Local and regional leaders held a debate on the European Year of Youth with Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Promoting our European Way of Life and endorsed the Charter for Youth and Democracy.
Tanya Hristova, Chair of the SEDEC commission of the CoR and Mayor of Gabrovo said "Young people are not just the future, they are our present. That is why it is key to have a plan to support their participation, tailored to their needs, priorities and ambitions, which will contribute to the better development of our cities and regions."
Lídia Pereira, President of the Youth of the European People's Party (YEPP) and Member of the European Parliament said in a video message: "It is not enough to listen to what young people and their organisations have to say. We must create the conditions for younger generations to act, decide and raise their voice in the decision-making process."
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, President of the Region of Central Macedonia said "Youth engagement must be guaranteed through concrete acts: the right to vote - at the age of 16 for the Members of the European Parliament; the right to put forward citizens' initiatives and promote referenda."
Jelena Drenjanin, Vice-President of the EPP-CoR and Member of Huddinge Municipality said " We as part of the European family, need to rethink our way of defending and building a strong and vital democracy. We need the hope, the vision for the future, and the fresh mind of the youth to keep the European dream in the soul and mind of people."
Local and regional authorities taking concrete action to engage youths
Csaba Borboly, President of Harghita County Council said "The European Year Of Youth was an opportunity to strengthen participatory & representative democracy. As part of the European Week of Regions and Cities the voice of youth of Harghita County was heard to identify the problems youths face, but also to involve them in formulating solutions."
Huguette Zeller, Member of the Grand Est Regional Council said "My Region - Grand Est, shares borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Switzerland. Therefore it is important to create opportunities to learn languages. 35,000 young people have taken advantage of our initiatives. This is key as we want young people to be dynamic."
Sonja Ledl-Rossmann, Member of the State Parliament of Tyrol said "The European Region Tyrol - South Tyrol - Trentino is currently implementing 15 cross-border youth projects. Now that the European Year Of Youth is coming to an end, it is vital to continue focusing on young people with their concerns, worries, fears and needs, but also their potential."
Young local/regional elected politicians pledge to bring change
Anna Zachariadou, Head of International Relations of Amaroussion Municipality and EPP-CoR Young Elected Politician said "The Charter for Youth constitutes a clear step to address young peoples’ greatest demands: education, inclusion, employment, green and digital transition. But there is still a lot to be done and it is vital that youths takes part in the process!"
Nektarios Kalantzis, Municipal Councillor of Pallini and EPP-CoR Young Elected Politician said "In the aftermath of the economic crisis, the pandemic, the war and the energy crisis, the new generation of Europe is called upon to bring change and make Europe a better place, by taking action both against social inequalities and for better opportunities."
We must ensure that young people believe in their future
Andrzej Buła, Marshal of the Opolskie Voivodship emphasised that youth must feel needed.
Aires Pereira, Mayor of Póvoa de Varzim said "The charter for Youth and Democracy is important but if we do not transmit effective measures on the ground to allow young people to take an active role in democracy, it will not be successful. We can't lose talent. We need Europe to be a community and make sure that young people believe in their future."