On 29 December 2023, our members came together for the fifth ordinary General Assembly to address the issues of the future and set the course for the coming year.

With a warm welcome, President Gaétan Glaub and Vice-President Maurice Kruchten opened the General Assembly. This was followed by a review of the past year. After two years of pandemic-related restrictions, the ‘Parlement européen des lycéens’ (PEL) was able to take place again at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. This fifth anniversary edition brought together over 400 dedicated students and represented a significant highlight. In addition, Gaétan Glaub and Maurice Kruchten were represented at the European Youth Event (EYE) – the largest youth project of the European Parliament, which brings together thousands of young people from across Europe to make their voices and ideas heard on the future of the continent. 

We welcome Aaron Fischer as the newly elected Deputy Secretary General. His previous achievements and commitment have made him an indispensable partner. We are also pleased to welcome Niklas Böhm, a long-standing member, to the board, who was also elected unanimously. Franz de Méré will take over as chair of the Financial Audit Commission in the coming financial year, with the active support of Nicolas François and Evan Bergsma. 

The General Assembly was not only about looking back, but also about looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities ahead. A special highlight awaits us next May, when the PEL 2024 celebrates its closing event in Strasbourg once again. In cooperation with the European Parliament's Conference and Visitors Service, we are working to make this event an unforgettable experience. 

The upcoming edition takes on a special significance in the context of the 2024 European elections: in this crucial year, we want to draw more attention to the importance of the European Union. Our educational mission takes us once more to Strasbourg to introduce young Europeans, many of whom are first-time voters, to the democratic processes and the European legislative process. In this way, we want to contribute to strengthening democracy and the European spirit. 

We are deeply grateful to all our committed members who volunteer their tireless efforts for the common cause. Without their passion and dedication, our successes would not be possible. We would also like to thank our numerous supporters whose valuable help makes it possible for us to realise our projects.

Together, we look ahead to the coming year with confidence and look forward to further promoting and strengthening the European idea.