Despite their diverse backgrounds, they delivered a shared message: today's challenges – from peace, democracy and climate change to social cohesion – can only be addressed through stronger European cooperation. Representing thousands of young people through their organisations, they stressed that young people must be fully involved in shaping public policy and that the European project remains a crucial pillar of security for everyone. 

The meeting formed part of the partnership between the FGYO and RYCO, established in 2016. This cooperation builds on the FGYO's support for the creation of RYCO and on the shared conviction that young people should play an active role in decisions that affect their lives. 

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Hosted at the French National Assembly, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the German Embassy and the joint representation of the Grand Est Region and the Saarland, participants met with political leaders, diplomats and experts, including Benjamin Haddad, Frédéric Petit, Donika Emini (University of Graz), Florent Marciacq (Deputy Secretary General of the Franco-Austrian Centre for Rapprochement in Europe) and Stefan Seidendorf (Deputy Director of the Franco-German Institute in Ludwigsburg). Discussions focused on the enlargement of the European Union, protecting democratic space, tackling disinformation, the rise of nationalism and the role of youth exchanges in conflict prevention. 

Participants also addressed the challenges facing youth organisations, including restrictions on civic space, insufficient funding and territorial inequalities. They called for stronger cooperation between youth organisations, fair and equal access to international mobility opportunities, and full recognition of young people as partners in the development of public policy.

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© ANDREAS B. KRUEGER