History

Between 2015 and 2019, the best speakers at the Urdd Eisteddfod's Public Speaking competitions win the opportunity to visit Brussels, organised by Tom Jones, the UK and Wales Economic and Social Council representative for the Local Government Association.

The trip

This educational visit to Brussels provides an in-depth understanding of the United Kingdom's involvement in the European Union and inspires participants to explore future career opportunities in political fields. The itinerary includes visits to the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), as well as meetings with Welsh representatives working at Ty Cymru in Brussels and various civil servants. These engagements aim to offer valuable insights into their work and roles within the context of European politics.

June 2024 Visit

The young Board Members of the Urdd and participants in the Public Speaking competition at the Urdd Eisteddfod travelled to Brussels in June 2024 to deepen their understanding of governance and the relationship between Wales and the EU. During their visit, they toured the European Parliament, attended a meeting at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and got a taste of Belgian culture while exploring the city. The skills and insights gained during this experience can now be integrated into their roles within the Urdd and applied during Debating. This enriching opportunity was made possible thanks to the generous donations from Tom Jones and support from Taith.