European Young Leaders (#EYL40)

The European Young Leaders (#EYL40) is a flagship programme of Friends of Europe that brings together a new class of leaders from across Europe every year. 

At a time of deep geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainty and growing pressure on democratic systems, the programme creates a space to step out of silos, connect across sectors and explore how Europe can respond concretely and collectively. 

Why it matters now more than ever 

Europe is facing a defining moment. War on its borders, rising geopolitical tensions, rapid technological change and increasing social pressure are reshaping the environment in which decisions are made. At the same time, there is a growing gap between European ambition and people’s day-to-day realities. 

The challenge is no longer only to define priorities but to deliver on them, in ways that are tangible, inclusive and credible. 

EYL40 creates the conditions for open, trusted exchange between people who would not usually sit in the same room, from policymakers and entrepreneurs to scientists, artists and civil society leaders and across political sensitivities and countries. 

Through seminars, labs, public engagement and ongoing exchanges, the programme focuses on: 

• connecting perspectives across sectors and countries 
• challenging assumptions and testing ideas 
• translating discussions into concrete proposals and collaborations 

The approach is simple: move beyond conversations and contribute to shaping solutions. 

A core element of the programme is its interactive formats — including “Europe to-do list” labs — where participants work together on key challenges. 

The impact of the programme does not stop here. European Young Leaders engage in their own countries, sectors and communities, helping to reconnect European discussions with local realities and contributing to a more inclusive and forward-looking Europe. Our Europe is broader than the EU’s physical borders. Our Europe stretches from the United Kingdom to the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova.  

EYL40 is built on the idea that leadership today is not about titles or sectors, but about the ability to listen, connect and act across boundaries. It is about bringing together people who are willing to question, collaborate and take responsibility in shaping Europe’s future. 

Alumni come from a wide range of backgrounds, from a former refugee who became both a professional footballer at AC Milan and a medical doctor, to a Michelin-starred chef, founders building Europe’s next generation of clean tech companies, members of national and European parliaments, a barrister and bestselling author, a Sámi rights activist, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist, an ESA astronaut, and artists using theatre and storytelling to challenge societal norms to name just a few. 

What connects them is not where they come from, but their willingness to engage, challenge and contribute to shaping Europe’s future.

Tune in to the EYL40s on Friends of Europe’s podcasts