Developed and designed within the Climbing the Ladder project activities, the third and last study visit of the project was specifically structured to observe and learn how the EU institutions are addressing the youth engagement topic and how many institutionalised structures and mechanisms of youth engagement there are at the EU level and the national level in Belgium. It gathered 10 international participants from December 2nd to 6th.
The study visit to Brussels was a hands-on experience for participants to connect with relevant EU institutions active in the field of youth engagement while also meeting important stakeholders such as different regional authorities, the European Youth Forum – a focal point in advocating for youth participation and engagement – and a representative from one of the three Belgian Youth Council, the ‘Conseil de la Jeunesse’.
The itinerary included tours and interactive sessions at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), the Committee of the Regions (CoR), and the Council of Europe liaison office in Brussels. Participants gained insights into how these institutions address youth issues and promote active participation, while acquiring new connections with external stakeholders to foster cooperation in the field.
