The European YMCA movement gathered on September 30th for an Extraordinary General Assembly as agreed last May in Brussels at our regular annual meeting.
After an 18 months consultation process and following the work of a Constitution Review Task Group, the new Constitution for YMCA Europe was massively supported by our member YMCAs.
The new text contributes to a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the different governance bodies and adapts the procedures to the increasing demands of our sector with special attention to the legislation in Belgium.
The new Constitution also allows our Area Organisation to better serve its member YMCAs as a relevant common working space for all, emphasizing movement development across Europe, including the support to newly established YMCAs, strengthening their governance and increasing their impact.
The online General Assembly also unanimously accepted the proposed 2026 budget which will allow our Executive Committee and Staff Team to operate in a clear agreed framework as we continue delivering the approved strategic plan into the new year.
We are thankful for the contribution of all internal and external partners and stakeholders that trust YMCA Europe’s capacity to positively impact communities across our continent in partnership with each of our member YMCAs for the benefit of young people.
After this General Assembly and the crucial decisions taken, we can clearly say that YMCA Europe is better equipped and “fit for purpose” to better serve our network in Europe which reaches a network of 37 national YMCAs and more than 3,200 local YMCAs.
The meeting was open and closed with reflections and prayers for peace, justice and unity across Europe with a special thought for those communities and YMCAs suffering the dramatic effects of war, conflict, displacement and social exclusion.
The role of a strong, capable and impactful YMCA network across our continent is more relevant than ever today!
