EYE 2016 kicked off on Friday morning 20 May at a ceremony presided over by EP Vice-Presidents Mairead McGuinness, Sylvie Guillaume, Rainer Wieland and Ulrike Lunacek. Speaking at the ceremony, Guillaume said: "Your ideas should serve as an inspiration for the members of the Parliament. We have to listen to what young people have to say about the future."

The two-day event included discussions on issues ranging from climate change and youth unemployment to religious extremism and sustainable development. The participants aged 16 to 30, representing 39 countries, were also able to experience Europe's rich cultural diversity at the many concerts and artistic performances.

Participants also enjoyed the opportunity to take part. Mirja Gabbert (21), a medicine student from Heidelberg, Germany, said: "I loved hearing all the different languages and being able to meet people from other countries. It's very important that our generation unites to work on Europe and the many problems we are facing."

Matthieu Chatelin (28), a French member of the European Disability Forum, used the occasion to discuss issues related to disabilities: "For those with disabilities the EU is one of the most precious gifts we have. The European Union, our Union, means that everything is possible, whether you're disabled or not. By better including disabled people in society, we are all the richer."

The event showed how interested young people are in politics. "I hope the divisions that exist in Europe at the moment will be overcome. We need a better sense of community, and peace," added Sinéad Leen (17), a student from Tralee, Ireland. Mohamad Zouhir (28), a Syrian doctor who fled to Austria from Aleppo two years ago, said: "As regards the future of Europe, I hope there is not a move to the right and that Europe remains a place of peace. Remember that in the two world wars Europeans experienced what Syrians are now going through."

At the closing ceremony EP Vice-President Mairead McGuinness said: "At a time when cynicism tends to outweigh optimism, all of you here at EYE 2016 have been a breath of fresh air."

As a follow-up to last week's event, participants will present their main ideas and conclusions to MEPs in the coming months.

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