PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR EDUCATION, SPORT, YOUTH, RESEARCH AND INNOVATION: 10th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth to shape the future of youth policy in Europe

The 10^th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth, titled 'Young People for Democracy: Youth Perspectives in Action', is convening on 8–9 October 2025 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, Malta. The event is being attended by around 400 participants – a unique community of ministers responsible for youth, senior officials, representatives of youth civil society, and young delegates from the 46 member States of the Council of Europe. Observer states, international organisations, and partner institutions will also take part.

The conference opened by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, together with Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima. It is being organised at the initiative and invitation of the Government of Malta, within the framework of Malta's Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which has placed youth participation and democracy at the heart of its Presidency agenda.

“Europe's young people are sounding the alarm on wars fought in their lifetime, on the climate crisis, and on technologies reshaping their lives. This gathering is our opportunity to answer their call and demonstrate that democracy delivers, ensuring that young people have a real voice in the decisions that shape Europe today," said Secretary General Berset prior to the opening of the conference.

The ministerial conference will review progress and developments since the previous gathering, held 13 years ago (2012), and will provide a forum to exchange best practices, reinforce political commitment, and set the course for European youth policy for the coming decade. Ministers are expected to adopt a final declaration and a resolution outlining shared priorities for strengthening youth participation and democratic resilience across Europe.

“I am confident that our meeting here this week will not only be stimulating and productive but will also give renewed energy and momentum to our common commitment to supporting young people across Europe and empowering them to shape their own future and that of our continent. Malta has not only played a significant role in promoting and advancing the Council of Europe's youth policies, such as its Recommendation on Youth Work, but has also been proactive in embedding the values and aspirations of the Council of Europe in our national youth policies", said Minister Clifton Grima in his opening speech.

The preparation of the conference has been carried out in partnership with young people and youth organisations, represented through the Advisory Council on Youth and the European Youth Forum. Nina Grmuša, Chairperson of the Advisory Council on Youth and the Joint Council on Youth, and Rareș Voicu, President of the European Youth Forum, are expected to address the Ministers on behalf of Europe's youth sector.

The outcomes of the conference will contribute to the New Democratic Pact for Europe, which is a collective, inclusive initiative aimed at renewing trust in democratic institutions, amplifying the benefits of democracy, and making democratic engagement tangible and relevant, particularly for younger generations.

Photos: DOI-MEYR