DYPALL Network at the European EGL Event 2026 in Tromsø, Norway

Set against the inspiring backdrop of Tromsø, , European Youth Capital of 2026, , European Europe Goes Local (EGL) Event (held from June 2nd to 4th) brought together youth work stakeholders and changemakers from across the continent to explore how youth work can promote youth participation in Europe’s most remote and rural territories.

The event featured parallel study visits to various youth and cultural organisations across Tromsø, giving participants a firsthand look at local youth work in action. Additionally, two rounds of parallel workshops showcased diverse, inspiring practices from across Europe, focusing on methodologies, digital innovation, and civic spaces.

The conference also brought together high-level institutional representatives and key stakeholders across several panels and presentations to discuss youth policy, strategic frameworks, and regional challenges. Highlights included a presentation on the ongoing progress and implementation of “Youth Work in the New EU Youth Strategy” prin Babis Papaioannou (Policy Officer for Youth Policy and Programmes at the European Commission), as well as official addresses and a direct Q&A dialogue connecting participants with European governing bodies.

This institutional dialogue featured Lene Vågslid, Minister of Children and Families in Norway; Ingrid Bellander Todino, Head of Unit for Youth and Volunteer Solidarity at the European Commission; and Tobias Flessenkemper, Head of the Youth Department at the Council of Europe.

DYPALL Network was actively engaged throughout the vibrant three-day program, bringing diverse local realities and strategic frameworks to the forefront.

On the opening day, Pedro Tavares, representing the remote island municipality of Lagoa-Azores, contributed vital insights to a panel discussion exploring the unique dilemmas and inspiring initiatives surrounding youth participation in rural and outermost European regions. The momentum continued into the practice gallery, where Sandra Generoso, representing the municipality of Lagoa-Algarve, co-presented a poster showcasing a joint good practice alongside their twinned city, Lagoa-Azores.

Furthering the structural impact of the network, Mafalda Ferreira from the Monitoring Working Group stepped up to guide Advisory Board members through the new Monitoring plan, introducing its core concepts and practical tools.

Finally, as the intensive conference drew to a close, DYPALL’s Deputy Director and Steering Group representative, Carolina Loureiro, joined the closing panel to offer strategic reflections on the event’s outcomes, reinforcing DYPALL’s commitment to shaping the future outlook of youth work and democratic engagement across Europe.