The Network of European Youth Capitals makes it official!
During the 4th Europe Goes Local event on 17-19 May 2022 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, the mayors and deputy mayors of three former European Youth Capitals (EYCs) signed the official creation of the Network of European Youth Capitals.
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Braga (European Youth Capital 2012), Cluj-Napoca (European Youth Capital 2015), and Varna (European Youth Capital 2017), all took this step to take the previously informal network of European Youth Capitals to the next level. The City of Amiens (European Youth Capital 2020) is now also one of the founding members.
The Network (NEYC), which has been operating without a formal structure since 2015, has permitted EYCs to share practices around Europe, access EU funding and inspire other municipalities to be more open and proactive towards their youth. Thanks to its newly acquired status as a registered organisation, the NEYC will increase its capacity for action, bringing more cities on board and continuing to be the European champion of youth policies at the local level.
The signing ceremony was attended by EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, and President of the European Committee of the Regions, Apostolos Tzitzikostas - a strong sign of support from the EU institutions towards such initiatives launched at the local level.
The three cities were represented by Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca, Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga, and Plamena Marinova, Deputy Mayor of Varna.
This year, Braga is celebrating its tenth anniversary since it became Youth Capital and the fact that the city remains deeply involved in the NEYC is a great reflection of the legacy generated by holding the EYC title.
Cluj-Napoca and Varna also continue to set high standards for youth involvement. The Mayor of Cluj-Napoca, Emil Boc, said:
“The members of the NEYC will meet again during the year to define the steps forward and strengthen the collaboration with the other Youth Capitals.”
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