Bridging the Gap: Why UK Youth Must Keep Engaging with Europe After Brexit

Elevate Young Minds joined hundreds of young people from across Europe at the European Youth Event (EYE) in Strasbourg — inside the very halls of the European Parliament.

For us, this biennial event has become more than a trip abroad: it’s a declaration that despite Brexit, the UK’s young people must stay plugged into Europe’s debates, culture and shared future.

Over six years, we’ve grown a delegation from a handful of curious young Mancunians to a diverse community of artists, youth workers, advocates, and future policymakers all building lasting connections with their European peers.

Why does this matter more than ever?

Before Brexit, pathways like Erasmus, cultural exchanges, and EU-funded youth projects gave British youth everyday ways to feel part of Europe. Brexit closed many doors — but Elevate Young Minds is opening new ones.

As Adam Scott, director and one of regular delegates, put it:

“Since our first visit, I’ve seen how events like this help break the silos between UK youth groups and make international engagement feel normal again. Our landmark UK–Europe exchange programme in Portugal Young Minds Matter LX ended in 2020 due to Brexit and Covid-19. Re-engaging youth in European Union dialogues has allowed us to rethink our position in Europe not just politically, but culturally and socially too.”

What we saw, learned and felt in Strasbourg: our delegates speak

Soraia Ferreira Valente:
Anthropologist, artist [SuSaKasula] and community practitioner Soraia, found herself rethinking how art, ancestral wisdom and green policy intersect in spaces such as the EU Parliament:

‘Seeing Chief Tao from the Brazilian Amazônia speak about connecting ancestral knowledge with Europe’s green transition was powerful. The panels emphasised my existent thoughts on how people making climate laws in shiny buildings often have no idea how the earth is cared for in Amazonia or Africa. As an upcoming ethnographer, I want to be that bridge sharing these perspectives through movement therapy and facilitating live ethnography through cultural integration, focused on unity and respect of realities we may not have to witness first hand.’

She also spoke up about representation in politics:

‘One workshop on inclusion showed a photo of European leaders, nearly all older white men. The slogan: ‘Nothing about us without us’ stuck with me from this workshop although being geared to the inclusion of young people in political impacting processes, I mostly understood that social, political and historic narratives that need to change won’t be able to do so until the people who live the real life consequences of these narratives are at the forefront of the storytelling, of the political decisions, of the membership boards entitled to make changes. How can marginalised people trust politics when we don’t see ourselves in power or we don’t see ourselves as being relevant or even essential in such spaces? Our approach to representation in policy making must change, and real voices must be in every law-making room that aims to impact the way real people live.’

Alina Ali:
For Lena, a first-time participant studying psychotherapy, the experience unlocked new ideas for the future:

‘On day one I met youth leaders from Greece who run activities for people with disabilities. It blew my mind to see how they used psychology degrees to build community and advocacy. It made me think I could use my own studies for something bigger, maybe working internationally or becoming an advocate for better access and mental health support.’

She also joined workshops on LGBTQ+ rights:

‘In the UK we’re used to more acceptance, but talking to young people from Algeria and other countries really opened my eyes to how far we still have to go. It made me want to keep fighting discrimination wherever I can.’

Marry Olanrewaju:
Founder of Equal Chances, Mary has been helping disabled and disadvantaged youth thrive in Manchester and saw the bigger picture here:

‘I sat in a Q&A with the Chairperson of the European Parliament about climate change. It made me question what real sustainability looks like when Europe’s consumption affects communities elsewhere. Now I want to help our young people understand these global links, from solar panels to supply chains.’

She also learned about the tough ethics behind translation and accessibility in big institutions:

‘We talked with Parliament interpreters who can’t ever share opinions. It reminded me how important unbiased information is but also how we must include sign language and other communication support tools so that everyone understands. In the UK, new migrants bring ideas that sometimes clash with systems here. We have to build bridges, not barriers.’

Oreoluwa Ige:
Ore, a digital marketer and film critic, came with questions about how a political event could benefit a creative freelancer and left with answers:

‘I did a debate workshop and learned the debating frameworks, delivering a statement, the ability to present your argument better. This skillset is simple but so useful for making clear points in any discussion, online or off.

I also watched the Oscar-winning animated film Flow, which reminded me that European stories matter globally too. It made me see my role in telling underrepresented stories maybe even with partners across Europe now.’*

Tia Elis:
Director Tia reflected on her own growth since first attending two years ago:

“The first time, I didn’t see how politics connected to my work in education. Coming back, I felt more confident speaking up sharing what prejudice looks like for Black women teachers in the UK and how we break down stereotypes.

I joined a panel on ‘Girls of Tomorrow’ and met a Black former teacher who is now an EU policymaker. It clicked: my career doesn’t have to stay in the classroom, I can shape policy, too. This event showed me new paths and the power of Elevate Young Minds to open them for more people like me.”

Oluwapelumi Fatayo :
Youth organiser Oluwapelumi captured the joy of unexpected learning:

“I just let the vibe, bumped into people, joined a podcast on immigration, and learned practical steps for getting a traineeship in the European Parliament.

Seeing other UK youth ambassadors from #iwill Fund made me proud. We might have left the EU, but we’re still here, growing connections. Even the queue drama and very sunny weather couldn’t stop the good energy!”

From curiosity to confidence: why we keep coming back

Across all reflections, a clear truth emerged: spaces like the European Youth Event help UK youth gain confidence to lead globally, whether in politics, community, the arts, or everyday life.

“If you want to understand what Europe really means to young people, don’t just read the news, come here and talk, debate, share food, solve riddles together,” said Adam.
“These moments build leader, and friendships that outlast any political Positions.”

Next steps: more seats at more tables

Elevate Young Minds is already planning to take more youth next time alongside — and ensure that no visa, funding barrier or lack of awareness stops young people from experiencing Europe together.

“This isn’t just about travel,” says Tia. “It’s about raising voices that make our communities fairer, greener and more connected at home and across Europe.