Young European Ambassadors selected as delegates to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities

Five Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) have been selected to become youth delegates as part of the “Rejuvenating Politics” initiative of the Council of Europe’s Congress of Local and Regional Authorities.

The five YEAs – Elina Rotaru (Romania), Danijel Bajan (Croatia), Sofiia Bohdanova (Ukraine), Grigore Rinja (Moldova) and Sofia Camaglia (Italy) – joined the 46th session of the Congress which took place between 26-28 March 2024 at the Palais de l’Europe and the European Parliament premises in Strasbourg, France.

The March plenary of the Congress is the first stage of a one-year mandate as youth delegates to the Congress. The delegates will have the chance to develop personal projects in their local and regional areas, and join a second plenary in October.

Delegates had the opportunity to learn about the Council of Europe’s work on the international level, network among fellow youth delegates and meet relevant stakeholders who can support them in implementing projects back home. The delegates also participated in a wide variety of sessions focusing on topics such as the rule of law, depopulation of rural areas and protection of natural resources.

“What I think I have gained is a bit of hope in the future, given not by the politicians, but by my generation which is proactive and does not give up, is interested and participates in public affairs, and which takes care of others and the environment from a solidarity and intergenerational perspective,” said Italian YEA Sofia Camaglia.

The “Rejuvenating Politics” initiative was launched by the Congress in 2014 as part of its commitment to promoting the participation of young people in public life and in the decision-making process at the local and regional levels.

The initiative’s “Youth Delegates” project gives one young person from each of the 46 Council of Europe member states a unique opportunity to sit in a European assembly alongside local and regional elected representatives, although they do not hold voting rights.

The YEAs found the experience productive and were happy to see that young people were given the chance to take part in vital discussions affecting Europe’s future.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to raise critically important questions for Ukrainian youth on the European level. I was speaking and people were hearing me. I was ready to speak and people were ready to listen,” said Sofiia Bohdanova, YEA representing Ukraine.

The Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) initiative brings together socially engaged youth from the six Eastern Partner countries, the European Union and the United Kingdom to foster dialogue and to raise awareness about the EU and its cooperation with its Eastern partner countries.