political Youth Network (ECPYN), a political association of youth organisations from all over Europe, together with PerspectieF (youth of the Christian Union party of the Netherlands). Expert speakers will give lectures about this topic. This training weekend will also include interesting workshops. It is obviously a good opportunity for meeting politically involved young Christian Democrats from neighbouring countries. Participation for the whole weekend costs EUR 30,-

Do you want to join this educative and inspiring conference? You are welcome! For more information and application click here.

ECPYN promotes a stronger Europe at its 8th International Summer School

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:24:49 +0200

Over 40 young Christian Democrats from 13 European Countries signed up for the 8th ECPYN International Summer School (ISS), which took place in Paris between 11th and 15th July 2011. Six days in the light of Christian Democracy - with workshops, lectures, intensive brainstorming and a multitude of ambitious ideas - have led to the formation of accurate policy statements, proving that the summer gathering is the most effective way for the young generation to bring its vitality into European politics. In this cause, ECPYN is now an even stronger network of young people, based on a deep and active mutual understanding between countries.

Paris is an enchanting metropolis of picture-postcard scenery on the banks of the Seine, steeped in history and teeming with remnants of the past, from the grandeur of its monuments to the smallest details of every street and square. These were inspiring surroundings for all the participants from political parties, youth organisations and NGOs from almost every European region who gathered to take part in this year’s ECPYN summer school. On the first official day, after all the participants had arrived safely in the French capital and checked into a city centre hostel, there was a welcome reception offered by Denys Dhiver, ECPYN board member, and host of the event. This was an opportunity for old and new ISS attendees to wine and dine, and gain information, joy and energy for the challenging and rewarding days ahead of them.

Secularisation and integration

The professional part of the summer school started the following day, Tuesday: ‘Towards a new relationship between the private, public and sacred domains’ was a lecture given by Dr. Bart Labuschagne from The Netherlands, professor of philosophy of law at Leiden University. His was the first in a fascinating series of lecturers introducing an international approach on Christian policy. According to Dr. Bart, ‘It is in my view a matter of urgency that we come to a new understanding of the relationship between public and private, which essentially means that we should leave the worn-out liberal dichotomy of private/public behind us and aim at regarding society as a trichotomy.’ In his keynote address he introduced the main topics of the Summer School’s workshops: and Integration in Europe. A fruitful day of teamwork and insight into relevant topics of gravity was followed by a physical parallel later that afternoon: Foucault’s pendulum in the Panthéon was a highlight of a sightseeing trip in the heart of Paris, together with a tour of the interior of Saint-Louis des Invalides.

ISS runs for election

An interactive session opened on Wednesday by welcoming Christine Boutine, leader of the French Christian Democratic Party (Parti Chrétien-Démocrate), and candidate for the next presidential election in 2012. Inspired by this, lively dialogue continued when the ISS participants split into project groups to face the challenge of the week: outlining a strategy for various election campaigns with a PR leaflet and a promotional presentation. Here Christian creativity proved to be unsurpassable in political marketing also. This summer school in Western Europe also offered the floor to politicians from the other side of the continent – including Georgi Rukhadze from Georgia, International Secretary of the Christian Democratic Movement of Georgia (CDM), and lecturer at Ilia State University. He portrayed the prevalence of secularisation in his home country as the burdensome heritage of the former Soviet Union, and stated that it also appeared to be an oppressive element in most Eastern European states formerly under communist rule.

Parade, workshops and fireworks: the ECPYN gathering was fun as well!

As Napoleon Bonaparte said, ‘An army marches on its stomach’, and the ISS proved his point. This may be not always the case, however – especially in the Bastille Day parade down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees on 14 July. On Thursday morning, hundreds of armed French troops led by President Sarkozy and a fly-past of military aircraft provided a truly French experience for all participants, who themselves were also armed later in the day – this time with specialist hints. Four workshops led by professionals offered a wide range of training opportunities, from interesting areas of European policy such as local political anchoring, to Socratic dialogue, and ways of influencing parliamentary work. The day ended with a breathtaking firework display, which brought to an end the official events for the French National Day.

A mock European Parliament

On the last official day participants were given their most challenging task; they were asked to put all their experience at the ISS to use in identifying adequate responses to the topic of ‘Integration and Enlargement in the EU’. The product was not only in words but also in deeds: a substantial summer course ended with two working groups putting forward their thoughts in a plenary session on the designated portfolios in the European Parliament. This was excellent training for the role of the ECPYN’s future Christian politicians in real European platforms.

The conference resulted in two policy statements, on Future Enlargement of the European Union and Immigration Policy. These called for well-balanced and respectful enlargement, and a clearer and more equitable treatment of immigrants coming to Europe.

The 8th Summer School has also given the ECPYN the unique opportunity to spread its message about policies on secularisation, and on integration for a stronger Europe in the interest of all countries. It has gained backing to promote related youth initiatives as part of a political agenda driven by Christian principles, as this is the only path for a better Europe.

Secularisation and Integration

Tue, 10 May 2011 18:39:00 +0200

ECPYN is pleased to announce that the 8th International Summer School will take place in Paris, France from July 11 till 16, 2011. The theme of this year's summer school is "Secularisation and Integration". About 70 participants from all over Europe attend the summer school, which takes place in a different country each year. International speakers with backgrounds in politics or academia lecture on political and societal topics from a Christian Democratic perspective.

This year the main theme will be discussed with top politicians and with philosophers, and the discussion will be nourished with applied experience from the political field. This event is thus a unique experience for all young politicians that want to acquire more knowledge of Christian democracy and ways to apply it.

The International Summer School also offers workshops for the participants to improve themselves in several political skills. The aim is for them to get more know-how and ability for their future political responsibilities. These workshops are focusing on speech delivery, political campaign strategy, fund raising, political advocacy, et cetera.

This summer school will give a great opportunity for all participants to take part in the discussion about Christian democracy and its position regarding secularisation and integration issues in Europe. The participants will also learn a lot about the political processes in the EU.

Programme and registration are available on www.ecpyn.org/summerschool.