22 young local and regional leaders from across Europe gathered in Badalona to share their experiences, present projects from their communities, and debate solutions to pressing issues such as housing.
The young leaders discussed a wide range of initiatives from their cities and regions, as well as the challenges they face. These included innovative training programmes, the creation of new youth centres in Gabrovo, major infrastructure projects, the restoration of cultural sites, and initiatives to promote inclusion. Key challenges outlined during the exchange included the need to involve more women in politics and to respond effectively to demographic change.
EPP Local Dialogue on Housing
The participants also took part in an EPP Local Dialogue on housing, with a strong focus on young people’s needs. Several speakers shared concrete examples from their regions: Georgiana-Cristina Sima (Cluj-Napoca, Romania) presented a project delivering 35 new apartments: “Local administrations cannot limit themselves to maintaining existing services. They must also act as developers, planning and delivering new projects where they are most needed. But local action alone is not enough. For true urban development to succeed, we need coordinated action at the local, national, and European levels.”
Beatrice Nieburg (Düsseldorf, Germany) underlined the importance of creativity in addressing housing shortages: “As a young person living and studying in Düsseldorf, I see every day how difficult it is to secure affordable housing. Yet I also see a city willing to innovate — whether by converting office space into flats, supporting energy-efficient renovations, or experimenting with new housing models.”
Kevin Klinkspoor (Westland, Netherlands) highlighted the role of public–private cooperation: “We are tackling the housing challenge through public–private partnerships, stronger housing associations, and targeted support for young buyers. One of our most successful measures is offering an additional €30,000 loan on top of mortgages for first-time buyers — helping young families settle locally and strengthening community ties.”
Keeping young voices at the centre
The Badalona meeting reaffirmed the EPP-CoR Group’s commitment to placing young elected leaders at the heart of its work to ensure that EU policies reflect the aspirations of young people, while addressing local challenges.