From 13 to 15 November, young people from across Europe gathered for the 2024 Youth Space Conference (Y-Space) in the German Bundestag. This event, now for the third time, was organised by the German Federal Youth Council (DBJR), the German Bundestag, the German delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the Council of Europe Youth Depart-ment.

“The European youth stands up for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law! We need the energy of Europe's youth to give our democracies fresh strength and stability!” said Bärbel Bas, the President of the German Bundestag, addressing more than 50 young participants from 21 European coun-tries.

Tobias Flessenkemper, Head of the Youth Department at the Council of Europe highlighted the im-portance of youth involvement: “Parliaments and national youth councils are crucial for the revitalisa-tion of democracy by young people. Around 20 national youth councils from Europe and members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe from Ukraine, Malta, Luxembourg, and Armenia are working together to stop the democratic backslide. The Y-Space Conference organised by the Bundestag and DBJR is a testament to Germany's commitment to international co-operation.”

This year's Y-Space conference theme was “Celebrating 75 Years of the Council of Europe – Chal-lenges and Opportunities in Shaping Europe’s Future.” Özge Erdoğan, a board member of the DBJR, welcomed the international guests, alongside Aydan Özoğuz, Vice President of the German Bundestag; Despina Chatzivassiliou-Tsovilis, Secretary General of the PACE; and Derya Türk-Nachbaur, member of the German delegation to the PACE.

Participants dove into workshops with stakeholders from the Council of Europe's network, discussing key topics affecting Europe’s future and the future of its youth. The discussions culminated in a  a panel presentation, with the results forming the basis of a final declaration. This declaration, to be handed over to the parliamentarians of the 46 member states of the Council of Europe, calls for ac-tion on issues like Democratic Backsliding, Inclusive Governance, and Youthful Institutions in Europe.

Frank Schwabe, Head of the German delegation to the PACE expressed his gratitude to the young participants: “The future of the Council of Europe is young. Young people live the values of the Council of Europe. We want to make that visible.”

At the end of the conference, Moritz Tapp, Vice President of the DBJR, extended his gratitude: “Many thanks to all participants for this inspiring conference and the recommendations of the final declara-tion.” Özge Erdoğan added: “Let's keep in contact, keep engaging, and work together to ensure that young voices in Europe are heard and can actively shape their present and future.”

 More information:

• Final declaration of the Youth Space Conference 2024
• Report of the German Bundestag on the Youth Space Conference 2024
• Information page on the Youth Space Conference 2024 of the German Bundestag
• Interview with Raoul Taschinski, deputy chair of the German Federal Youth Council, on mitmischen.de
• Press release of the German Federal Youth Council in the run-up to the conference