Deputy Secretary General addressing youth: “Democracy is an evolving process”

Addressing youth representatives from all over Europe at the closing of the seminar on "The role of National Youth Councils in strengthening democracy" at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge stressed that democracy is an evolving process:

"Democracy is far from perfect, and we need to find a way of strengthening and revitalising it - together with you. You have the knowledge, the experience and you have power."

The seminar brought together representatives of National Youth Councils, the European Youth Forum and the Advisory Council on Youth to map and discuss the challenges to their independence, sustainability and recognition, as well as their contribution to policy making at national level.

"At this time when fear is sweeping across Europe, driven by disinformation, impunity and authoritarianism, we can only make a difference if we stand up for what we believe in. Indifference and complacency are in many ways our worst enemy. We must fight for our rights - our fundamental human rights - our values - and amend and develop it as we go along. Yes, democracy is far from perfect, but the alternatives are much worse!" the Deputy Secretary concluded.

Other speakers at the closing seminar included Adam Lambe from the Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe and Andreea Scrioșteanu, Board member of the European Youth Forum.

This seminar was a contribution to the consultative process towards the New Democratic Pact for Europe and was organised in partnership with the European Youth Forum.

Read the Deputy Secretary General's speech in full