Erasmus for young MPs: building bridges between national and EU politics

In times when Member States and the EU are so often juxtaposed as pursuing different interests, the EPP Young Member’s Network (YMN), under the leadership of Tom Vandenkendelaere MEP, is taking action to bring national and European politicians closer together.

To do so, Vandenkendelaere is launching a novel and unique exchange programme: the Young MP Erasmus Programme.

What is the Young MP Erasmus Programme?

The Young MP Erasmus Programme offers young MPs from EPP sister-parties across the EU the opportunity to gain an insider view of the workings of the European Parliament. Participants are invited to Brussels for one week, where they will follow a young MEP colleague in his or her work. As such, they will gain an in-depth understanding of European decision-making, meet with influencers, decision-makers, voters and journalists, and participate in any meetings that are relevant to their work. It is a truly unique experience, which will reinforce the links between Members of national parliaments and Members of the European Parliament.

Tom Vandenkendelaere drew on his own experience as an Erasmus student for inspiration: “As part of my studies, I spent several years in the UK, Germany and Poland - a real ‘school of life’ that influenced who I am and what I do today. The Young MP Erasmus Programme is based on the same simple idea of spending some time in a completely different environment with peers from different European backgrounds. Hopefully, it will have the same long-term effect in bringing people together and tearing down walls.”

Towards a network of young politicians

Through the programme, the YMN hopes to create a network of young politicians who will work together to build the future of Europe. Vandenkendelaere says: “I hope participants will experience that what we do here in Europe is complementary and of crucial importance to their work in national parliaments. At the same time, I hope to learn from MP Erasmus candidates: they are best placed to tell us why so many people are turning away from Europe today and how we can tackle this together.”

The programme will officially kick off this week with the arrival of its first two participants Sarah Claerhout (Belgium) and Noel Rock (Ireland). Vandenkendelaere hopes that other young Members of national parliaments will be inspired by their example to apply to the programme and thus contribute to the creation of a European network of young politicians.

About a dozen MPs will take part in the programme in 2016 and many more are expected for 2017. The 2016 programme is already fully booked. Hopeful future candidates can expect the dates for 2017 to be released soon.