Timeline
Travel back in time and discover the history of ECPYouth.
2004
Founding in Kortenberg
In July 2004, ECPYouth was founded in Kortenberg, Belgium, by youth organizations such as PerspectieF (Young ChristianUnion from the Netherlands), the Young Evangelical People's Party (UK), and the Junge Eidgenössisch Demokratische Union (Switzerland).
This founding was the result of the International Summer School, where young people from across Europe came together to exchange ideas and collaborate on Christian political issues.
2005
First Summer School
The first annual Summer School took place in Lunteren, Netherlands, in 2005. This event provided young Christian politicians the opportunity to learn about political topics, participate in workshops and lectures, and connect with peers across Europe.
It laid the foundation for the ongoing tradition of Summer Schools held in different European countries.
2011
Launch of Winter Schools in Lviv
In 2011, ECPYouth expanded its activities with Winter Schools. The first Winter School was held in Lviv, Ukraine, followed by editions in Esztergom, Hungary (2012), and Soest, Netherlands (2013). These winter gatherings complemented the Summer Schools and focused on more in-depth political and ethical issues within a Christian social framework.
2017
Adoption of the Odessa Declaration
During the General Assembly in July 2017, the Odessa Declaration was adopted.
This declaration established ECPYouth’s political vision, based on three core values: catholicity, dignity, and cooperation.
The Odessa Declaration served as a guiding framework for the organization’s activities and policy-making in the years that followed.
2018
Launch of the Christian Changemakers Program
In 2018, ECPYouth launched the Christian Changemakers Program. This year-long training program aimed to support young Christian leaders in their political and societal engagement. Participants received training in political skills, ethics, and leadership, preparing them for active roles in politics and society.
2024
20th Anniversary Celebration
In August 2024, ECPYouth celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special Summer School in Bucharest, Romania.Over 30 young leaders from 18 countries gathered to reflect on two decades of Christian political engagement. The event combined training, networking, and discussions about the future of Europe, under the theme “What Makes Europe Europe?” Participants were encouraged to reflect on Europe’s identity and the role of Christian values in shaping it.
Be part of ECPYouth and help shape Europe’s future!
Join us today and write the next chapter of our shared history.
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