“RADA” at the EU Youth Conference
In March 2026, the EU Youth Conference was held as part of the EU Youth Dialogue where BNYC “RADA” represented Belarus.
The current EU Youth Strategy expires in 2027. Many goals remain relevant, but there was a desire to add some points on:
- peace, security and radicalisation,
- cost of living and housing, quality of life,
- digitalisation.
“RADA” took part in the work group on the topic of housing policy. Adequate housing should be accessible, affordable, provide security, dignity and access to basic services. The topic is especially relevant for some Belarusian youth forced to migrate and live in exile, as well as those who study in the European Union – in Polish universities alone, there are about 11,000 Belarusians (according to a study by “Political Sphere”).
Aleksandra Dojnicz, Chairwoman of the BNYC “RADA” Council:
Many young Belarusians cannot return home. People have lost their property, real estate, and security. We have repeatedly seen calls for help from those who, unfortunately, are on the verge of losing even temporary housing abroad. The real estate market in the EU is not the most favorable for young people, and the financial capabilities of young people, especially from non-European countries, are usually poorly compatible with the high costs of renting and buying. In our case, it is even difficult to imagine assistance from parents, because for Belarus 500 euros is a monthly salary, and in the European Union – the cost of one month’s rent only. Therefore, the housing issue is acute for Belarusians.
Why is this conference important for “RADA”?
It is important for us that the needs of Belarusian youth are taken into account in the EU policy processes, despite the fact that Belarus itself is not a member of the EU, because EU decisions and programs in the field of youth policy, education, mobility and participation already directly affect the lives of Belarusian youth, especially that part of it that lives in exile or remains connected to the European space of opportunities. This time, the EU Youth Conference was organized by Cyprus. We sincerely thank the Cyprus Youth Council and Cyprus Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth for inviting us to participate!
Yuliya Ralko, International Secretary of BNYC “RADA”:
Countries from outside the EU have only recently participated in such a high-level event as the EU Youth Dialogue. This happened thanks to our advocacy together with other national youth councils of the EaP NYC Network. “RADA” represented Belarus. It was clear that people from this environment were faced with the needs of Belarusian youth abroad for the first time. They listened with interest to our ideas and proposals.
The full list of recommendations developed during the conference can be found here.
What are the next steps?
Concrete drafting of revised youth goals will happen at the next EU Youth Conference in Ireland in September, where we also hope to participate. The ultimate decision on the inclusion of the revised Youth Goals in proposals and decisions related to the post-2027 EU Youth Strategy lies with the European Commission and the Council of the EU.
