The city of Tromsø has officially launched its year as European Youth Capital 2026, marking the beginning of an ambitious programme dedicated to youth empowerment, participation and innovation under the motto “True North.”
Located above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø will use its unique position to spotlight young people’s role in shaping resilient, inclusive and sustainable communities. Throughout 2026, the city will host a wide range of activities — including youth-led policy dialogues, cultural festivals, educational initiatives and international exchanges — aimed at strengthening democratic participation and cross-border co-operation.
The opening ceremony held on Saturday 21 February 2026 brought together local and national authorities, youth organisations, international partners such as the Council of Europe, and civil society representatives to celebrate the start of the title year. Speakers highlighted the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for young people to influence decision-making and contribute to solutions addressing climate change, digital transformation and social inclusion.
Speaking from the perspective of young people, Mariam Tartousi, member of the Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe, emphasised the fundamental importance of meaningful engagement: “Youth participation is not decoration. It is infrastructure.”
Representing the Youth Department of the Council of Europe, Sophie Kwasny welcomed the city’s long-term investment in youth participation and engagement:
“By creating real spaces for youth participation — in the Youth Council, at Tvibit and beyond — Tromsø demonstrates how sustained commitment delivers lasting impact, culminating in this title of European Youth Capital. This spirit reflects the vision of the European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life. May Tromsø 2026 serve as our True North, showing that societies flourish wherever young people are empowered to shape their future.”
The European Youth Capital title is awarded by the European Youth Forum and recognises cities that demonstrate strong commitment to improving young people’s lives and amplifying youth voices.
As a long-standing partner in youth participation and democratic engagement, the Council of Europe welcomes the launch of Tromsø’s title year and looks forward to contributing to initiatives that promote human rights, democratic citizenship and youth participation across Norway and beyond.
With its “True North” vision, Tromsø aims to inspire cities across Europe by demonstrating how sustained commitment to youth participation strengthens democracy, inclusion and community resilience.
