In October 2024 the EU-Council of Europe organised the Seminar on Advocating for youth work in Eastern and South-East Europe (Skopje, North Macedonia). 

The seminar highlighted the critical importance of recognizing youth work as a formal profession, encouraging youth involvement in policy-making, and tackling pressing issues such as brain drain, inequality, and mental health. Representatives from the Council of Europe and the European Commission emphasized that youth participation is fundamental to fostering democracy and transparency. 

Participants shared insights on country-specific achievements and ongoing challenges, with North Macedonia standing out as a model for progress in formally recognizing youth work. The discussions underscored the need for sustained investment in youth work, particularly in rural areas, and the further development of tools to amplify the influence of youth organizations at both national and international levels. 

Additionally, a collection of good practices was shared, focusing on fostering dialogue with decision-makers and public authorities at various levels to advocate for the advancement of youth work development. 

Finally, the seminar set the stage for the upcoming 4th European Youth Work Convention, where youth workers from all Council of Europe member states will convene to discuss renewed commitments and strategic advancements to strengthen youth work across Europe.

Together with László MILUTINOVITS (EU-Council of Europe youth partnership) are talking about the seminar and its outcomes with: Ana YEGHOYAN and Dragan ATANASOV, who were the facilitators of the Seminar.

Host: Dariusz GRZEMNY

The transcript can be found HERE.

Resources:
Advocating for youth work in Eastern and South-East Europe - website
Visible Value handbook
Youth work in South-East Europe - a study
Youth brain drain from the Western Balkans, the Eastern Partnership and Türkiye - a study