On 1 July, the European Youth Foundation was present at the first international activity of the “National youth campaigns against hate speech” annual work plan, organised by the Stichting No Hate Speech Network from 30 June to 3 July 2025 in Trenčín, Slovakia. The network was born in the spirit of the No Hate Speech Movement youth campaign, led by the Council of Europe Youth Department, gathering both old and new stakeholders, individuals and organisations to structurally address hate speech in Europe.

The “No Hate Speech Network Conference” is the first phase of NHSN's annual work plan and will be followed by local and national actions and coordination events implemented by the young participants. The overarching aim of the work plan is to create a platform for young people to work systematically,  exchange peer knowledge and support, as well as act against hate speech, for human rights and democracy. By mobilising and connecting individuals, organisations and experts through national coordination and international cooperation activities, the work plan supports NHSN in achieving its strategic goal to strengthen the network members and community, as well as renew national coordination and international cooperation structures to combat hate speech.

The EYF monitoring visit offered an opportunity to the group to discuss the Council of Europe’s youth sector priorities and its unique co-management system, which meaningfully involves young people in decision-making processes. The EYF session took place in conjunction with the valuable input from the Inclusion and Anti-discrimination Programmes Division of the Council of Europe.

The “National youth campaigns against hate speech” project is supported by the EYF through a grant for annual work plans. More information for this type of support can be found at the following link: What is an annual work plan? - European Youth Foundation.