On 11 April 2025, the moment had come: The European Youth Education Centre (EJBM) was officially awarded the Quality Label for Youth Centres by the Council of Europe. We are now part of a select group of just 15 recognised centres across Europe – and only the second in Germany to receive this special honour.
At the heart of the award lies our strong commitment to democratic education, human rights, and international cooperation in the field of youth work. The Quality Label is valid from 2025 to 2027 – and it formally confirms what many already know: EJBM is a place where young people can participate, have a voice, and actively contribute.
A strong signal from the city, state, federal level and Europe
The ceremony at EJBM was not only an emotional moment for our team – it also sent a powerful message about the importance of international youth education in Magdeburg and Saxony-Anhalt. The Mayor of the state capital Magdeburg, Simone Borris, opened the event and highlighted EJBM’s role as a place of solidarity, community, and civic courage.
Katja Fischer, Deputy Director of the Red Cross Regional Association of Saxony-Anhalt, along with our Centre Director Christian Scharf and our Educational Director Dr Christina Langhans also warmly welcomed guests and reflected on the journey we’ve taken together.
The welcoming speeches highlighted the broad support for our work:: Holger Paech, the state’s Commissioner for Children and Youth, emphasised that participation is part of EJBM’s DNA. Christoph Deissenberger from the Federal Foreign Office and Rolf Witte, Chair of IJAB – the International Youth Service of the Federal Republic of Germany – also praised our role as an active part of European youth work. The international perspective was underlined by the keynote from Dr Henrike Franz, Head of International Cooperation & EU Affairs at the State Chancellery and Minsitry of Culture Saxony-Anhalt, who delivered greetings on behalf of Europe Minister Rainer Robra.
The highlight of the evening: the official presentation of the Quality Label by Tobias Flessenkemper, Head of the Youth Department in the Directorate of Democracy at the Council of Europe. He travelled to Magdeburg with a delegation to welcome us into the circle of Quality Label centres.
To find out how this recognition came about, what the label means to us, and who supported us along the way, check out the first article on the Council of Europe’s decision.
A huge thank you to all our supporters
This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our network – locally, nationally, and internationally. We say thank you to everyone who accompanied, encouraged, advised and supported us. Together, we aim to further strengthen and shape international youth work in Magdeburg and Saxony-Anhalt. A massive thank-you also goes to Salomé and Ben from our Youth Advisory Board, who hosted the event with great calm, wit, and style.
For us, the Quality Label is not just a recognition – it's a motivation: for new ideas, even more participation, and powerful educational opportunities for young people.
