Erasmus for young politicians: EU and national politics go hand-in-hand

All too often the gap between national Parliaments and the European Parliament seems wide. Members of national parliaments often have only a dim awareness of what goes on ‘in Europe’. MEPs, from their side, would benefit from closer ties with national parliaments at a time when so many people are turning their backs on Europe. 

The Young MP Erasmus Programme

Because national politics and EU politics go hand-in-hand, the EPP Young Members Network (YMN) - under the leadership of Tom Vandenkendelaere MEP - is launching a unique and novel exchange programme. The Young MP Erasmus Programme offers young MPs who are members of an EPP sister party the opportunity to gain an insider view of the workings of the European Parliament.

The Young MP Erasmus Programme is based on the same simple idea of spending some time in a completely different environment. Hopefully it will have the same long-term effect in bringing people together and tearing down walls. Tom Vandenkendelaere

Tom Vandenkendelaere: “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. Hopefully it will have the same long-term effect in bringing people together and tearing down walls. I'm therefore very happy to see my brainchild take shape and to welcome Sarah Claerhout of the Belgian Federal Chamber as the first participant after the summer.”

I hope to learn from MP Erasmus candidates: they are best placed to tell us why so many people turn away from Europe today and how we can tackle this together

Participants/candidates are invited to Brussels for one week to collaborate with MEPs on a defined topic of interest linked to their daily work. There they take part in Group meetings, committee meetings and plenary sessions and meet with their European counterparts, decision-makers and stakeholders. It is a great opportunity to experience first-hand how EU legislation is drafted. In addition, participants expand their network through the experience, which is beneficial to their daily work.

A network of young politicians to build the future of Europe together

Vandenkendelaere adds: “I hope Sarah will experience that what we do here in Europe is complementary and of crucial importance to her work in the Federal Chamber. At the same time, I hope to learn from Sarah and other MP Erasmus candidates: they are best placed to tell us why so many people turn away from Europe today and how we can tackle this together. I hope many more young members of national parliaments are inspired by Sarah's example and that the Young MP Erasmus Programme lays the foundations of a network of young politicians that together build the future of Europe."