36 young workers’ representatives from 14 different European countries attended this year's EZA Platform for Young Workers Conference held from 23 to 27 April 2025. The Nell-Breuning-Haus in Herzogenrath again provided the organisational framework for the multi-day event on the theme “Shaping the future: Internships as the key to combating the skill shortage in Europe”. The conference was funded by the European Union.
Arrival, introductions and clarification of expectations
After the arrival and a group dinner, the conference was opened by Kristina Hamm and Julian Voit from the Nell-Breuning-Haus education team. The international organising team, who had helped prepare the content and organise the conference, then introduced themselves.
The diversity within the group was evident from the outset, and the conference brought together participants with very different backgrounds and levels of experience, from people in the transition from school to work to young people with experience in business start-ups. Some had long been familiar with the work of development cooperation organisations, while others were attending this type of conference for the first time.
Expectations ranged from the desire to acquire knowledge and participate in structured debates to a strong interest in international networking between organisations and individuals. The expectations were logged using the digital tool Mentimeter, introduced by Kristina Noreikiené (Youth Chair – LDF, Lithuania). These expectations were again raised in the final summary to ensure that all the participants were aware of any developments.
Study of internships: positions, perspectives, discussions
The second day focused on the range of experiences and assessments on the topic of internships. An interactive exhibition was conducted and led by Julian Voit (NBH, Germany) and Francisca Cantarini (ACLI, (Christian Association of Italian Workers) Italy). The participants shared their diverse views on various provocative propositions, for example: “A total ban should be imposed on unpaid internships”. The responses ranged from unequivocal agreement to absolute rejection.
It became clear that, not only do the personal experiences of internships vary greatly, but also the fundamental attitudes and values in this respect. The discussions were lively and constructive and provided a solid basis for further debate.
Creative immersion with short videos
The participants then worked in small groups on short video clips that depicted different perspectives on internship situations. While some contributions were deliberately creative and humorous, others addressed real, often problematic experiences that included an inappropriate allocation of tasks or lack of recognition in the company.
The video work method was deliberately chosen, as some participants had already used this work process at an EZA seminar in Albania early this year. The knowledge acquired there could therefore be applied directly and expanded in new context. The exercise not only improved media skills and the ability to express themselves, but also strengthened cooperation within the groups.
EU internship guidelines and internships outside the EU
A central part of the programme was the lecture given by Melih Özkardes, member of the Speakers’ Pool of the European Commission in Germany. His lecture entitled “Internships and Opportunities for Young People in the EU,” addressed the major political developments and actual funding opportunities at the European level. These include among others:
The new EU directive on fair internship conditions
Programs such as Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps, PROMOS
and information platforms such as Eurodesk or rausvonzuhaus.de.
The lecture was interactive, and attendees were given numerous opportunities to take part. An animated exchange developed within the large group that linked questions, assessments and country-specific experiences. The content aroused great interest and provoked much reflection and discussion.
Many participants took the opportunity to engage in deep discussions with the speaker over lunch after the event. More contacts were made among the attendees, and Mr. Özkardes has already receive invitations to future conferences in other countries.
Company visit on the economy for the common good
On Friday afternoon, participants visited a company that operates according to the principles of the ‘economy of the common good’. The visit provided some practical insights into commercial activities that are based on social and ecological criteria.
Creative talks with the “Theatre of the Oppressed”
On Saturday, the method of Theatre of the Oppressed founded by Augusto Boal was used under the guidance of Thomas Capone (chair of the youth network – UNAIE (National Union of Immigrant and Emigrant Associations-Trentini Nel Mondo, Italy)). Participants worked in small groups on scenarios about specific problems relating to internships; for example, the situation of a single mother in an unpaid internship who also has to work to earn a living.
The whole group then discussed potential solutions. Among other topics, participants emphasised the importance of trade union representation and the need for structural reform. The creative exchanges also reflected the increased cohesion within the group. The team of organisers ensured a good balance between the depth of content and openness in the group dynamics.
Summary and perspectives
The expectations expressed at the start of the event were revisited at the end of the conference and compared with the experiences of the week. Many participants stated that they had gained some valuable input for their own work from a professional. political and personal perspective. The feedback demonstrated a high level of satisfaction with the process, content and general atmosphere of the event.
Future prospects
It was particularly pleasing that several participants were considering actively participating in the organisation of future conferences. We have already gathered some initial suggestions for themes to address in 2026 to continue to effectively raise awareness of the concerns and interests of young workers.