Welcome message from Ms. Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission

Since it began in 1974, the European Union’s Visitors Programme (EUVP) has welcomed more than five thousand people from over a hundred different countries around the globe. Those who have come through our doors have gone on to do many amazing things. Amongst our Alumni are humanitarian activists, war journalists, environmentalists, award-winning academics, and even a few politicians! This is an incredible, international network of people with a shared interest in the EU. 

The EUVP has many benefits for both sides and this is even more relevant today, especially as our multilateral model is being challenged, we need to increase opportunities to build strong ties. The EUVP provides a unique, privileged insight into the inner workings of the EU, participating in the EUVP is a fantastic opportunity for individuals to connect with one another and build long-lasting friendships. Beyond the experience in the EU, participants stay in touch with each other and with us via our EUVP Alumni network and through our Delegations and Liaison Offices across the world. For the European Union, this is also an opportunity to promote European values beyond Europe, and we hope that participants are able to share their positive impressions when they return home. It is also deeply enriching for MEPs and EU officials to gain from participants’ experience and welcome great people from all over the world. We can all learn from them. 

I look forward to meeting participants in the future!