From 2 to 5 June 2026, the European EGL Event in Tromsø brought together 120 youth workers active at the local level from across Europe. This was the 8th EGL conference, and it focused on how youth work can support youth participation in remote territories. Practice-led discussions and workshops from organizations located in remote or rural areas, small islands, peripheral regions, or less-central municipalities served to share how tailored strategies are created and carried out to support youth engagement in this particular context.
Key objectives of the event
• Discuss what meaningful local youth participation entails in remote, less privileged or rural areas by exploring (legal) frameworks, (alternative) formats, platforms, tools, and channels, as well as the supporting role of youth work.
• Exchange views and present existing models for overcoming obstacles to engaging young people in shaping local communities and ensuring their voices are heard.
• Showcase how Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps can support meaningful youth participation in local communities, and the role youth work plays in this ecosystem./
• Gather input for the European consultation on the European Youth Strategy 2028–2034.
• Celebrate the community of practice that developed throughout the 10th anniversary of the Europe Goes Local project
Documents
Good practices – presentations
Democratic Participation & Civic Space – Municipality of Thermi, Greece
DKN – Think, Move and Don’t be afraid – Nicas Youth Center, Latvia
The Anatomy of Distance – Il Vergante, Italy
V R The Future – Municipality of Klaipeda, Lithuania
The Key To The Future – ASD, Romania
Passo dopo Passo – Assonur, Sardinia, Italy
From Beneficiaries to Volunteers – Asociatia Catunul Verde, Romania
Palacyk Creativity Centre – Municipality of Starachowice, Poland
Youth Protection Concept in the International Youth Work – City of Cologne, City of Gothenburg
Supporting Access to Irish Language Youth Clubs in Gaeltacht Areas – Muintearas, Ireland
Plenary sessions – videos
Photos
Opening Ceremony (2 June)
Day 1 (3 June)
Day 2 (4 June)
