Youth Delegates in the Council of Europe
The Youth Delegates programme of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (the “Rejuvenating Politics Initiative”) is a unique opportunity for young people aged 18–30 from Lithuania and all Council of Europe member states to help strengthen democracy at local and regional level and to make young people’s voices heard internationally in the Council of Europe in Strasbourg!
Selected delegates have an exceptional opportunity to take part in two plenary sessions of the Congress each year at the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg. During these sessions, Youth Delegates can participate directly in debates, contribute to the drafting of recommendations, share their vision with local and regional authorities from member states and, most importantly, promote the mission of the Council of Europe – to safeguard democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
Over the course of their one-year mandate, youth delegates not only take part in the sessions, but also design and carry out individual or group projects in their home countries – these can include civic education initiatives or workshops in educational institutions, research into a specific emerging issue, community campaigns and cooperation with local authorities, or international cooperation between member states through comparative research and analysis. By implementing intersessional projects in member states, youth delegates gain valuable political experience and contribute to creating real impact!
As an active member of the Council of Europe, Lithuania has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to strengthening local self-government. A good example is the 2025 visit to Lithuania by rapporteurs of the Council of Europe Congress to assess the application of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in the country. During the visit, it was stressed that Lithuania seeks to strengthen regional democracy, renew regional policy and ensure that young people have a real influence on decision-making. A youth delegate from Lithuania is also invited to each such visit, which is yet another example of how opportunities are created to hear a young person’s perspective in their own country!
Thus, representing the voice of young people in the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe is a unique chance for young people in Lithuania to become drivers of change – not only to network, but also to create projects that help strengthen democracy!
If you want your voice to be heard and you have ideas you have not yet had the chance to realise, we invite you not to wait and apply for the Youth Delegates programme of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe!
Below you can read the stories of two Lithuanian Youth Delegates: Sandra Slušnytė (Lithuanian Youth Delegate 2024) and Paulius Kolosovas (Lithuanian Youth Delegate 2025) .
Community – through Sandra’s eyes
In my cohort, the 2024 Youth Delegates team was made up of very different people in terms of both experience and age. Each person brought new insights, and some people’s experiences, knowledge and stories made you look at different topics more critically and grow as a result. At the same time, what united the team were not only key similarities – many were actively involved in youth or regional politics and were engaged in more than one local or international organisation. On top of that, many of us were ambitious students. Most importantly, from day one we supported each other tremendously, both in person and in our group chats. What pleasantly surprised me most was how we constantly tried to make sure every speech was captured – we would grab our phones and record every delegate’s speech. This sense of support was what impressed me most and stuck with me when I think about the community. To this day, we still keep in fairly close contact and are happy when we get to meet at various events.
Community – through Paulius’s eyes
As a 2025 Youth Delegate to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, I was constantly amazed at how different the Youth Delegates were – some already worked in local authorities or national institutions in their regions, while others were only just starting their studies and building an academic portfolio for their future plans. This “backstage” of the delegates’ group was one of the recurring lunch-table topics, when we would sit together and share not only the key issues and problems from the sessions, but also our life stories which, I won’t lie, were truly inspiring. I do not want to go into specific examples, because each delegate’s story is unique and would probably deserve a separate interview, but I can confidently say that I was impressed and even more motivated to act, because what brings young people together helps build a brighter vision of the future!
I also have to mention that, beyond each delegate’s personal experiences and stories, we were a big team of forty-five people where everyone felt as if they were among their best friends. During the 48th Congress session (my first of the two) it was a bit intimidating to speak openly, but by the 49th session I was enjoying every small conversation!
Freedom of expression – through Sandra’s eyes
To begin with, I want to stress that I will be talking about the 2024 cohort and mostly about my personal experience. In theory, there were more opportunities than ever before to express our views. This is especially clear when compared to the situation of youth delegates ten years ago, when only a few youth delegates were allowed to speak briefly during the whole session.
Our cohort was able to express our views quite freely, but some delegates, because of the situation in their countries, did not feel fully safe and sometimes held back from stronger comments. Of course, we could always ask for advice and share our speeches with mentors, but this was not mandatory.
As I was entrusted by my cohort, I had the unique opportunity to deliver the main speech and I can say that this experience is a bit different from the usual short speeches you give from your seat in the main Council of Europe chamber. Unlike shorter speeches, you are asked to submit it before the session starts, mentors examine it in detail and share their feedback. In my case, however, their comments were not about the content of the speech.
Freedom of expression – through Paulius’s eyes
Probably one of the key moments when the conversation turns to transparency and solving problems is the freedom to express one’s views. I would like to say with confidence that all youth delegates were listened to, but my confidence ends with the news that shook the 2025 Youth Delegates group – that the respected Turkish Youth Delegate, Enes Hocaoğulları, was arrested at Ankara airport. After the 48th Congress session, Enes could not return to Türkiye, where the “on paper” democratic system is in sharp contrast with the regime run by Erdoğan. And all this because of 90 seconds of freedom of speech during the 48th Congress.
After this event, I will not lie, I began to doubt how free speech really is. However, the Council of Europe – an institution whose mission is to protect human rights – did everything in this unprecedented and first-of-its-kind situation to make sure we could meet Enes again at the 49th Congress session. But the stain remained, and this personal story raised a rhetorical question that stayed with me throughout the 49th session: “Can we really express our views without filtering them?”.
On a more positive note, Youth Delegates are very active throughout the Congress and express their views on almost every item on the agenda, so I am sure that these same young people who are speaking up now will continue to speak in the near future – only, hopefully, under different circumstances.
Opportunities within an opportunity – through Sandra’s eyes
When I submitted my application, I had no idea how many opportunities this position would open up. First of all, there is the opportunity to build strong international connections. Over the course of the process, delegates really do become close, so it is common to keep in touch even after the sessions. What is nice is that, when we meet in person, the conversations are rarely superficial – we are always genuinely interested in what is going on in each other’s lives.
Another advantage is the events between sessions and before the next youth delegate is selected. These are usually international events, meetings or conferences. However, to take part in them you have to apply separately through the Congress channels. Personally, I applied to the 2024 World Forum for Democracy and went to Strasbourg as a Congress delegate, alongside national youth delegates. It was a unique experience, as the event was not limited to Council of Europe member states. For example, my roommate came from Argentina. I am very glad that we are still in touch.
Opportunities within an opportunity – through Paulius’s eyes
Do two Congress sessions in Strasbourg not sound like enough? No problem.
By becoming Youth Delegates to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, young representatives not only take part in two plenary sessions in Strasbourg, but also get involved in various intersessional activities: they attend different follow-up events and meetings across Europe, from Valletta to Brussels, from Strasbourg to Barcelona. I myself visited Barcelona and had the chance to be one of the main speakers on disinformation that divides societies, fake videos created by artificial intelligence, and how to use social media to promote greater transparency and youth participation.
It is also important to mention that critical thinking in these tense times is important not only in countries bordering Russia and Belarus, but in every country walking the democratic path!
Sandra’s reflection
In summary, I can say that being Lithuania’s Youth Delegate to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe was an invaluable experience from the very first minute. When I submitted my application, I had only just left school. At the time, I had no idea that I would soon be sitting in a Council of Europe chair with “Youth Delegate” written in front of me, learning new, priceless lessons.
By actively engaging in this initiative, I gained a great deal, but I also gave a lot of myself. Every speech I gave and heard helped to build a better future, and I felt more than ever what the determined word of a young person can mean. I am incredibly grateful to the people I met for their support and backing, for the experiences I gained, and for the opportunity to represent, to act and to amplify the voice of young people. I think many delegates would say that they ended their “term” having unintentionally become stronger, more mature, and significantly further along in their personal journey, with even more motivation to grow. So now I wish you courage – trust yourself, do not hesitate, and apply!
Paulius’s reflection
I probably would never have dreamed that one day, at the age of 18, I would be standing not just anywhere, but in the Council of Europe, and that I would be able to contribute, even in a small way, to decisions that directly affect local authorities. When you find yourself in a situation where there are no words to describe everything you have experienced during a year at the Council of Europe, you know that the experience has been priceless.
I realised that courageous young people (who are willing even to risk arrest and prosecution for the sake of “freedom of speech”) are the only real way to change conservative “don’t-touch-me” politicians sitting in dusty offices. I am not saying that older people with rich experience are not needed, but I do not think they understand best what young people want. A progressive, youth-focused approach today is more important than ever – not for anyone else, but for youth representatives themselves. For those who are willing to take responsibility, ask questions and boldly shape decisions that determine the direction of future society.
When I talk about my experience at the Congress of the Council of Europe with my best friends from school, university classmates and others who are genuinely interested, I often say: “I have had many great experiences, but this one was definitely the best.” Without a doubt, I invite you to apply and embark on this journey, which will open doors to new opportunities and unforgettable experiences!
IMPORTANT!
Selected delegates are expected to take an active part in the programme throughout the entire year: online meetings and a preparation programme before each of the two sessions, plenary sessions of the Congress in Strasbourg, work with mentors and implementation of an intersessional project in Lithuania – all of these are mandatory parts of the mandate. So before applying, you should carefully consider your personal availability!
More important information about the programme can be found here.