From 8–10 September 2026, Istanbul, Türkiye, will host the European University on Youth Policy, a major event organised by the Council of Europe. With the generous support of the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports, the event will bring together members of the European Steering Committee for Youth (CDEJ) and youth policy experts from across Europe. Over three days, participants will explore the values, programmes and instruments of the Council of Europe's Youth Department, deepening their knowledge of youth policy and intergovernmental co-operation.

The Summer University will unfold through a structured programme, beginning with in-depth explorations of the Council of Europe’s youth sector and the functions of its statutory bodies. Discussions will cover priorities for 2026–2027, the implementation of the Youth Sector Strategy 2030, and the outcomes of the Malta Ministerial Conference (October 2025). Practical workshops and field visits to youth facilities in Türkiye will complement the policy discussions, providing a real-world context and fostering greater collaboration among the member states. Special sessions on working methods, national networks and the European Charter on the Participation of Young People will equip participants with actionable insights for their own administrations.

As the event draws to a close, CDEJ members and other participants will consider how to increase the impact of Council of Europe initiatives in their own countries, with discussions covering international cooperation and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Summer University promises to foster a sense of ownership, trust and collaboration among Europe’s youth policy leaders, ensuring that the knowledge gained in Istanbul will be put into practice throughout the member States.