On Thursday, 28 May 2026, the Security Studies and World Politics Association (SSWP), in strategic partnership with the University of Bucharest, will host the third edition of the international conference Youth, Politics, European Leadership (YPEL 2026). The event will begin at 10:00 AM at the Rectorate of the University of Bucharest (90 Panduri Road).
Those interested in attending are invited to complete the registration form available online. Participation is free of charge, subject to available places, and access will be granted through a selection process.
The event brings together young people, academics, diplomats, experts, and representatives of European institutions in a dialogue dedicated to the future of the European Union, against the backdrop of an international context marked by geopolitical transformations, economic competition, accelerating technological development, and increasing pressure on democratic institutions.
The theme of the 2026 edition, “Europe 2026: Enlargement, Security and Competitiveness in a Changing World,” proposes an analysis of how the European Union is redefining its strategic priorities in the fields of enlargement, security, economic competitiveness, and democratic resilience.
Among the speakers at the event will be:
- Prof. Dr. Lucian Ciolan – Vice-Rector for Development Projects, Lifelong Learning and Educational Infrastructure, University of Bucharest
- Dr. Oana Suciu – Associate Dean, Faculty of Political Science, University of Bucharest
- Dan Drăghia, PhD – Lecturer, Faculty of Political Science, University of Bucharest, and researcher at the European Institute of Romania
- Adrian Bantaș, PhD – Lecturer, Faculty of Political Science, University of Bucharest
The conference will also feature:
- Markus Teglas – Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Germany in Romania
- Dan Barna – Member of the European Parliament and Vice-President of the Delegation to the EU–Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee
- Vasile Dîncu – Member of the European Parliament, Vice-President of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence, and former Romanian Minister of National Defence
- Alina Gârbea – Secretary of State, Ministry of Investments and European Projects of Romania
The full agenda of the event is available here.
“At a moment when Europe is facing major structural transformations, dialogue between academia, European institutions and young people becomes essential for understanding the direction in which the European project is heading,” said Victoria Miruna Ghițulete, Founding President of SSWP.
According to the organisers, YPEL 2026 aims to strengthen the bridge between academic research and European policymaking, offering the younger generation a high-level platform for debate on European affairs and public policy.
About YPEL
Youth, Politics, European Leadership (YPEL) is the annual international flagship event of the SSWP Association, dedicated to debates on the future of Europe and the role of the new generation in shaping it. Through its format, the conference brings together young people, diplomats, researchers, experts and representatives of European institutions, fostering the conditions for authentic dialogue on the major directions of the European project.
About SSWP
Security Studies and World Politics (SSWP) is a non-governmental organisation founded in 2024 within the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Bucharest. Its mission is to cultivate a new generation of responsible leaders capable of addressing the challenges of the contemporary world and contributing to the consolidation of democracy and the modernisation of society.
More information about SSWP is available here.
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