Madrid hosts the Erasmus-Youth programme to discuss Europe's global role
Madrid will host the seventh International Conference of the Erasmus-Youth programme: ‘Europe as a global power’. More than a hundred young people from eight European countries will meet on 24 and 25 April at the headquarters of the European Institutions in Spain (Paseo de la Castellana, 46) to discuss the role of the European Union on the international stage.
The conference, organised by the Ideas and Debate Association, chaired by professor and journalist Miguel Ángel Benedicto, will be attended by MEPs, experts in international relations and NATO representatives. The main objective is to provide a space for critical reflection and debate on Europe's geostrategic position, its links with other global powers, and the challenges in the field of security and defence.
The event is part of the ‘Youth for Peace’ project, within the Erasmus-Youth programme, and will be attended by youth delegations from Germany, Bulgaria, Ireland, Latvia, Portugal, Poland, Turkey and Spain. Over two days, participants will analyse Europe's role as an international power, examining its strategic influence and complex relations with key global players such as Russia, China, the United States and the Middle East.
The conference is not only a unique learning experience for participants, but also a platform for dialogue offering valuable insights. Young Europeans will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with top-level policy makers, broaden their knowledge of current international dynamics and reflect and debate on Europe's role in the world.
High-level institutional participation
Among the prominent speakers are MEPs Adrián Vázquez (EPP), Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, Chair of the European Parliament's Defence Committee, and Jana Jalloul (S&D). Agnes Beres, from NATO's Political Affairs and Security Policy Division, will also participate, along with numerous academic experts from universities such as the UCM, URJC and Schiller University.
The young people will also be officially welcomed at Madrid City Hall by Inmaculada Sánchez-Cervera Valdés, general coordinator of the Mayor's Office, and José Herrera, director of International Relations, who will share their global vision of the Spanish capital.
Programme
Thursday, 24 April
- 9:00-9:30 a.m. – Reception of participants.
- 9:30-10:00 a.m. – Institutional welcome by Lucas González, acting head of the European Commission Representation in Spain.
- 10:00-11:30 a.m. – Academic panel: EU relations with other global powers, with presentations by university experts: Gustavo Diaz Matey (China), José Carlos Rodriguez (United States), Raquel Barras (Africa), Julieta Espín (Middle East), Javier Morales (Russia), Carlos Uriarte (Latin America)
- 11:30 a.m. – Transfer to Madrid City Hall.
- 12:15-1:00 p.m. – Official reception at City Hall with Inmaculada Sánchez-Cervera Valdés and José Herrera
- 1:00 p.m. – Return to headquarters.
- 1:30-3:00 p.m. – Lunch.
- 3:00-3:30 p.m. – Presentation of conclusions.
- 3:30-4:15 p.m. – Coffee break.
- 4:15-5:00 p.m. – Conference and debate with Adrián Vázquez.
- 7:30–8:45 p.m. – Alternative cultural tour of Madrid: ‘Madrid not for tourists’, guided by Professor José Pinto.
- 9:00 p.m. – Tapas and dinner in the city centre (optional activity).
Friday, 25 April
- 9:30–10:00 a.m. – Evaluation questionnaire with participants.
- 10:00-10:30 a.m. – Debate with Nicolás Pascual de la Parte.
- 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Coffee break.
- 11:30-12:30 p.m. – Workshop on European Defence Policy, led by Oliver Soto, professor at the UCM.
- 12:30-1:30 p.m. – Conference with Jana Jalloul (S&D) and Agnes Beres (NATO).
- 1:30-2:00 p.m. – Closing remarks and final reflections.
- 2:00 p.m. – Farewell lunch.
