Reflecting on our Journey at the European Charlemagne Youth Prize 2024 | May 2024

As the Greek National Winner of the European Charlemagne Youth Prize 2024, representing EUth Voices for Social Change, we had the privilege of participating in a transformative 4-day schedule in Aachen, Germany. Pinelopi Katsigianni, Project Manager and Georgia – Anna Chondrou, Communication and Marketing Manager at Youthmakers Hub, represented the organization in this prestigious event. The agenda was packed with collaborative activities aimed at fostering dialogue, celebrating achievements, and envisioning the future of Europe.

Upon arrival at Aachen, we were greeted by fellow winners from across Europe, setting the tone for a weekend of cross-cultural exchange.

Throughout these 4 days, the emphasis was on collaboration and cooperation. From the Charlemagne Youth Prize ceremony at Rathaus Aachen to the workshops hosted by the European Parliament at Das Liebig focused on this year’s European Elections, we had the opportunity to engage with leaders and visionaries, exchanging ideas and forging connections that transcended national boundaries.

Two of the highlights of the weekend were undoubtedly the Charlemagne Prize Forum at Katschhof and the Charlemagne Prize Ceremony. During the Forum we had the privilege of sharing the stage with fellow winners and the 2024 Laureate, Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, while discussing emerging issues with Yasmina Asrarguis, Charlemagne Prize Academy Fellow 2023/24, Pat Cox, Former President of the European Parliament; Charlemagne Prize Laureate 2004, Dr. Jean-Claude Trichet, Former President of the European Central Bank; Charlemagne Prize Laureate 2011, Dr. Dalia Grybauskaitė, Former President of the Republic of Lithuania; Charlemagne Prize Laureate 2013and Veronica Tsepkalo, Charlemagne Prize Laureate 2022.

Among other roundtable discussions, we also had the honor to watch a discussion on Global Dynamics and European Strategies with Anke Plättner, Moderator and Journalist, H.E. Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission, Professor Dr. Ursula Gather, Chairwomen of the Board of Trustees, Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Foundation, Daniel Quinten, President of the EACB, Member of the Board of the National Association of German Co-operative Banks (BVR), and Véronique Willems, Secretary General, SMEunited. It was a humbling experience to be part of a community committed to driving positive change in Europe and beyond.

As the weekend drew to a close, we left Aachen with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The connections we made and the insights we gained will continue to inspire us as we work towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for all in Europe and beyond.