Y-Factor Project

For our special and last episode of YEPs on the Ground, Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions explores how water policy connects with broader climate adaptation and biodiversity objectives at the local and European level.

As access to clean and affordable water remains a pressing issue for many communities worldwide, she frames water access and affordability as urgent matters of social and environmental justice.

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In this episode of YEPs on the Ground, we’re joined by Tugdual Le Lay, a former Young Elected Politician from Guingamp, France, and a representative of the Party of European Socialists at the European Committee of the Regions.

With one foot firmly in his rural community and the other in the halls of Brussels, Tugdual shares what it means to bridge the local and the European; especially from the perspective of small towns.

We explore how public services, rural identity, and community-led initiatives can be powerful tools for inclusion, and what the EU still gets wrong about rural life. Tugdual also reflects on the rise of Euroscepticism outside major urban centres and shares his own political journey; from the challenges of getting started in local politics to his vision for a more connected Union.

Tune in for a thoughtful and grounded conversation about place, participation, and the power of young voices in shaping Europe’s future.

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In this episode of YEPs on the Ground, we’re joined by Francisco Ferreira, a Young Elected Politician from Portugal and member of the Greens group at the European Committee of the Regions.

Francisco shares his thoughts on one of the most overlooked barriers to youth political engagement: mobility. From the lack of transport options in rural areas to the role of digital spaces in shaping political communities, this conversation explores how accessibility, both physical and virtual, affects democratic participation among young Europeans.

We also delve into his environmental advocacy and how transportation choices intersect with climate awareness and youth empowerment. Through his experience in local governance and green policy, Francisco offers practical insights and calls for a more connected, sustainable, and inclusive Europe.

Tune in for a thoughtful episode on the links between place, politics, and the planet, through the eyes of a passionate young changemaker.

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In this episode of YEPs on the Ground, we sit down with Máirín McGrath, a Young Elected Politician from Ireland and member of the European Alliance (EA) group in the European Committee of the Regions.

From her strong advocacy for rural communities to her outspoken stance on Ireland’s housing crisis, Máirín brings a grounded and passionate perspective on how local politics can drive real, inclusive change.

She shares her experience tackling rural underrepresentation, the urgent need for affordable and accessible housing; including for people with disabilities, and the policies she believes can make the EU a more equitable place for all.

Tune in for an insightful conversation that bridges rural realities, social justice, and youth leadership in Europe.

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In this episode of YEPs on the Ground, we welcome Theodora Koutentaki, a Young Elected Politician from Greece and member of the EPP group at the European Committee of the Regions.

With a background in law and finance and a passion for sustainability, Theodora offers a unique perspective on how youth engagement, legal frameworks, and environmental activism can come together to drive Europe’s green transition. From her experience supporting Greece’s largest energy community to mobilizing young people around reforestation and coastal cleanups, she shares how environmental initiatives can also foster social inclusion and civic empowerment.

We explore the critical role of local and regional authorities in achieving the EU’s climate goals, and discuss how to create the right conditions for them to lead the charge, backed by youth energy, legal clarity, and financial innovation.

Tune in to hear how a new generation of leaders is redefining sustainability from the ground up.

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In this episode of YEPs on the Ground, we sit down with Maksim Sadinov, a Young Elected Politician from Gabrovo, Bulgaria, and a member of the EPP group at the European Committee of the Regions.

Maksim brings his insight into how local and regional authorities can lead Europe’s digital and economic transformation; while ensuring that youth are part of the solution. From the power of community-based innovation to the role of universities as regional changemakers, he shares how young people can become key drivers of resilient, future-ready regions.

We also explore his own experiences working on local development and digital innovation projects, and hear his advice for young Europeans eager to shape their communities from the ground up.

A conversation on policy, participation, and making impact where it matters most, tune in to hear why local engagement can be a gateway to European change.

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In this episode of the Y-Factor Podcast, we sit down with Francesco Di Giuseppe, a Young Elected Politician from Italy and member of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) political group at the European Committee of the Regions.

Francesco’s political journey began early: from leading youth movements in his teens to becoming a city councillor and key figure in both local and national political initiatives. With a strong commitment to youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and cultural promotion, he has spent years building bridges between young citizens, institutions, and opportunities.

Together, we explore the vital role of young entrepreneurs and SMEs in shaping Europe’s future. Francesco shares his journey as a young politician, his commitment to empowering local entrepreneurship, and a project he’s led to support businesses in his region.

We discuss the challenges young business leaders face today - from financial barriers to navigating EU policies - and what needs to change to help the next generation of entrepreneurs thrive.

Tune in to hear how youth are not just watching from the sidelines but actively building solutions for stronger, more resilient communities.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation at the intersection of youth, entrepreneurship, and local action.

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In this episode of YEPs on the Ground, we’re joined by Edoardo Casotti, a Young Elected Politician from Quarna Sopra, Italy, and a member of the Renew Europe political group at the European Committee of the Regions.

Edoardo shares his unique perspective on local and European politics, the challenges of youth engagement in democratic processes, and how young people can drive meaningful change.

From his work in local governance to his efforts in fostering youth participation, Edoardo discusses how political structures can evolve to better include the voices of younger generations

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In this episode of YEPs on the Ground, we sit down with Diana Athina Voutyrakou, a Young Elected Politician from Greece and a member of the Party of European Socialists, whose journey spans engineering, AI advocacy, and political action.

A trailblazer in tech, Diana opens up about her work confronting gender bias in artificial intelligence, her thoughts on the EU AI Act, and why digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness are essential for empowering young people in an evolving Europe. We also explore her initiative Unique Minds, a nonprofit helping thousands of students define their academic paths.

This is a conversation about intersectionality, responsible innovation, and how engineers can drive social change - from the lab bench to the policy table.

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In this episode of YEPs on the Ground, we welcome Pedro Pereira da Silva, a Young Elected Politician from Vila do Conde, Portugal, and a member of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions.

Pedro takes us through his journey in local politics and shares a powerful reflection on how trust in democracy is built or lost; at the local level. From citizen participation and political accountability to the potential of AI-based technologies for inclusive governance, we explore how digital innovation and democratic resilience can go hand in hand.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on the crisis of trust in European institutions, what can be done at the municipal level to revive civic engagement, and how youth and technology can help shape the future of public life in Europe.

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