The Connect Summit is the highlight of the year for EU Jeel Connect, the vibrant youth network created by EU Neighbours South, bringing together young leaders from nine Southern Neighbourhood countries. Designed to foster awareness about the EU and connect young people with opportunities provided by EU-funded projects, the network enables its members—known as Connectors—to engage in events at local, national, and international levels, while also empowering them to organise impactful activities within their communities.

This year’s Connect Summit, hosted in Brussels on 21–22 November, serves as a platform for Connectors to exchange ideas, share experiences, and shape the future of the EU Jeel Connect network. The agenda included discussions on the network’s achievements, interactive sessions about the European Union, and a showcase of innovative ideas developed by the participants. Sessions such as “Sharing Experiences” and “Presentation of Challenge Ideas” sought to foster collaboration and inspire new initiatives that can be implemented across their home countries.

Coinciding with two other major EU Neighbours South events, such as the Media Connect press trip and the TANDEM Media Awards, the Connect Summit was an opportunity for Connectors to engage with participants from diverse initiatives. On November 22, the summit culminated in the Connectors attending the TANDEM Media Awards ceremony, a celebration bringing together journalists, artists, and Connectors in a showcase of talent and achievement.

As participants returned to their countries, the Connect Summit will leave a lasting impact, strengthening ties between young leaders, the EU, and their communities, while reaffirming the commitment to fostering constructive dialogue and collaboration across the Southern Neighbourhood region.