“Local authorities and civil society organisations truly bring European values to life in local communities, and involving young people in local policymaking is crucial because they are already amongst those shaping tomorrow’s communities,” emphasised Véronique Bertholle, Deputy Spokesperson on Youth of the Congress, speaking at the European Conference on Local Youth Work and Democracy in Brussels on 22 February 2024.

Organised in Brussels under the Belgian EU Presidency from 20 to 23 February 2024, this major event brought together more than 300 participants for a mutual learning experience about quality youth work and meaningful youth participation. Taking part in a panel discussion with European youth workers and experts on municipal policies, with the specific theme “What does Europe offer to municipalities in the field of youth?", Ms Bertholle outlined past, current and upcoming Congress activities promoting youth work and youth participation. She reminded participants that Europe could notably offer platforms for the exchange of good practice to municipalities that would help people to think out ‘of the box’.