Stefanos unveiled the preliminary results of the EU Elections campaign. EBL met all its targets except together.eu registrations (we attracted over 9,000 visits but the registration count fell short of the 5,000 target, achieving 1,054). Despite this, the EEC applauded EBL for executing the “best campaign” Eurodesk has seen to date. A thorough discussion of lessons learned was held. The Euroclasses, both contracted and pro bono, were well-received, and some multipliers are eager to continue using them. However, creating videos proved challenging, leading to the underutilisation of collected materials. To address this, EBL will adapt its approach, e.g. developing templates for national use. Instagram emerged as the standout platform during the digital campaign. However, we encountered restrictions with META regarding paid ads for political content that restricted our posts to Belgium. Additionally, the video competitions did not meet expectations, so EBL will discontinue this format in future campaigns. The EEC recommended leveraging the successful visual identity established during this campaign by reapplying it for upcoming elections and youth participation projects to maintain momentum and consistency.

The EEC deliberated on the approach to sharing Euroclasses with external organisations. Several EEC members highlighted that access to resources like Euroclasses is a significant benefit of being part of the network and serving as a multiplier, especially for those without financial backing.
While collaboration with other entities to deliver Euroclasses is possible, these partnerships must follow a clear framework aimed to ensure that all Euroclasses are delivered with the highest quality and represent Eurodesk effectively. Such collaborations could also serve as an introductory step for organisations aiming to become multipliers.

Carmen presented the communication plan for the upcoming YouthInfoSurvey campaign, which aims to gather valuable feedback from young people. The EEC suggested adjusting the campaign's start date from August to early September to allow more time for preparation.The EEC also recommended exploring alternative survey tools, as the current EU Survey platform is not youth-friendly. The survey will be promoted through our channels and targeted partners to ensure a broad and diverse reach. Additionally, the EEC inquired about potential prizes for respondents under 18 to replace the Interrail tickets. EBL will review options from previous surveys and propose suitable alternatives. National results will be shared with participating countries to encourage widespread promotion. The TTM campaign is a great opportunity for further promotion, and QR codes will be incorporated into our promotional materials.
Following this meeting, the survey was launched using another tool integrating DeepL translations, which took more time to process. The launch was, therefore, postponed to 1st October. For the prize, six “50 EUR vouchers” will be offered.

Carmen unveiled the 35th-anniversary communication plan, which emphasises creating adaptable materials to align with national anniversaries. Key components include a Scrapbook showcasing Eurodesk stories and seven planned videos. The EEC suggested incorporating stories from both "old Eurodeskers" and individuals who have recently benefited from Eurodesk. Each country should have the opportunity to participate in the campaign, and National Coordinators might be invited to share messages from the network, similar to the anniversary video “Don’t Stop Dreaming, Start Planning.” The promotional plan includes integrating new elements into existing materials to avoid waste. Stickers will be printed and distributed in Prague. Events in Brussels will include a reception with partners and EU institutions, reflecting on our history while focusing on future goals. The results of the Youth Info Survey will also be presented and discussed at a policy event to highlight the importance of youth information & mobility. At the upcoming Network Meeting, Laura will also present the concept of the "Taste of Europe" campaign, which involves national workshops to explore recipes from other countries and could foster international collaboration.

During Time to Move, EBL will organise 4 thematic webinars targeting young people on the model of the “Youth on the Move” successful webinar organised in 2023. These will be shorter and focused on our core themes (volunteering, learning, working and youth participation). EBL will share a call with national coordinators to co-host the webinars and identify former young participants in the highlighted programmes.

Audrey presented the updated concept note and the finalised structure of the website. She also explained the next steps. A mock up will be presented in Prague.

The recent quality results highlight ongoing issues with the EYP. Significant technical problems were not communicated to National Coordinators and have led to numerous inquiries from young people. Country pages for IS, TK, NO, SR and LIE were still not available (they are now). There are also quality issues with the eTranslation tool. Such problems can hinder promotional efforts and diminish motivation among NCs working on the EYP. In response, EBL will escalate these concerns to DG EAC but also reiterate to the network the importance of fulfilling their editorial obligations (KPIs).

Audrey presented the draft work plan 2025 that comprises new elements regarding the national work plans and the EEC approved the proposal. 

Some countries still do not see the full benefit of having networks of multipliers despite a solid national youth (information) sector. EEC members will discuss the national situation with the countries to better understand it. In other countries, like Germany, Czechia, and Finland, cuts are made in the youth sector. Eurodesk shall monitor this situation and be ready for the outcomes of the next MFF negotiations.

Karolina presented the results for 2024 and proposed updates for 2025. She highlighted that the application process has been simplified and noted that voting was not recorded on the platform, an issue that will be addressed in the next edition. The updated timeline will start with a call in December, providing multipliers with more time to apply. The prize will now be a tablet, and the application process will feature clearer descriptions and supporting questions to assist applicants. The website will also see improvements. The EEC emphasised the importance of projects being clearly linked to Eurodesk. Some multipliers have applied without mentioning Eurodesk, either as EuropeDirect or as a reference to KA1 or KA2 projects. Public institutions that cannot add the logo to their websites should use banners or other materials to reference Eurodesk. Projects lacking Eurodesk visibility will be excluded from the competition, which may result in fewer applications. The inclusion of ambassadors in the process was discussed, and the decision was made to keep the current focus on multipliers. When it comes to the network prize, it was decided to select the best 10-15 projects based on the points allocated by the European jury. The category will support small-scale projects and collaborative projects. EBL should encourage the National Coordinators to consider organising national awards like in CZ, FR, and IT. EBL could communicate the points of the national projects, and NCs could award prizes on this basis at their network meetings - which, therefore, can easily be implemented. EEC recalled the important role played by NCs in promoting the call towards their network. In Italy, they promote the call a lot; they contact active multipliers to encourage them to apply. EBL should encourage all coordinators to do so. EEC also recommended informing the jury if an organisation has already won. It also suggested adding two new jury members. EBL should stress the importance of multipliers receiving feedback from the jury (at least two sentences).

Audrey outlined the difficulties the team has faced in organising hybrid meetings over the past few years. Coordinating between an onsite team and an online team, each with distinct methodologies, has led to considerable extra work for EBL. Challenges in time management, due to the inability to adjust the agenda for both groups, along with technical issues related to web streaming or sound systems, have added significant mental strain on the EBL team. While this hybrid format was implemented as a response to the pandemic, it is no longer sustainable, except for the General Assembly. The EEC supported EBL’s recommendation to record key sessions and limit live web streaming to the General Assembly. It was also emphasised that network meetings are crucial milestones for the network, serving as key opportunities to build connections and strengthen relationships between countries. NCs should be encouraged to attend them in person.

A task force was set up to address the situation that arose after Lorena's resignation from the president position and evaluate the feasibility of appointing a vice president. Emmanuelle clarified that the current statutes already provide mechanisms for situations where the President is unavailable or resigns, including the option for two EEC members to jointly sign documents. She emphasised that all EEC members share equal legal responsibilities, though the President holds a more prominent role. Any changes to the system could introduce additional bureaucracy, but alternatives like assigning a VP role to the most senior or junior EEC member could be considered. After thorough consideration, the EEC decided to retain the existing procedures.