1-5 September 2025: The study session “Uniting for a Safer Europe: Empowering Environmental Defenders and Climate Activists”, organised by Youth and Environment Europe (YEE) in collaboration with the Youth Department of the Council of Europe brings together 23 passionate young environmental defenders from 13 Council of Europe member states and 5 team members for a 5-day educational programme.
Together, the group dives into the challenges, risks, and opportunities faced by those who stand up for our planet.
The activity provides a platform for young people who are actively engaged in grassroots environmental and climate justice activism to strengthen their knowledge, share experiences, and explore protection mechanisms available to them.
The study session aims to:
- Connect young environmental defenders across Europe and facilitate exchanges with institutions and policy-makers.
- Equip participants with knowledge of European human rights-based protection tools to help them address threats.
- Strengthen understanding of the importance of the rule of law in safeguarding environmental defenders.
- Empower young people to engage as environmental defenders through informed, democratic participation.
By providing a safe and collaborative learning environment, the Council of Europe supports young people in their role as environmental defenders, recognising their contribution to the protection of democracy, human rights, and the environment.
During this week participants will get to know various Council of Europe standards and instruments for their grassroots advocacy work including the Steering Committee for Human Rights (CDDH), Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
The study session aims to create a YEE position paper with the policy recommendations of the participants around the protection to environmental defenders, but also a pocket guide on how to remain safe while being an active environmental defender. The outcomes of this week will feed into participants’ local and national initiatives, helping to build resilience and solidarity across Europe.
For more information visit the dedicated webpage.
