This week, we had the pleasure of taking part in the annual European Platform Meeting for Quality Label Youth Centres – this time hosted in Luxembourg. Organised with great dedication by the Council of Europe in collaboration with the Service National de la Jeunesse Luxembourg, the meeting brought together not only representatives of Quality Label youth centres, but also youth organisations, centres, and officials from ministries and local authorities. The aim: to share ideas and good practice, plan joint initiatives, and strengthen the reach and quality of our work with young people.
This year’s focus was on how youth education centres can be empowered politically and developed conceptually – to support young people more effectively and foster their active participation. A key outcome was the “Marienthal Declaration on Quality Youth Spaces”, which highlights the importance of youth centres in promoting democracy, engagement, and education – and calls clearly for greater quality, space, and youth involvement in the field.
Info booth, great conversations, and a royal visit
At the Fair of Youth Centres, we proudly presented the European Youth Education Centre (EJBM) and our work. A special highlight: Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg stopped by our booth, personally learned about our commitment, and showed genuine interest in our European projects. A powerful recognition of our efforts!
What we’re bringing home
The platform meeting offered inspiring opportunities for professional exchange, new partnerships, and fresh perspectives. As a newly awarded Quality Label youth centre, we were able to strengthen our position within the European network and build valuable connections. The working groups, site visits and on-the-ground discussions gave us plenty of new ideas – from designing inclusive spaces and developing participatory formats to embedding youth engagement more strategically. Concrete outcomes we’re taking back to Magdeburg and Saxony-Anhalt include: more opportunities for young people to get involved – through volunteering, youth exchanges, training programmes for youth workers, and long-term partnerships with other Quality Label centres across Europe. We’re excited to be part of this inspiring and forward-thinking community!
