On 25-26 September, a study visit took place at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg with the participation of government representatives, local authorities, managers and youth workers from youth centres in Pernik, Burgas, Montana and Vratsa (Bulgaria). The visit was organised with the aim to provide participants with an overview of the Council of Europe’s values and standards in the youth field, as well as the functioning of the European Youth Centres.

 The Bulgarian delegation was introduced to the work of the European Youth Centre Strasbourg from the operational perspective. They were also given a deeper insight into the mission and educational philosophy of the European Youth Centres of the Council of Europe as well as the strategic priories of the youth sector through the presentation of colleagues from the Council of Europe’s Youth Department. Participants were also presented the campaign on Youth revitalizing democracy as well as the Council of Europe Quality Label for Youth Centres programme.  They discussed the added value to apply the quality label criteria, which are based on the two European Youth Centres of the Council of Europe, to youth centres in Bulgaria.

 Representatives from Bulgaria reiterated their commitment to support young people by providing them with adequate space and a safe environment as well as to integrate existing standards of the Council of Europe on quality youth work into their work at local and regional levels.