This event preceded the High-Level Conference on the European Social Charter in Chi?in?u, to take place on 18-19 March 2026, and it also contributed to the priority of the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova of the Committee of Ministers (November 2025 to May 2026) of strengthening the response to disinformation, including foreign information manipulation and interference.
“The Council of Europe is a key actor in youth policy within the architecture of international organisations and European institutions, which is underlined by the priorities of the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova,” said the Head of the Youth Department of the Council of Europe, Tobias Flessenkemper in his introduction.
“The European Youth Centre and the Youth for Democracy programme, co-managed by youth and governmental representatives, constitute a unique international knowledge base on youth affairs, in particular youth policy and youth work, as well as emerging youth phenomena, such as confronting misinformation,” recalled Flessenkemper and highlighted that the longstanding partnership of the Council of Europe and the European Commission promotes joint research into youth matters through the exchange of ideas and experiences.
Ambassador Daniela CUJB?, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Moldova to the Council of Europe, highlighted: “The current realities and challenges bring to the front the role of young people and youth organizations in the construction of participatory democracy and modern societies. The ability to think critically, consolidated civic awareness and media literacy are essential for building democratic resilience and thus help young people in recognize and resisting manipulative narratives.”
On behalf of the European Union, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to the Council of Europe, Anna Pogwizd emphasised: “The EU and the Council of Europe are teaming up - because young people deserve more than just words. Jointly, we are running projects like Youth Partnership, grouped into: Youth Work; Youth Research and Youth Policy, to make sure your voices are heard, and your ideas turn into action.”
This event is held in the framework of the Partnership between the European Commission and the Council of Europe in the field of Youth (2026-2028) and the preparation of the international Research Symposium on Young People’s Access to Social Rights, to be held on 15-17 September 2026 at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg. The activity is also part of the project Youth for Democracy and Human Rights in the Republic of Moldova, a part of the Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025-2028.
