Highlights from our Council of Members 2022
On 13-14 May, the European Youth Forum hosted its Council of Members (COMEM) in Brussels, bringing together 127 youth representatives from across Europe, both in person and online.
The Youth Forum’s COMEM provides a space for discussions and debates on issues important to young Europeans right now. One of the topics of deep concern is the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and Member Organisations voted to pass an urgent resolution for the support of youth in Ukraine, and refugees and for the implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda in Europe. The resolution, submitted by the National Youth Council of Ukraine, condemns the Russian Federation’s mass atrocities against the people of Ukraine as genocide. Member's also voted to pass a motion put forward by the Lithuanian Youth Council (LiJOT), calling for severing economic ties with the Russian Federation in response to the war in Ukraine.
Other violations of youth rights across Europe were recognised by Members and put high on the agenda. The COMEM voted to pass a Motion on non-discrimination of young Belarusian activists and support for democratic principles in Europe - submitted by Belarusian National Youth Council (RADA).
The European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS) also put the spotlight on anti-semitism in Europe, by putting forward the updated Motion, Combating Anti-Semitism: Young People’s Responsibility.
As part of the COMEM agenda, we were also proud to celebrate the 25 Percent's closing conference. Member organisations were invited to enjoy an exhibition on the amazing work done by the 25 Percent on the ground all over Europe, hear directly from MEP Eleanora Evi on issues of youth participation as well as network with other youth organisations, institutional stakeholders and decision makers.
The European Youth Forum’s next meeting will take place in November in Tirana, Albania - the European Youth Capital for 2022. We look forward to gathering youth organisations together once again to continue our work #foryouthrights.
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