Development of Democratic Youth Organisations from an All-European Perspective

The New Democratic Pact for Europe is the Council of Europe’s response to democratic backsliding, disinformation, impunity, and authoritarianism. The European Youth Forum welcomes this initiative, urging collaboration with young people to strengthen trust in democratic institutions.

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.

European institutions, governments, and online platforms have worked to make social media safer, but some proposals risk undermining youth rights. Measures driven by fear may backfire, causing circumvention and harm. Young people could ultimately be worse off as a result.