The European University on youth policies (known also as the «Summer University») took place in Riga, Latvia, on 28-30 June 2023 in the framework of the current Latvian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The University is part of the Council of Europe’s package of youth policy development measures and aims to familiarise participants with the values, objectives, programmes and structures of the Council of Europe and its Youth Department.
This year’s edition was hosted by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia.
The 32 participants, including local hosts and secretariat, which represented 14 countries, not counting the local Latvian participants, amongst which were representatives of the European Steering Committee for Youth and their colleagues from ministries responsible for youth affairs, of the Advisory Council on Youth and of partner organisations, were welcomed by Kārlis Strautiņš, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia. The participants also had an exchange with Agnese Vilde, Director of Department for international organisations and human rights, MFA of Latvia, focusing on the Follow-up to the Fourth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe.
The programme provided a comprehensive overview of the strategic priorities of the Youth Sector, its standards and instruments, their relevance to the day-to-day work of the participants, as well as assistance measures to member States. A panel discussion focusing on Recommendation CM/Rec(2022)6 on protecting youth civil society and young people, and supporting their participation in democratic processes took place in the format of an interactive session.
The University also provided a unique opportunity to facilitate peer advice, networking and exchange good practices, and to acquaint participants with the reality of youth, and youth work, in the host country. The participants in particular, learnt about several Latvian projects, such as «Design for democracy programme» implemented by the Latvian Academy of Arts, or the programme «Youth Parliament».
During the evaluation of the last day, participants underlined the great value of this multilateral activity, as a source of inspiration, of comprehensive learning, networking and interactive experience.
