[article written by Mathilde Colarte, Chair of the YRN Thematic Committee on Youth Participation & Governance] At this year’s Youth Regional Network General Assembly, we didn’t just talk about advocacy:we practiced it! During the workshop on “How to Advocate Efficiently”, participants cametogether to explore how to turn ideas into impact. And what an energizing … [Read more...]
Youth Regional Network General Assembly 2025: Changing the Present to Shape the Future
The Youth Regional Network (YRN) General Assembly took place in Brussels on 3-4 April 2025, bringing together young leaders and activists from across Europe for two days of cultural exchange, capacity building, and democratic participation. The event kicked off on Thursday with a flavorful cultural potluck, where participants shared traditional dishes from their regions, … [Read more...]
The YRN was represented at the 2nd International Youth Climate Summit in Slovenia
An article by Marsel Haka, Chair of the YRN Committee for a Green & Sustainable Europe 6-8 December 2024 - The 2nd International Youth Climate Summit in Slovenia was a fantastic event organised by the Youth Health Organization (YHO), held in the picturesque coastal city of Koper. This gathering brought together passionate young climate advocates from diverse backgrounds … [Read more...]
The YRN capacity-building event in Zurich: Inspiring Collaboration Across Europe
An article by Elona Matoshi, Chair of the YRN Committee for Gender Equality & Women's Empowerment From October 31st to November 3rd, the Canton of Zurich hosted a YRN capacity-building event, bringing together young leaders from across Europe. With Switzerland’s breathtaking lakes and mountains as the backdrop, participants came together to tackle important youth … [Read more...]
Press release – The Youth Regional Network is selected to take part in the EU Youth Test at the European Economic and Social Committee
The Youth Regional Network (YRN) has been officially selected to take part in the EU Youth Test at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). The EESC will hold a first online kick-off meeting on the 3rd of September, gathering the youth organisations who will participate in the initiative. The meeting will represent the occasion to introduce the participants … [Read more...]
The YRN joined the Consultation for the Revision of the European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life
On the 5th of July 2024, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe organised a consultative meeting for the revision of the European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life. Mathilde Colarte, Chair for Youth Participation & Governance in the Youth Regional Network, participated in this consultation, and reports … [Read more...]
Highlights from the Europa Forum Wachau 2024
An article by Marsel Haka, YRN delegate at the Europa Forum Wachau 2024, and YRN Chair for Green & Sustainable Europe From the 19th to the 22nd of June, the AER sent a youth delegation to the yearly Europa Forum Wachau, composed of two former AER interns, and two members of the Youth Regional Network. Marsel Haka, one of the youth delegates, shares his experience with … [Read more...]
Youth pre-event of the Europa Forum Wachau – The AER/YRN delegation’s weekend in Bratislava
An article by Peter Guidikov, AER youth delegate at the Europa Forum Wachau Every year, the Europa Forum Wachau brings together youth and politicians from all over Europe to discuss our common future. It takes place in scenic Göttweig Abbey, on the hills of Lower Austria. We wear dresses and ties to impress important people, and we chat about the economy and the historical … [Read more...]
The YRN joined the EYCA Rural Youth Camp (Cazorla, Spain) in April 2024!
An article by Sigrun Myrvang, Vice-President of the Youth Regional Network From the 11th to the 17th of April 2024, seven YRN members attended the Rural Youth Camp organised by the European Youth Card Association (EYCA) in Cazorla, Andalusia, Spain! In the light of the unique challenges faced by rural youth, the EYCA Youth Panel has launched the Rural Youth Project. … [Read more...]
YRN Statement on Youth Participation and Governance: “Young People are the Future”
The Youth Regional Network (YRN) is a the AER's cross-regional youth platform, promoting active youth participation at regional level. It provides young people with an opportunity to express policy recommendations, to foster debate and capacity-building, to exchange good practices, to reach out to decision-makers, and to influence policies. … [Read more...]
The Youth Regional Network – First revival anniversary. Highlights from the YRN General Assembly 2024!
The Youth Regional Network (YRN) General Assembly 2024 took place between the 14th and the 17th of March in Zalău, Sălaj County, Romania. Marking the first revival anniversary of the YRN, the event featured numerous engaging activities for young people, study visits, YRN Presidium elections, and a MEET Debate on the Future of Europe. The YRN General Assembly was a great … [Read more...]
The Interreg Europe programme is welcoming seven new countries!
Interreg Europe, one of the most known international cooperation programmes co-funded by the European Union, has now opened its doors to seven new countries: Are you from one of these regions or you wish to build a partnership with one of these regions? Then this is the perfect occasion to join forces and build a solid project partnership! The programme is organising an … [Read more...]
YRN Youth Participation Toolkit
The YRN Thematic Committee on Youth Participation and Governance has developed a Youth Participation Toolkit! The aim of the toolkit is to inform young people about European opportunities that can empower and encourage them to become active citizens. Comprising practical tools tailored for the everyday tasks of youth politicians and activists, the toolkit also offers a … [Read more...]
Call for YRN members! Join a growing inter-regional and international youth network!
The Youth Regional Network (YRN) is launching a call for committed and motivated young peoplefrom all across Europe. Created by the Assembly of European Regions in 2008, the Youth Regional Network (YRN) is across-regional youth platform, promoting active youth participation at regional level. Composed ofregional-level youth councils, parliaments and organizations in AER’s … [Read more...]
2022 Summer Academy wins European Citizens’ Prize
The 2022 AER Summer Academy is one of two Irish projects selected as winners of the prestigious ‘European Citizens’ Prize’ for 2023. Awarded every year by the European Parliament, the European Citizens’ Prize goes to projects “organised by people or organisations that encourage mutual understanding and closer integration between people in the EU, cross-border … [Read more...]