Von der Leyen Opens European Youth Event 2026 With Video Message
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a video message on Friday, April 24, 2026, opening the European Youth Event 2026. The address marked the start of European Youth Week, a series of events centered on young people from across the continent.
"Dear Young Europeans, It is a pleasure to welcome you to European Youth Week. This week is about you," von der Leyen said in the recorded message. "Today, you join more than a thousand young people from across Europe."
Event Participation and Scope
The European Youth Event 2026 brings together more than a thousand young participants from across Europe, according to the European Commission. The event is designed to engage young Europeans in discussions about the future of the European Union and to provide a platform for their ideas and concerns.
Von der Leyen's video message served as the formal opening address for the week-long program. The European Commission published the speech on its press corner website, with the full text available for public access.
Presidential Address and Context
Ursula von der Leyen, serving as President of the European Commission, recorded the video message specifically for the European Youth Event 2026. The speech was released on the opening day of the event, April 24, 2026, from Brussels, Belgium, where the European Commission is headquartered.
The European Youth Event is a recurring initiative organized by the European Parliament and European Commission to foster dialogue between young people and EU institutions. The 2026 edition focuses on youth participation in democratic processes and policy-making at the European level.
Youth Week Programming
European Youth Week encompasses a series of activities, workshops, and discussions designed to involve young Europeans in shaping EU policies. The event provides opportunities for participants to interact with EU officials, share their perspectives on key issues, and contribute to policy recommendations.
Von der Leyen's opening remarks emphasized the central role of young people in the week's activities. The President's message set the tone for the subsequent events, highlighting the importance of youth engagement in European governance.
The European Commission's press office confirmed the details of the video message and its publication on the official website. The speech is part of a broader communication strategy by the EU executive to reach younger audiences across member states.