Cyprus Youth Council (CYC)

The Schengen system, once a cornerstone of EU unity, faces major challenges from border checks, political misuse, and crises, threatening citizens’ rights. Yet progress continues, with EU court rulings, DiscoverEU, and new member accessions renewing hope. Defending Schengen remains essential.

In 2025, 51 years after the Turkish invasion, the Cyprus Youth Council continues advocating for youth rights, peace, and reconciliation, including Turkish Cypriot youth. It envisions a free, reunited Cyprus as a model of coexistence, while the European Youth Forum upholds its principles in addressing the Cyprus Problem.

There is no future without young people, participation, and activism. In times of crisis, we must listen to communities and minorities to build a continent and world where everyone can prosper and live in equal, peaceful societies.

The European Youth Forum recognises the urgent need to protect youth rights and support young political prisoners in Belarus, calling for their immediate release and emphasising international solidarity and cooperation to promote human rights and democracy.

The independence of National Youth Councils across Europe is under threat, requiring urgent political action. This motion supports the European Youth Forum’s Strategic Plan 2024–2028 to strengthen democracy, protect civic space, and defend youth organisations from political interference.

Repression in Serbia has intensified since the Novi Sad tragedy in Nov 2024. Over 1600 protests have erupted, with 325,000 marching on Mar 15, 2025. Young people demand accountability, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights. Read the motion to find out what we're calling for.

International Non-Governmental Youth Organisations (INGYOs) are a crucial part of the European Union Youth Dialogue (EUYD). While they offer many advantages and their contributions remain essential, their presence at EU Youth Dialogue conferences has noticeably diminished in recent years. This development raises concerns about the inclusivity and effectiveness of the dialogue process, as the absence of INGYOs could limit the diversity of perspectives and expertise in youth-related decision-making.

This resolution calls for the cessation of hostilities and, with the consent of the Government of Cyprus, the deployment of a UN Peacekeeping Force to prevent the recurrence of violence and for the Republic of Cyprus to take the responsibility to restore law and order to prevent further violence in Cyprus.