As democratic backsliding accelerates across Europe, the young federalists gathered in Budapest from 20 to 25 April for the Federalist Leadership Academy, organised by JEF Europe in cooperation with the Council of Europe Youth Department at the European Youth Centre Budapest. The week-long academy brought together participants from across Europe to strengthen their skills in organisational management, advocacy and communication.

 The programme began on 20 April with a session on the European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life, marking the beginning of a week focused on the combination of democratic values and youth engagement. Participants also heard from László Andor, former European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, who provided valuable insights on governance at the European level.

 On the second day, the academy turned to the realities facing civil society today. A panel discussion brought together representatives from Amnesty International Hungary, the Helsinki Committee Hungary, the Budapest Pride organising team, and the Co-President of JEF Hungary, who reported on their efforts of working towards expanding the democratic space currently under pressure. The remaining days of the academy focused on advocacy skills, strategic communication, a simulation on civil society under pressure and advocacy simulation and the creation of an Advocacy Handbook.  

 The Federalist Leadership Academy is a Study Session organised in cooperation with the Youth Department of the Council of Europe and part of JEF Europe's ongoing commitment to equipping young Europeans with the necessary skills to run civil-society organisations, and defend democracy not just as an ideal, but as a daily practice.

 For more details, please visit the dedicated webpage.