From 15 to 17 March, the Danube Youth Council (DYC) gathered in Sofia, Bulgaria for three dynamic days focused on learning, dialogue, and collaboration. The camp went beyond formal meetings, offering participants an opportunity to connect, reflect on shared ambitions, and develop ideas to strengthen youth engagement in macro-regional cooperation across the Danube Region.
From the outset, emphasis was placed on fostering trust, teamwork, and integration into the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR), especially as more than half of the participants had recently started a new mandate. Introductory sessions led by the Danube Strategy Point outlined the structure of the Council and its relationship with the EUSDR, including the roles of National Coordinators, Priority Area Coordinators, and other key stakeholders. Participants also shared their motivations for joining, along with their expectations for learning and contributing. The atmosphere encouraged openness and collaboration, allowing space to reflect on both strengths and areas for improvement.
A key highlight of the camp was the exchange with Samanta Brahaj from the EUSAIR Youth Council. This session inspired participants to consider practical approaches to cooperation, such as task-sharing, forming thematic groups, and making better use of individual skills. Discussions quickly evolved into concrete proposals for future joint initiatives, particularly in communication and outreach.
The second day introduced a strong policy-oriented perspective. Participants met Vyara Mincheva, Head of the Bulgarian EUSDR Presidency, who provided valuable insights into how the Presidency’s agenda is developed and coordinated. The discussion also created opportunities for stronger youth representation at the upcoming EUSDR Annual Forum. This was followed by a workshop where participants developed thematic ideas and began drafting position papers to present at Priority Area meetings and the Annual Forum.
Another engaging session was delivered by Elisa Cocco from DG REGIO, who helped place the group’s ideas within a wider European framework. Participants gained a clearer understanding of cohesion policy, territorial cooperation, and the connections between funding programmes and EU macro-regional strategies. This perspective helped anchor their ambitions within the broader institutional context.
On the final day, focus shifted toward reinforcing ongoing work within the Priority Areas and identifying new partnership opportunities. Participants shared updates, exchanged ideas, and explored ways to transform discussions into tangible outcomes. A session with Lyuben Georgiev from the Danube Youth Organisations Network (DYON) offered additional insights, emphasizing the role of youth networks in fostering dialogue, representation, and cross-border collaboration.
The camp concluded with an informal, campfire-style closing ceremony, where participants reflected on their experiences and discussed how to remain engaged throughout the year. By the end of the event, the group had not only strengthened their connections but also established a solid foundation for future policy contributions and youth-led cooperation in the Danube Region.
The Danube Youth Camp is organised by the Danube Strategy Point. For more information about the Danube Youth Council, visit: https://danube-region.eu/danube-youth-council/