The Eurodesk Network recently concluded a successful Network Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, from 7-11 April 2025, co-organised by Eurodesk Brussels Link and the 3 Belgian Eurodesk centres.

The event kicked off with inspiring opening words from Béatrice Minh (Erasmus+ coordinator of BIJ), Kaat Torfs (Director of JINT), and Pavlina Macounova (Eurodesk President).

They highlighted the importance of strong cooperation and dialogue in a complex global environment and invited the participants to learn from each other and to discover new facets of Brussels beyond the usual labels. As part of the 35th anniversary, they called on participants to engage, share ideas, practices and even dreams.

 

“Over the years, Eurodesk has become more than a youth information service. It has grown into a community, a network of passionate and dedicated people working together to bring Europe closer to young people”
- Béatrice Minh, BIJ

 

“Each one of you plays a key role in shaping the Eurodesk story. In a world that can often feel fragmented and uncertain, your work helps young people feel informed, connected and empowered. Whether you’re helping a young person explore what’s possible, guiding them through their journey, or simply answering their many, many questions, you’re building bridges, and you’re building futures.”
- Kaat Torfs, director of JINT

 

 

The meeting featured an exciting Eurodesk Game Zone, followed by a discussion on unleashing the power of the Eurodesk brand, policy updates from Mathieu Orphanides of the European Commission and an engaging session on the European Youth Portal led by Liane Riordan. Eurodesk Brussels Link organised a session centred on making Eurodesk content youth-relevant and exploring youth information trends in Europe through a public panel, marking the release of the 2025 Youth Info Survey.

 

Presenting the results of the 2025 Youth Info Survey

 

The Network meeting also marked the celebrations of the Eurodesk 35th anniversary through a reception, kicked off by Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport. 

 

“EU programmes like Erasmus+, DiscoverEU and the European Solidarity Corps offer young people life-changing mobility and volunteering opportunities and encourage them to become active citizens in our societies. These experiences enrich young people's sense of European identity, understanding and respect, and develop their professional and interpersonal skills. (...)Your organisation helps young people to navigate the programmes, initiatives and opportunities available in Europe. I want to take this opportunity to thank each one of you for your dedication. I believe that these 35 years of Eurodesk are just the beginning. Together, we can unlock the potential of young Europeans.”

-Glenn Micallef

 

The reception also featured an exhibition of Eurodesk’s journey throughout the years, telling  Eurodesk’s history through the experiences of the people who are behind it, which are not only the Eurodesk National Coordinators but also the multipliers, ambassadors, partners and the young people.

 

Claire Conlon, Eurodesk National Coordinator for France, shares her Eurodesk story

 

Eurodesk National Coordinators are exploring the 35th Anniversary exhibition

 

Some quotes from the participants: 

“I see Eurodesk in the future keep growing and continuing to inspire future young generations to choose Europe, any day, every day.”

“Eurodesk makes me feel like I’m part of something really special.”

“We must trust young people when they carry the European spirit anywhere.”

 

Cutting the Anniversary cake

 

Looking ahead, the next Eurodesk Network Meeting will be held in Autumn 2025 in Rotterdam, hosted by Eurodesk Netherlands, continuing the celebrations of the Eurodesk 35th anniversary!