As delivered by Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe

State Secretary for Security Policy and Energy Security,

Excellencies, parliamentarians, experts,

And, crucially, dear youth representatives,

It is a great pleasure to join you today for this very important discussion.

The Council of Europe has long underlined the importance of inclusive democracies.

For a democracy to function properly, we each need to have the ability to contribute to civic life –

To benefit from it –

And to feel a sense of ownership of it.

So, that we in turn are ready, willing and able to defend democratic values.

But some groups experience barriers to that participation –

So, it is vitally important that we help governments take the necessary steps to overcome them.

National minorities and youth know this well.

That’s why the Council of Europe adopted its Framework Convention on National Minorities –

Which ensures the equality of national minorities –

Preserves important aspects of their identity –

Including religions, traditions and cultural heritage –

And enables participation in public life.

We also have the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages –

Which promotes the use of those languages in the public sphere, including through education –

And guarantees speakers of minority languages their participation in the media and cultural life.

Hungary is a long-standing party to both instruments –

And has put them to good use –

In the interests of people attending this Seminar and Symposium –

And many more in their various communities.

On youth inclusion specifically, we have not only developed a range of tools to help member states’ take account of younger citizens’ views and interests –

Launched campaigns, training and co-operation programmes –

In which our European Youth Centres in Budapest and Strasbourg have played a key role –

But we also have a long-standing and unique co-management structure in the Council of Europe to ensure that the voice of youth is heard when we take decisions.

So, a lot has already been done.

But whether by accident or design, there are still too many examples of national minorities being under-represented or excluded from structures in their democratic societies.

And we know from opinion polls the extent to which young people are profoundly worried about the future –

Feel disempowered to influence it –

And, consequently, often have a dangerously weak level attachment to democratic government.

Putting all this together, it is clear that further action is needed.

Last May, European leaders met in Reykjavík for a Summit of the Council of Europe’s Heads of State and Government.

There, they committed to a range of measures designed to reinforce our democracies and reverse democratic backsliding.

These measures include 10 Reykjavík Principles of Democracy for our member states to meet.

One of these Principles commits member states – and I quote – to:

“Invest in a democratic future by ensuring that everyone is able to play their role in democratic processes…” and –

“Ensure full, equal and meaningful participation in political and public life for all…free from…discrimination based on any ground”.

The Reykjavík Declaration also recognises explicitly the essential role of youth in the vital role of civil society.

With this added urgency and impetus, we are now moving forward.

In October, our Committee of Ministers adopted a new recommendation to European governments on the active political participation of national minority youth.

This made clear that national authorities should be open to passing new laws and taking other measures –

So that representatives of national minority youth can make a meaningful difference to political decision-making at the local, regional, and national levels.

Representatives like many of you.

The Recommendation encourages states to ensure avenues for active political participation –

Including in governmental institutions; advisory bodies; school, student and youth parliaments; and online spaces and the media.

It also provides guidance on how to involve these young people, and take account of their views, in legislative, budgetary and policy-making processes.

I am very pleased, and I think it is important, that national minority youth participated in the preparation of this recommendation –

And equally pleased that the Hungarian Government not only did the same –

But also committed quickly to implement it –

As shown by its decision to organise this seminar and symposium.

Similarly, our member states also adopted a recommendation last year on Roma Youth Participation –

Which is designed to support the specific and substantive participation, representation and inclusion of Roma youth –

As well as tackling the structural racism that often prevents this –

Including the discrimination often faced by Roma girls and women, LGBTI Roma, Muslim Roma and young Roma people living in isolated and rural communities.

Here too, the speed with which Hungary has reacted is appreciated –

Working with the Council of Europe Youth Department to translate the recommendation into Hungarian.

Finally, under our Youth Sector Strategy 2030, we have this year adopted a set of five strategic priorities that include revitalising pluralistic democracy, ensuring young people’s access to rights, and living together in peaceful and inclusive societies.

So, dear friends –

A lot has indeed been done.

By the Council of Europe, by the Hungarian Government, and by you – but, just as important, by the youth experts, representatives and organisers on the ground.

I hope that this event has allowed you to share your thoughts and perspectives on how we can move forward together –

And use these new tools to empower national minority youth in Hungary – and elsewhere –

And to reflect from your own experience what more we might do.

I look forward to hearing feedback on the conclusions you reach.

And I thank you for your commitment to strong and inclusive democracy.