This August, members of EYP Spain, EYP France and EYP Italy will come together in Marseille for the first edition of the Mediterranean Training, a new regional training event designed to help newer members take their next steps within the European Youth Parliament.
Rather than following the format of a traditional EYP session, Mediterranean Training is focused on something different: learning how EYP works from the inside and developing the practical skills needed to take on new roles in the Network.
Mediterranean Training is a joint initiative of the National Committees of France, Italy and Spain.
The project was created to address a common challenge: after their first experiences in EYP, many members want to become more involved but may not yet know how to take the next step.
The training aims to bridge that gap by bringing together members from the three National Committees for several days of workshops, practical learning and exchange.
Its first edition will take place in Marseille from 20 to 23 August 2026, hosted by EYP France. The event will gather around 80 participants, including approximately 50 trainees alongside trainers, organisers, media team members and other officials.
Participants will follow different training tracks depending on the role they would like to explore:
Each track is designed to introduce participants to the responsibilities, tools and skills involved in that role.
Alongside the individual tracks, the programme also includes interactive modules, knowledge-sharing spaces, cultural activities and teambuilding, giving participants the chance to learn not only from trainers but also from each other.
The objective is not simply to explain how a role works, but to give participants the confidence and practical knowledge to apply what they have learned at future EYP events.
One of the main ideas behind Mediterranean Training is to create stronger connections between geographically close National Committees.
Members of EYP Spain, France and Italy often face similar challenges when training new generations of volunteers. Bringing them together allows participants and National Committees to exchange methods, experiences and good practices, while creating new connections across the Mediterranean part of the Network.
The project is therefore both a training event and an experiment in regional cooperation within EYP.
The Marseille edition will primarily focus on participants from the three organising National Committees, while some positions may also be opened to members from other parts of the Network.
Marseille 2026 is the first edition and pilot phase of the project. The three National Committees will use the experience and feedback gathered during the event to evaluate how Mediterranean Training could develop in future years. The ambition is to create a format that can be repeated and adapted, potentially expanding its training areas to topics such as leadership, National Committee administration, Network governance and institutional knowledge.
Sustainability is also built into the concept of the event, with participants encouraged to use lower-impact travel options such as trains whenever possible.
The programme begins on 20 August, when officials arrive for preparation and training. Trainees join on 21 August, followed by a full training programme on 22 August and a final day of training and departures on 23 August.
Beyond the workshops, the organisers want Mediterranean Training to reflect some of the characteristics shared across the region: openness, informality, strong interpersonal connections and a sense of community.
For EYP Spain, France and Italy, Marseille 2026 is the first step towards creating a shared space where new members can learn, meet people beyond their own National Committee and feel better prepared to continue their journey in EYP.
Mediterranean Training 2026
Marseille, France
20–23 August 2026
Organised by EYP France, EYP Spain and EYP Italy
Around 80 participants, including 50 trainees
Contacto de prensa
Oficina de Comunicación & Protocolo EYPE
protocolo@eype.es
eype.es
