logo Council of Europe
DG Democracy and Human Dignity
Directorate of Democratic Participation
Youth Department
THINK YOUTH| No 111 - March 2023
4th Summit and new four-year programme – the Joint Council decides on priorities for the youth sector
4th Summit and new four-year programme – the Joint Council decides on priorities for the youth sector
The Joint Council on Youth met in Strasbourg on 13 to 15 March 2023

The 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government will define the future orientations of the Council of Europe.  As such, the Secretary General has proposed to the Committee of Ministers to launch a new four-year programme from 2024 to build on those outcomes.

Consequently, an important item on the agenda of the Joint Council on Youth (CMJ), the co-managed decision-making body of the youth sector was to agree on the priorities for the new programming period. The CMJ agreed to retain the current five strategic priorities for this new four-year period, thereby continuing to contribute to the implementation of the Youth sector strategy 2030 and the Secretary General's Strategic Framework for the Council of Europe.

Those priorities are: revitalising pluralistic democracy; young people’s access to rights; living together in peaceful and inclusive societies; youth work; and developing and improving youth policy based on Council of Europe standards

The CMJ also discussed the youth sector's support to young people, youth workers and youth civil society organisations in Ukraine.  The members welcomed the youth chapter in the Council of Europe Action Plan on Ukraine: Recovery, Resilience and Reconstruction, which aims to strengthen participatory youth policies and reinforce youth work in both the war and post-war contexts. 

Read more on the Joint Council's decisions ›
Romania joins the Partial Agreement on Youth Mobility through the Youth Card


On 7 March 2023,
the Partial Agreement on Youth Mobility through the Youth Card welcomed Romania as its 25th member.

Romania joins the Partial Agreement on Youth Mobility through the Youth Card


The overall objective of the Partial Agreement is for member governments and member organisations of the European Youth Card Association (EYCA) to work together to create better mobility solutions for young people. This general objective implies two main aims: the development of the Youth Card scheme, and the development of better youth policies with and for member governments.

The Partial Agreement’s work programme is implemented in co-operation with the European Youth Card Association, EYCA, a non-profit association founded in 1987. It represents over 40 national youth card organisations across Europe with over 7 million cards in use

EYF-funded youth project in the spotlight: pilot activity in Greece on combating oppression
EYF-funded youth project in the spotlight: pilot activity in Greece on combating oppression

The EYF-funded project “Greece 2022: Atlas of Social Oppression”, organised by Youth Empowerment Centre, aims at raising awareness among young people in Thessaloniki, Greece, on the phenomena of social oppression. 20 young people were trained on key terms related with social oppression and equipped with educational tools to raise this topic with other young people.

During the training, the participants discussed about different forms of social oppression and what can be done to fight them. Through interactive learning, they discussed about discrimination also in the context of migration and social inclusion of Roma people in Greece. The EYF secretariat visited the project on 7-8 March.

Some participants’ voices:  

Chris: “This project gives me the opportunity to be more engaged socially. I have experienced social exclusion when I was younger. I want to learn more about this topic, to exchange with other young people, to construct my own opinion. This kind of projects is important because it allows us to go deeper in topics that we may vaguely know, but we have not thought about them in an organised way.”

Helia:” I am glad to be part of this project that allows me to think of better ways of taking action, for a better world. This kind of projects is important because in schools we do not learn all that is relevant for our daily life. So with this kind of activities we get a better insights of this kind of problems and learn about social issues and human values.”

Read more on Pilot activity grants ›
Bringing about vote@16 to revitalise democracy - A study session with OBESSU at the European Youth Centre Budapest
Bringing about vote@16 to revitalise democracy - A study session with OBESSU at the European Youth Centre Budapest


From 20 to 24 March, twenty-nine secondary school student activists and representatives belonging to the Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions (OBESSU network) gathered for the study session “I have a say!” - Ensuring democratic participation of youth by voting@16.

This was an opportunity to discuss good practices from the Council of Europe member states on enabling the right to vote@16, and its fundamental role in revitalising democratic participation in our societies. It was also a space to exchange and reflect on useful tools for young people, school student unions and youth groups to campaign for the right to vote at 16 and demand an inclusive, fair democratic culture in different levels and contexts.

Through a series of reflection moments across the 5 days, the most effective and insightful advocacy tools were identified, collected, and drafted into a Vote@16 Handbook, which will be made available by the end of summer 2023.

Read more on the Study session with OBESSU ›
Solidarity with youth civil society in Georgia - A statement by the Advisory Council on Youth
Solidarity with youth civil society in Georgia - A statement by the Advisory Council on Youth

Recalling the provisions of Committee of Ministers recommendation CM/Rec(2022)6 on protecting youth civil society and young people, and supporting their participation in democratic processes, the Advisory Council on Youth (CCJ) welcomes the withdrawal of the Georgian Government’s bill on 'Transparency of Foreign Influence'.
Read the statement ›
8 March International Women’s Day - A statement by the Advisory Council on Youth
8 March International Women’s Day - A statement by the Advisory Council on Youth

On this year’s International Women’s Day themed “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”, we celebrate women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education. The International Women's Day 2023 explores the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities while also spotlighting the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls in digital spaces and addressing online and ICT-facilitated gender-based violence.
Read the statement ›
The European Youth Foundation: support for young people and dialogue with youth organisations
The European Youth Foundation: support for young people and dialogue with youth organisations

In March 2023, the European Youth Foundation (EYF) organised several meetings for international youth organisations and networks to take stock of the co-operation with them and to inform them on how to apply for international activities and annual work plans in 2023. As a result of these sessions, the EYF is preparing proposals for adjustments of its grants to reflect the realities and evolving needs of young people and youth organisations across Europe.

On 2 and 3 March 2023, in Brussels, the EYF held an information and networking seminar for over 40 representatives of international youth organisations and networks based in Brussels and elsewhere on in Europe. During the seminar, participants learnt more about the EYF upcoming deadlines and the specificities of each grant type, shared their challenges in implementing EYF-supported projects and made proposals in view of the EYF review of its grants. A workshop was also held on inclusion and diversity in youth projects and several good practices were shared.

Furthermore , on 6 March, over 40 youth organisations, both international and national, attended an online information and dialogue session with the EYF.

Read more on the European Youth Foundation ›
Local activism for international dialogue and global impact – The Solidarity Action Day
Local activism for international dialogue and global impact – The Solidarity Action Day


The Solidarity Action Day as means for youth to stand up for international solidarity was the main subject of the study session organised within the Youth for Democracy programme  in cooperation with the Solidarity Action Day Movement in Europe (SAME).

The session was held at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg from 6 to 10 March 2023. The participants explored intercultural dialogue, peacebuilding, diversity and conflict transformation through principles of local activism. The outcome of the study session are some 10 local actions planned in the form of Solidarity Action Day as a means for youth to stand up for international solidarity.

Read more on the Study session with SAME ›
Guide on the Educational Course of Trauma Informed Youth Work
Guide on the Educational Course of Trauma Informed Youth Work

In 2022, the Council of Europe Project “Youth for Democracy in Ukraine: Phase II” developed a Guide on the Educational Course of Trauma Informed Youth Work.

The need of the Guide as a methodological basis for training resulted from meetings with youth workers of Ukraine following the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine after 24 February 2022.

In 2023, the Project "Youth for Democracy in Ukraine: Phase III" - in co-operation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine and the All-Ukrainian Youth Centre - will conduct a specialised course "Trauma Informed Youth Work" within the framework of the state programme "Youth worker" and the all-Ukrainian week of mapping psychological services for young people in communities for the referrals in the work of youth centres and youth workers. The Guide will be instrumental for the training and is of relevance to the wider community of youth workers also outside Ukraine.

Read the Guide ›
Exhibition Youth work in war time
Exhibition Youth work in war time
EUROPEAN YOUTH CENTRE STRASBOURG


The exhibition "Youth work in war time" is displayed at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg. The exhibition is based on photos provided by the participants of the study visit and seminar for youth workers and representatives of youth centres providing youth work during war time in Ukraine

The photos speak about the resilience and resistance of youth workers in Ukraine who continue their work with and in support of young people. They illustrate the realities and transformations of youth work in the conditions of the war-torn country, as activities have become even more diverse in response to the challenges that the war brought to Ukraine.
More about the activities of the Council of Europe youth sector in Ukraine ›
New Internet site on Roma Youth Participation
New Internet site on Roma Youth Participation
This new site reflects the new orientation of the work of the Council of Europe youth sector in relation to Roma young people, especially since the end of the Roma Youth Action Plan. This is now based on two main types of intervention:
  • Developing policies and programmes in support of Roma youth participation, including the preparation of a Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers to member states, based on a double mainstreaming between Roma and Youth policy areas;
  • Capacity-building of and with Roma youth-led organisations and networks, including education and training activities at the European Youth Centres.
 
Visit the website on Roma Youth Participation! ›
Celebrate our 25th anniversary!
Celebrate our 25th anniversary!

Calling all those who are building a better world for young people! As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the EU-Council of Europe Youth Partnership, check out how they have been harnessing the potential of expertise and research to use as building blocks for a better future for young people.


Throughout the year, they will highlight their most important and impactful resources. Follow them on social media and share these resources further to your networks!
Celebrate the anniversary on the social media! ›
Put yourself on the sustainability map!

Have you implemented sustainability-related projects that you think are great and want to share more information with others in the field? Here is your time to shine: share your experience before 7 April and support the work of the European Platform on Learning Mobility in compiling a compendium of good practices of sustainable learning mobilities. 

Put yourself on the sustainability map!


Would you like to know more? Find resources on the EU-Council of Europe Youth Partnership’s website and watch the video of the recent EPLM conference on the topic.

Inclusion and the EU Youth Dialogue
Inclusion and the EU Youth Dialogue
Do you know what the EU Youth Dialogue is? Who are the young people participating in this consultation process?

Read the report of the EU-Council of Europe Youth Partnership to find out how the EUYD is promoting  social inclusion of young people!

Young women’s political participation

How are young women engaging with political processes at European, national and local levels? What are the main barriers and support mechanism for their participation? Who can be an ally in building a fairer and more inclusive society?
Young women’s political participation


Listen to the new episode of the Under 30’ podcast of the EU-Council of Europe Youth Partnership with Anna Lavizzari, researcher and Caterina Bolognese, Head of the Gender Equality Division of the Council of Europe to find out how you can support young women's voices in politics.

Join the European Youth Information Day!
#MyDigitalMe Connected. Informed. Critical
Join the European Youth Information Day!
The Council of Europe maintains a Partnership Agreement with the European Youth Information and Counselling Agency (ERYICA) to promote and develop European co-operation in Youth Information and counselling.

On 17 April, our partner ERYICA, together with youth information providers, young people and its stakeholders, celebrate the European Youth Information Day and ERYICA’s birthday all over Europe. The European Youth Information Day is a special occasion to raise awareness about the right of young people to full and reliable information and to recognise the work of youth information workers.
Join the European Youth Information Day! ›
Upcoming Activities and Deadlines
  • 1st April 2023, DEADLINE to apply for the Youth Peace Camp 2023
  • 3-4 April 2023, European Youth Centre Strasbourg, Review seminar on the recommendation CM/REC(2017)4 on Youth work
  • 3-6 April 2023, Evora and Lisbon, Portugal, Study visit of the Partial Agreement on youth mobility of member States to Portugal
  • 4-8 April 2023, European Youth Centre Strasbourg, Roma Youth Together Conference
  • 6 April 2023, DEADLINE to apply for the training course “Young activists for democracy”
  • 7 April 2023, DEADLINE to share your experience of sustainability-related projects
  • 15 April 2023, DEADLINE to apply for activities in co-operation with the European Youth Centres in 2024 (1st semester)
  • 24-27 April 2023, European Youth Centre Strasbourg, Penser, Agir et Plaider Ensemble – Session finale de la Campagne Jeunesse Européenne 22-23” (ATD European Youth Campaign 22-23) - study session in cooperation with Mouvement International Agir Tous pour la Dignité - ATD Quart Monde
  • 24-28 April 2023, European Youth Centre Budapest, Shaping our World across Generations: Understanding the past to create a democratic and sustainable future - study session in cooperation with the European Coordination JECI-MIEC (International Young Catholic Students – International Movement of Catholic Students)
  • 24-28 April 2023, European Youth Centre Budapest, Respect and Resilience – Strengthening Communities in the Face of Adversity - study session in cooperation with the Rural Youth Europe, MIJARC EUROPE - International Movement of Catholic Agricultural and Rural Youth
  • 27-28 April 2023, Lisbon, Portugal – Annual meeting of the EU-Council of Europe Youth Partnership expert networks: EKCYP and PEYR
  • 15-20 May 2023, European Youth Centre Budapest, With whom did you make peace today? – Building networks as a tool of developing sustainable culture of peace in Europe - study session in cooperation with the Youth Peace Ambassadors Network Turkey, YPAN and LPS Spain-The Association of Libre-pensadores de la Sierra de Madrid
  • 15-20 May 2023 European Youth Centre Strasbourg, T’Inclusion - transition into adulthood and inclusion of young refugees - study session in cooperation with the Youth Social Rights Network with the support of the I-PARTICIPATE NGO (Greece)
 
Useful links

The CoE Directorate General Democracy
The CoE Youth Portal
European Youth Centre Budapest
European Youth Centre Strasbourg
European Youth Foundation
Intergovernmental Cooperation
The EU-CoE Youth Partnership

Facebook pages

Advisory Council on Youth
Council of Europe - Youth
European Youth Centre Budapest
EU-CoE youth partnership
European Youth Foundation
No Hate Speech Movement
Coyote magazine

Send us your comments and suggestions 
Council of Europe, Avenue de l'Europe F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex
Tel. +33 (0)3 88 41 20 00
www.coe.int
logo Council of Europe