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The YEPP Show EP. 12

What It's Like to Be a Young Woman in European Politics? – MEP Zala Tomašič Experience

Politics has come a long way when it comes to women’s representation, but is equal participation enough? What barriers still exist, and how can we ensure that more women not only enter politics but thrive in leadership roles?

In this episode of The YEPP Show, Zala Tomašič, the youngest elected Member of the European Parliament in Slovenia’s history, shares her personal journey into politics and reflects on the opportunities and challenges facing women in political life today. Inspired by YEPP’s Women, Leadership & Politics Camp, the conversation moves beyond identifying problems to exploring practical solutions for building more inclusive leadership.

Together we explored Zala’s views on:

👩‍⚖️ The barriers that continue to discourage women from entering politics

⚖️ Whether gender quotas and balanced candidate lists are still necessary

🌍 If there’s a difference between those portfolios assigned to male and female politicians

NEWSYEPPer 21st Edition

Europe Must Return to the Cockpit, Why the EU Must Deliver on the Western Balkans Now, Get to Know JSD, Portugal and more…

In this new edition of our newsletter, you will find:

  • Why Europe needs to take back control of its own future, by YEPP President Sophia Kircher
  • Why the Western Balkans cannot be left waiting any longer, by Max Špachta, YEPP Vice President
  • A closer look at JSD Portugal and the young people behind it, with Maria Santos Galhano, JSD International Secretary
  • A specialist analysis on Europe’s challenges, priorities and opportunities, by Gabriel Acevedo from NNGG Spain
 
…and much more!

Read the articles in the News and Blog section

NEWSYEPPer 21st Edition Cover

Our Political Values

Our Political Program, adopted at YEPP’s 14th Congress in Brussels, is the declaration of our fundamental principles, values, and vision for the future of Europe. It addresses the most challenging issues, calling for concrete measures and policies, presenting our vision of a Europe of innovation, technological and societal advancements, shaped by and for its people.

  • Human dignity
  • Economy and social policy
  • Europe Environment Subsidiarity
More about our values
Read our manifesto

Board Members

"Let's make YEPP more than a youth wing - let's be a political force. I believe our generation has the courage to lead, the ambition to shape, and the responsibility to protect what matters most: freedom, democracy, and opportunity."
Sophia Kircher YEPP President
"Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.” – Marcus Aurelius
Todor Koneski
Vice President
"Europe is facing its biggest challenges in decades. Therefore, the youth of the EPP must make sure we are the voice of our generation and defenders of a freer and stronger Europe".
Maria Miala
Vice President
"YEPP has demonstrated that we are in touch with the issues that matter. Now is the time for young people to have a real voice in the decisions shaping our future."
Metty Steinmetz
Vice President
"I am committed to amplifying the voice of youth at a pivotal moment for Europe. During my mandate I will focus on security and international affairs, positioning YEPP as a strategic and forward-looking actor on today’s most pressing issues. I will work to grow our network, welcome new member organizations, and firmly uphold our shared values - especially in times of uncertainty."
Max Špachta
Vice President
"We stand at a new frontier — not of borders, but of ideas. United in our diversity and driven by shared purpose, we are called to lead with courage, not comfort; with unity, not uniformity. The future of Europe will not be inherited — it must be built. Let this be our generation’s legacy: to shape a continent that dares to act, dares to dream, and dares to lead."
João Cerejo dos Santos
Vice President
“The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.” – Margaret Thatcher
Žiga Ciglarič
Vice President
"As Europe’s largest political youth organisation, we have a duty to shape the day-to-day agenda - making sure our voices are heard on key policy issues, such as the EU’s economic development, our collective security, and, above all, support for Ukraine amid Russia’s full-scale invasion. Tackling these challenges requires strategic planning, dedicated resources, and close collaboration throughout our organisation."
Carl Pfeiffer
Treasurer
“My top priority over the next two years will be getting YEPP back to proper campaigning on the key issue facing young people - the high cost of living, in particular soaring housing and rent prices faced by Gen Z and millennials”.
Eoin Scarlett
Deputy Secretary General
"Determination is choosing purpose over fatigue, every single time."
Edelmira Ferri
Secretary General
"In times of change, values are both our anchor and our compass."
Vassilis Sakellaris
Vice President
"Nobody is strong on their own. Real strength is built together, united, speaking as one. That is the message I want to send: we are young, we are powerful, and we are here, to lead and to be heard."
Tea Jerković
First Vice President
"I want to bring YEPP closer to its individual members all across Europe. It is important to make sure our network is open to the next generations of political decision makers from the local to the European level."
Severin Hirmer
Vice President

Stay in touch with our news!

  • Politics, Blog

Europe’s Federal Crossroads

Read more
  • Blog

Get to Know JSD, Portugal

Read more
  • Politics, Blog

No More Delays: Why the EU Must Deliver on the Western Balkans Now

Read more
Youth of the European People's Party conference of Presidents in Vienna
  • Politics, Blog

Europe Must Return to the Cockpit

Read more

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Events

Our events section is your go-to spot for the latest workshops, debates, and meet-ups designed for young Europeans like you. Join us to navigate the complex world of EU politics, network with like-minded peers, and help shape the Europe of tomorrow.

Tuesday
24
Mar 2026
YEPP Brussels Group Network
The Beer Factory Pl. du Luxembourg 6, 1050 Ixelles
More info
Wednesday
4
Dec 2024
Workshop: Mastering the Skills of Writing Effective Resolutions
Via Zoom
More info
Tuesday
8
Oct 2019
Networking Reception
Brussels, Belgium
More info
View all
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