European Youth Centre Opens New Collaborative Space: the Malta Lounge
The European Youth Centre Strasbourg welcomes thousands of young people annually for meetings, courses, and study sessions focused on youth issues. To foster creativity, collaboration, and reflection, a new space called the Malta Lounge has been inaugurated.
This inviting and inclusive space was developed and refurbished under Malta’s Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, aiming to inspire democratic engagement among Europe’s youth.
Inauguration Ceremony
The Malta Lounge was officially opened by Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, alongside Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge. The ceremony included the presence of Ambassador Camilleri Vettiger, Malta’s Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe, and youth representatives attending the World Forum for Democracy.
President's Vision
"When a space such as the Malta Lounge is created with the intention to imbue shared trust and shared respect, it signals the starting point of a chain reaction of ongoing waves of cooperative discussions, creating innovative solutions to problem situations."
President Spiteri Debono expressed hope that the Malta Lounge will become a lasting symbol of Malta’s Presidency, a place where democracy’s complexity and promise are lived and continuously renewed.
Commitment to Democratic Innovation
The Council of Europe centre continues to lead in democratic innovation among Europe’s youth through initiatives like the Malta Lounge, fostering dialogue and collaboration across the continent.
Author's summary: The Malta Lounge at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg stands as a new beacon for youth collaboration, promoting trust, creativity, and democratic engagement under Malta’s committee presidency.