After an inspiring induction programme in Strasbourg (31st of January – 3rd of February, European Youth Centre Strasbourg), Dragoș Tarța has officially commenced his mandate as YMCA Europe’s representative on the Council of Europe’s Advisory Council on Youth (CCJ).
This is a pivotal step in amplifying young voices within the policymaking processes that shape Europe’s future. His election marks a significant achievement for YMCA Europe, positioning the organization at the heart of European youth policy architecture.
Through the unique co-management structure of the Youth Department of the Council of Europe, as well as leveraging the Youth-Perspective, a newly-integrated process in the Council of Europe framework, YMCA Europe now has direct influence in shaping decisions affecting young people across the continent.
Over the coming two years, Dragos will work alongside fellow youth leaders and institutional stakeholders to advance critical priorities: social rights, democratic participation, and inclusive policy frameworks that empower young people to influence the decisions affecting their lives.
This mandate reinforces YMCA Europe’s commitment to ensuring that young voices are not merely consulted, but actively drive change at local, national, and European levels.
The three-day induction programme brought together incoming and current Advisory Council of Youth members, alongside key institutional partners from the Council of Europe, the European Youth Foundation, and the European Youth Centres in Strasbourg and Budapest.
Through meetings with relevant stakeholders from CoE decision-making bodies, as well as through a carefully curated series of sessions, the induction has facilitated a smooth transition and empowered a CCJ set for direct impact on European youth policy.
This induction programme marked the formal start of Dragoș’ mandate and a strengthened channel for YMCA Europe to bring youth priorities into European decision-making.
Over the next two years, YMCA Europe will use this representation to advocate consistently for societies governed by equity and access for youth and communities.
YMCA Europe looks forward to working closely with partners across the Council of Europe’s youth sector and beyond, translating youth-led perspectives into practical policy influence, while developing our Youth Advocacy initiatives across the continent.
