50 Years of the Pan-European Youth

The anniversary congress of the Pan-European Youth Germany, entitled “50 Years of the Pan-European Youth – What Is the Next Milestone?”, took place in Heidelberg from 31 October to 2 November 2025, under the patronage of the President of the International Pan-European Union.

Half a century after its founding, the Pan-European Youth returned to its birthplace, Heidelberg, to look back on past decades and draw new strength for future Pan-European visions.

Of the nine national presidents in the history of the Pan-European Youth, eight took part in the engaging Pan-European Round Table as witnesses of their time and sources of inspiration.

On behalf of the International Pan-European Union, President Pavo Barišić expressed his recognition and gratitude for the achievements in the democratisation and unification of Europe with the following words during his keynote address:

“Since its foundation 50 years ago, the Pan-European Youth Germany has made an outstanding contribution to the democratisation and unification of Europe. Under the leadership first of Bernd Posselt and later of his successors up to the current president Isabella Schuster-Ritter, it has inspired countless young people with the Pan-European vision. The organisation has developed into a driving force that has significantly contributed to strengthening the European Parliament, to the fall of the Iron Curtain, to the reunification of Germany, and to the democratisation and unification of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Much more could be mentioned – yet this alone suffices to appreciate what a great step has been taken on the path towards the unification of our continent and its rise as a peace-building force.”

The general assembly of the Pan-European Youth Germany elected a new national board. Rudolf Jürgens was elected as the tenth President, and Marlene Wolsky as Secretary General.

Programme (DE) (PDF)