FIRST YOUTH POLICY DIALOGUE WITH EUROPEAN COMMISSION

The Soča Valley Development Centre and the Walk of Peace in the Soča Region Foundation participated in the first youth policy dialogue with European Commissioner for Enlargement – Marta Kos and European Commissioner for Intergenerational Justice, Youth, Culture, and Sport – Glenn Micallef. The event that took place on February 7 and 8, was co-organized by the Commissioners’ cabinets, the Commission Directorate-General to focus on Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), and the Representation of the European Commission in Slovenia. Representatives of the youth political dialogue took part in a program focused on exploring the Walk of Peace as part of the opening of the European Capital of Culture 2025 Nova Gorica – Gorizia.

On February 7, young representatives from EU Member States and neighbouring countries were introduced to the historical background of the cross-border area by historians from Slovenia and Italy. Moreover the strategic concept of the Walk of Peace and supporting projects like ongoing GOV4PeaCE, WALKofPEACE+ and BeWoP were presented.

Curators of the regional museum Goriški muzej conducted a guided tour for 40 representatives, showcasing the museum collection Kolodvor (Exhibition: The State Border in the Goriška Region 1945–2004) and Trg Evrope – Piazza Transalpina.

The final part of the program was dedicated to representatives of the first youth political dialogue in 2025, who shared their perspectives on life in cross-border regions, peace and conflicts, the EU enlargement process, and other topics of importance to them.

The second day was  time for a discussion with European Commissioners on intergenerational justice, youth policies, and the future of Europe.