European Youth Event (EYE) 2025

On 13 and 14 June 2025, the Jean Monnet Chair participated in the European Youth Event (EYE) at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Held every two years, the EYE brings together thousands of young people from across the European Union and beyond to discuss the future of Europe with policymakers, experts, and representatives of civil society. Its programme features panel discussions, workshops, simulations, and other interactive activities addressing key European challenges. 

As part of the official programme, Dr. Mareike Fröhlich and Dipl.-Jur. Fabienne Barke organised the workshop “Charging Sustainably: Sourcing Lithium for Tech Without Harm”. The session explored the growing importance of lithium for the green and digital transitions, as well as the environmental and social consequences of lithium extraction. Particular attention was given to the European Union’s dependence on critical raw materials, human rights concerns within global supply chains, and possible pathways towards more sustainable and responsible sourcing practices. 

A highlight of the workshop was an interactive role-play simulation in which participants represented different stakeholders, including mining companies, indigenous communities, government representatives, NGOs, and European technology firms. Through negotiations and discussion, they explored the complex trade-offs between climate action, economic development, supply security, and the protection of human rights.

We are delighted that we were able to contribute to EYE 2025 and would like to thank all participants for their strong interest, engagement, and valuable contributions to the discussions.