YES for Europe - European Confederation of Young Entrepreneurs

15/02/2026

Second G20 Young Entrepreneurs' Alliance Leadership Day at Port City, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Meeting with the member of the Parliament Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Mr Chathuranga Abeysinghen in order go build on the legacy while amplifying the entrepreneurs voice, their optimism, ingenuity, resilience, boundless creativity and while confronting the structural barriers that inhibit competitiveness with clarity and resolve.

Leadership is not about commanding attention, but about convening purpose. We have given the Deputy Minister the G20yea Final Communique signed in Johannesburg, South Africa. Our Sherpa Erika Rastelli was there to represent the European entrepreneurs in listening across difference, building bridges where there are divides and holding fast to the belief that progress is possible, even when the path is steep.

08/02/2026

Diplomats Evening in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in occasion of the G20 Young Entrepreneurs' Alliance Leadership Assembly. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath received the G20yea Final Communique signed in Johannesburg, South Africa, during last G20yea Summit.

The President Manjula Sashrien signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the German and the Japanese entrepreneurs.

The Italian Ambassador in Sri Lanka Damiano Francovigh joined the Diplomats Evening organized by Coyle, the national entrepreneurs association. It was a pleasure for our Sherpa Erika Rastelli to meet him.

The way we have been welcomed during the reception dinner highlights the importance of youth entrepreneurship for G20 countries engagement. We will further prioritize partnerships and forward-looking initiatives that enhance our members’ business performance and international competitiveness.

Stay tuned with other activities going on in Sri Lanka in bridging boundaries.

30/11/2025

Our EYEC: 🇪🇺 the voice of a generation who believes in a united, innovative, opportunity-rich Europe. For more than thirty years we have been the collective voice of young entrepreneurs across our continent. We represent millions of jobs created by our energy and courage.
Our mission is clear: to promote entrepreneurship as Europe’s engine of renewal, to connect young innovators beyond boarders, to equip the next generation with the mindset to build a sustainable and competitive future.

26/11/2025

Brussels, 19 November 2025 — The European Confederation of Young Entrepreneurs, YES for Europe, held its annual European Young Entrepreneurs Conference (EYEC) 2025 in Brussels.

The event was hosted by the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Türkiye to the European Union, under the hospitality of Ambassador Faruk Kaymakcı, bringing together Members of the European Parliament, Ambassadors, senior EU officials, business leaders, and representatives of Europe’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The opening session featured welcoming remarks by Mr. Brando Benifei, Member of the European Parliament, who highlighted the importance of youth entrepreneurship for Europe’s competitiveness, sustainability, and global engagement.

The conference continued with three high-level thematic sessions featuring European experts and ecosystem leaders:
• Green Energy and Sustainable Development, with a keynote by Ruben Sans Solsona (Ceaje Jóvenes Empresarios and Yes for Europe Vice President) and contributions from Zeynep Sanigok, Manuel Nina and Gaia Pilan (A2A), moderated by Antonio Ieraci
• Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence, opened by Lorenzo Bagnoli (Giovani Imprenditori Confindustria VP) and Areeba Rehman (Citizen Entrepreneurs) and joined by Christoph Seydel, Antonio Magraner Balaguer, Murat Günenç, moderated by Selim Baykal
• International Trade Opportunities and the European Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, featuring insights from Helenio José Juanes Agustí, Alessandro Somaschini (VP, YES for Europe), and Dilek Aydın (Tugiad Ege Turkish Industry & Business Association Brussels Representative).

Our Sherpa for G20 Young Entrepreneurs' Alliance Erika Rastelli moderated the conference that brought together entrepreneurs from countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Turkey, Ciprus, Argentina, Mexico that we really thank for joining us.

The President Gürkan Yıldırım reaffirmed YES for Europe commitment to empowering the next generation of European entrepreneurs, stating that Europe must continue to lead with courage, purpose-driven innovation and a spirit of partnership. “Europe’s future will be shaped by the young leaders who are building it today,” he said, expressing confidence in the creative energy, resilience, and vision of Europe’s youth.

22/11/2025

Brussels, 19 November 2025 — The European Confederation of Young Entrepreneurs, YES for Europe, in occasion of its annual European Young Entrepreneurs Conference (EYEC) 2025 took part to the Giovani Imprenditori Confindustria Central Council that took place in the European Parliament at the presence of Mrs. Antonella Sberna, Vice President of the European Parliament.

Our entire board composed by Gurkan Yildirim, Ruben Sans Solsona Alessandro Somaschini Erika Rastelli Christoph Seydel Filipe Quinaz, Gianni Gallucci thanks the President of Maria Anghileri for the invitation.

Our President Gurkan Yildirim emphasized that Europe is undergoing a decisive transformation shaped by digitalization, artificial intelligence, and the green transition. He underlined that technological progress must remain human-centred and aligned with Europe’s core values of responsibility, inclusion, and democratic participation. He noted that while 46% of young Europeans express the desire to start a business, only 6.5% are currently active entrepreneurs — a gap that reveals both the challenges and the tremendous potential ahead. Yıldırım highlighted that young entrepreneurs already contribute more than €600 billion annually to Europe’s economy and employ over 4.5 million people, demonstrating their vital role in shaping the future of the continent. He added that fully unlocking youth entrepreneurship could generate €1 trillion in additional economic value and create more than 5 million new jobs in the EU by 2030.

It was a pleasure to share the stage with Areeba Rehman President of Citizen Entrepreneurs in order to strengthen our common effort for our companies to maintain competitiveness inside and outside our boarders.

06/11/2025

Trilateral Business Forum in Rome.

Business and political leaders from , , and , Adolfo Urso Italian Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy
Stefan Rouenhoff, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy Sébastien Martin, French Delegate Minister for Industry, together with senior representatives of the European institutions, like The European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy Stéphane Séjourné, have gathered in for the 7th edition of the Confindustria Mouvement des Entreprises de France des Entreprises de France and BDI - Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie e.V. Trilateral Forum represented by Emanuele Orsini, Patrick Martin, Peter Leibinger. Giovani Imprenditori Confindustria VP Lorenzo Bagnoli and our Sherpa Erika R. are attending.

Discussions focus on strengthening Europe’s industrial resilience and strategic autonomy, and on closing the gap across crucial manufacturing value chains. Key topics include , , , , , and .

At the conclusion of the Forum, a final signed by the three industrial organisations has been released.

02/10/2025

The European Young Entrepreneurs Conference (EYEC) 2025 will be held on November 19, 2025, in Brussels.

This strategic conference, aiming to bring together young entrepreneurs and business representatives from various European countries, will host sessions on inclusive themes such as sustainable development, digital transformation, artificial intelligence , green energy, innovation, international trade opportunities, and security.

EYEC 2025 seeks to encourage the integration of young leaders into the global entrepreneurship ecosystem, contributing to the establishment of new collaborations across Europe and supporting processes of economic development.

27/09/2025

G20 Young Entrepreneurs' Alliance Leaders at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange Venue, 17 September 2025.

The whole programme blended ceremonial tradition, government & business leadership keynotes, and two high-level panels on entrepreneurship and SMME development, framed around the symbolic opening of the JSE market.

MC - Ethel Nyembe made a speech followed by JSE Welcome address from Valdene Reddy. At 9 o’clock we had an African ululation and drum celebration to open the market. The handing over the trophy was intruduced by a keynote speech by the President of Yesa Innocentia Motau then two panels discussions took place over the role of stock exchanges growing economics and fostering the growth of sme’s and Smme fund launch and the StartUp landacape in South Africa.

Our Sherpa Filipe Quinaz (ANJE - Associação Nacional de Jovens Empresários) joined together e with Melik Rupen Mihciyan (Tugiad Ege Türkiye Genç İş İnsanları Derneği) and the Sherpa Erika Rastelli (Giovani Imprenditori Confindustria) who also attended the questions and answers session after the keynote speech of the 2nd Lady Mrs Humile Mashatile. Considering her interactions and observations, we asked her what message of encouragement or empowerment she would have liked to share with young women entrepreneurs in South Africa and across the G20 nations pursuing their business dreams in order to seek her personal message focusing on young women in business.

Thanks to Our President Gürkan Yıldırım for creating such a tight-knit team and thanks to the South African entrepreneurs team for engaging us in such a memorable experience.

26/09/2025

Passage of the torch by the President of Yesa Innocentia Motau to our President Gürkan Yıldırım.

In a world grappling with trade uncertainty, youth unemployment and the urgent need for a sustainable, digital-first future, the mission of the G20 Young Entrepreneurs' Alliance has never been more critical. We are here today to express our deepest gratitude in advance for your support in bringing our 2026 Summit to a city that matches the gravity and opportunity of this moment: Vienna!

The question is, why Vienna? Because at a time when we are focused on Europe’s changing role in global geopolitics and security—and its ascent as an innovation and entrepreneurship hub—our host city must be a catalyst for the conversations we aim to lead.

Vienna is not just a location; it’s a strategic choice. For centuries, it has been the ultimate bridge between East and West, a nexus of diplomacy where the world came to build consensus. It is home to global institutions and has a legacy of fostering the very dialogue needed to create the stable, rules-based international system that entrepreneurs depend on to succeed. This deep-rooted diplomatic heritage makes it the ideal ground to discuss and shape European policy for G20 entrepreneurs.

After the Deputy Speech, our Sherpa Erika Rastelli honoured the President Innocentia Motau with a gift thought for her by all the entrepreneurs we represent.

Vienna is a powerhouse of intellect and innovation. It’s a city of world-class universities and forward-thinking institutions, perfectly aligning with our goal of engaging with strategic partners. It has a booming startup ecosystem, providing a dynamic backdrop that will inspire the young leaders we plan to host. This is the perfect environment where conversations about the AI age and digital transformation feel immediate and actionable.

In Vienna, we find the perfect intersection of history, policy, and innovation. It is the ideal stage to bring together the world’s most dynamic young founders.

With your backing, the Vienna 2026 summit will be more than just an event!

Giovani Imprenditori ConfindustriaTugiad EgeCitizen EntrepreneursCeaje Jóvenes EmpresariosANJE - Associação Nacional de Jovens Empresários

25/09/2025

24/09/2025

G20 Young Entrepreneurs' Alliance 2025 South Africa Communiqué signed in Johannesburg at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance Annual Summit on September 20, 2025.

The world’s young entrepreneurs appreciate the urgency of this moment and the need for coordinated global measures. As the next generation of business, social and political leaders, we call upon G20 Leaders to enact the following recommendations signed by our President Gürkan Yıldırım:

1. Commit to specific measures to place trade certainty at the heart of the global economy.

2. Commit to promoting inclusive growth through expanded entrepreneurial opportunity.

3. Promote entrepreneurship as a route to sustainable agriculture and food security.

4. Support entrepreneurship as a key part of the global green economic transition.

5. Support the technical, policy and educational infrastructure necessary for digital innovation.

On behalf of millions of young entrepreneurs in G20 countries and the hundreds of millions of young people who deserve economic and entrepreneurial opportunity, we submit these recommendations in the spirit of partnership and in the firm belief that empowering young entrepreneurs will drive dynamism, economic growth, and social renewal. We believe commitments from G20 governments in
these areas will send a powerful signal to the next generation of leaders, our young entrepreneurs, who are ready to shape a more inclusive and sustainable world.

Giovani Imprenditori ConfindustriaTugiad EgeCitizen EntrepreneursCeaje Jóvenes Empresarios