The thousands of young people from across the continent who come to the European Youth Centre Strasbourg each year for youth-sector meetings, courses and study sessions have a new space in which to learn, share ideas and reflect: the Malta Lounge. The space has been supported and refurbished as part of Malta's Presidency of the Committee of Ministers and is designed as welcoming and inclusive, to inspire creativity and collaboration.
The Malta Lounge was inaugurated by the President of Malta, Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono, and Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General, Bjørn Berge. Also present were Ambassador Camilleri Vettiger, Permanent Representative of Malta to the Council of Europe, and youth representatives attending the World Forum for Democracy.
President Spiteri Debono, expressed her desire for this Malta Lounge will become a lasting symbol of Malta's Presidency - a place where democracy, in all its complexity and promise, is lived and continuously renewed.
The President remarked that "when a space such as the Malta Lounge is created with the intention to imbue shared trust and shared respect, it signals the starting point of a chain reaction of ongoing waves of cooperative discussions, creating innovative solutions to problem situations."
She emphasised that "youth participation is a fundamental test of any democracy's legitimacy and strength - youth participation is not optional, it is imperative."
Deputy Secretary Bjørn Berge underscored that the building - which was opened in 1972 - is testament to the Council of Europe's long-held recognition of the crucial importance of working with and for young people. "For more than 50 years, they have met, talked, debated in this building. Here, young people have defined priorities for the future - and endeavoured to find the solutions to its challenges. Rest assured, for years to come, the Malta Lounge will be used as a space for exchange, reflection and connection - in the true spirit of why this centre was built."
Following the inauguration and the unveiling of the commemorative plaque, the President of Malta and the Deputy Secretary General met with young participants from across Europe taking part in the World Forum for Democracy.
Malta joins other European countries that have enhanced the European Youth Centre through specific contributions, including Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Germany. These contributions - from meeting rooms to shared facilities - enhance the centre's role in leading democratic innovation and cooperation among Europe's youth.
Speech of the Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge
"Young People for Democracy: Youth Perspectives in Action" - 10th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth
Youth event of the 10th Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth
Malta's Presidency of the Committee of Ministers
New Democratic Pact for Europe
