From 12-14 October, hosted by the German national agency,  the EuroPeers network coordinators gathered in Bonn, Germany, for a two-day business meeting to take stock since the annual meeting in Bucharest in February and discuss plans for the network for 2027. Discussions also focused on the future perspectives of the EuroPeers international network beyond 2027  and ensuring a smooth transition of the international coordination into the new programme period. 

Coordinators discussed strategic plans for network expansion and securing the network’s opportunities for further development, reflecting on how EuroPeers can continue to grow as a network, remain relevant and create meaningful opportunities for young people across Europe.

A particular focus of the meeting was also dedicated to communication, improved visibility of the network and the work taking place at the European level. During a dedicated session, the facilitators of the Social, Wiki and Anniversary Working Groups, Almut, Lukas and Alexandra Ioana  together with Denisa, the network’s social media manager, joined online to give an overview of their activities since the working groups were established in May this year.

The session provided an opportunity to explore how the working groups already contribute to better connectedness and engagement of EuroPeers on the international level, as well as what initiatives and priorities they envision for the coming months.

A particular focus was placed on strengthening the visibility of both the EuroPeers network and its members, ensuring that their experiences, activities and contributions are recognised and shared across countries. Discussions also explored how communication and collaboration can support a stronger European identity while highlighting the diversity of national networks and the people behind them.

Beyond planning for the activities in 2027, the meeting was an opportunity to reflect on the bigger picture: how can we continue developing the network strategically while keeping its members, their experiences and their voices at the centre? 

In 2026, the network grew by one member – we welcomed Denmark in our midst! Danish participants were able to attend the international EuroPeers  training in Latvia in September. From 2027, we are most excited to welcome into our network family two new networks – a huge welcome to the UK and Island to our international family! The future of EuroPeers is something we build together, and we’re excited to see where the future takes us next! 

The in-person business meeting of the national agency colleagues, which is organised twice per year, plays a vital role in shaping the next chapter of EuroPeers by aligning national and international level coordination, creates European-level initiatives, and fosters impactful contributions of network members who drive the network forward today.

Next time we meet in this format with all the national coordinators – including our brand new networks! – will be in Turku, Finland, from 16-18 June within the EuroPeers Annual Meeting 2027. See you all there!