Youth centres from across Europe gathered this week in Luxembourg for the 2025 European Platform Meeting for Quality Label Youth Centres and friends*, a flagship event promoting co-operation and knowledge exchange among youth centres committed to advancing human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
Organised annually by the Council of Europe Youth Department, the Platform Meeting provides a unique opportunity for Quality Label youth centres — and those aspiring to join the network — to share best practices, strengthen partnerships, and reaffirm their commitment to the Council of Europe’s core values.
This year’s gathering held special significance as it took place under the Luxembourgish Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, making the event a key priority of its term. With around 80 participants from across Europe and the presence of H.R.H. the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, the meeting celebrated outstanding youth work and highlighted the essential role of youth-friendly, democratic spaces in strengthening social cohesion and peace on the continent.
In his address to the participants, Matjaž Gruden, Director for Democracy at the Council of Europe, underlined the pivotal role of these centres in building democratic societies.
“Restoring young people’s confidence in democracy also requires infrastructure. It requires spaces where young people can meet, learn about each other, work together, learn about democracy and practice democracy. Because democracy cannot be learned and practiced on mobile apps alone”, said Gruden.
Beyond celebrating achievements, the 2025 Platform Meeting also provided space for strategic reflection on the future of youth centres and youth policy in Europe. Discussions focused on the importance of developing quality spaces with and for young people and showcased successful initiatives from various centres. Public authorities attending the event had an opportunity to acknowledge the tangible, positive impact that youth centres have on democratic participation and co-operation at local, national, and European levels.
This gathering aims to inspire more youth centres and member states to join the Quality Label network, ensuring that young people across Europe continue to have access to spaces that empower them to participate actively in democratic life and advocate for human rights and equality.
Since 2008, the Quality Label of the Council of Europe has been awarded to youth centres that fulfil standards of youth work and international co-operation. The 2025 European Platform Meeting is co-organised by the Council of Europe Youth Department and the Luxembourg National Youth Service (SNJ).
More information about the event available on the dedicated web page.
*Each labelled centre has been invited to bring a “friend”, or a key stakeholder, such as a representative from local, regional or national authority, youth organisation, a board member or a partner centre, who would be interested in strengthening the capacity and growing the network.
