Belgium assumes the rotating presidency for the thirteenth time, at a moment when the European Union stands at a crossroads, dealing with the consequences of the Russian illegal aggression in Ukraine, the pandemic, the energy crisis, disinformation, extreme climate events, and a renewed conflict in the Middle East.
The Belgian presidency will work towards better protecting European citizens, strengthening our cooperation, and preparing our shared future. It will focus on six thematic areas, and will provide particular attention to maintaining our unwavering support to Ukraine.
In the field of youth affairs, Belgium will support the further development of the EU Youth Strategy, help shape future EU Youth programmes and stimulate discussions and exchanges of knowledge on youth policy, including youth work policy, between the Member States of the European Union.
The goals of the Presidency in the field of youth affairs are the following:
1) Empowering young people by promoting social inclusion and implementing the “inclusive
societies” European youth goal.
“Inclusive Societies" is Youth Goal number 3 out of the 11 youth goals established by young
people in the EU Youth Dialogue's participatory process. This goal serves as a summary of the challenges impacting young individuals in Europe and outlines the political priorities significant to them. Its objective is to facilitate and guarantee the inclusion of all young people in society, striving to fulfil the rights of every young person in Europe, including those with fewer opportunities.
Since the previous council resolution on youth work in 2010, our society has changed in many ways and a response to these new challenges is needed. Belgium can play a pioneering role here and support high-quality youth work within the European Union.
3) Aligning the European and international policy agendas on children, youth and children's rights.The objective is to bring these policy areas closer together and adapt them more closely to the realities, needs and expectations of children and young people.
https://euyouth2024.be/