Who We Are
The Young European Movement (YEM) is Britain's leading pro-European youth organisation for people aged under 35. Founded in 1972, we are a non-partisan, cross-party movement created by and for young people who share a commitment to European values, closer ties with Europe, and greater youth participation in democratic life.
We operate as both the youth wing of the European Movement UK and the UK section of the Young European Federalists (JEF Europe), giving us a unique position within both the national pro-European movement and a pan-European youth network active in over 38 countries.
Our Mission
Young people's voices have been largely absent from conversations about Britain's future relationship with Europe. The overwhelming majority of young people want Britain to maintain and deepen its ties with the European Union, yet their views are too often ignored by policymakers. Our mission is to change that.
We campaign for a closer relationship between the UK and Europe. We mobilise young people to take action on the issues that matter to them. And we work to ensure that the next generation's interests are at the heart of Britain's European future.
Our Unique Position
As the youth wing of the European Movement UK, we benefit from close collaboration with a wider grassroots movement of over 27,000 members and 120 local groups across every region of the United Kingdom. The European Movement provides strategic direction and established networks, whilst we bring energy, innovation, and the perspectives of younger generations.
Through our membership in the Young European Federalists, we connect with fellow pro-European activists across the continent. This international dimension enriches our work; it allows us to learn from our counterparts in other countries and to demonstrate that the desire for closer European cooperation is a Europe-wide movement, not unique to Britain.
The Context We Work Within
Brexit has fundamentally changed Britain's relationship with Europe. We exist in a post-referendum, post-membership landscape where the damage to our economy, our freedoms, and our standing in the world is increasingly evident. Young people have been hit particularly hard. Opportunities for study abroad through Erasmus+ have been lost. Trade barriers make it harder for British businesses to operate across Europe. Freedom of movement has been curtailed. And meaningful participation in European decision-making has ended.
Yet we also see this moment as an opportunity. The longer-term trend is clear: young people do not accept the current trajectory. Reconnecting Britain with Europe is not a matter of if, but when. We are building the movement that will make that happen.
What We Do
Our members and volunteers run local groups from Essex to Scotland, organising street stalls, campaigns, rallies, and events that keep European issues on the political agenda. We engage with students and young professionals, meeting people where they are. We campaign on specific issues like restoring UK membership of Erasmus+, through our "Embrace Erasmus" campaign, which has garnered over 41,000 petition signatures. We hold the government to account over the failures of Brexit. And we work to shift public opinion on what Britain's future in Europe should look like.
We operate as a genuine grassroots organisation. Decisions are made by our members. Our activism is rooted in communities across the country. And everything we do is grounded in a belief that young people have the right to a voice in shaping Europe's future, and Britain's place within it.
Join Us
We welcome anyone under 35 who shares our commitment to a closer UK-Europe relationship. Whether you are a student, a working professional, or simply passionate about Europe, there is a role for you in the Young European Movement. Our network of local groups means you can get involved wherever you are in the country. Become a member today.
Together, we are simply a generation ahead.