Draft Document_ Work in Progress – Subject to Change_Third Application Form EYC2028 Leeuwarden

Draft document bidbook LWD for EYC 2028 Work in progress – Subject to change Chapters requiring further processing of jury feedback are marked with a yellow highlight in the chapter title. Annexes are not included in this draft. Version: September 3rd 2025

Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change European Youth Forum Bank Details Name of Bank ING bank Marnix Business Branch Address of bank 1, rue du Trône 1000 BRUXELLES BELGIUM SWIFT or BIC code Account number IBAN Applicant invoicing details Name of entity to be invoiced Legal address Registration number VAT number (if applicable) Your reference (if applicable) Contact person

BBRUBEBB 375-1009152-43 BE66 3751 0091 5243

Gemeente Leeuwarden Oldehoofsterkerkhof 2, 8900 JA Leeuwarden NL87 BNGH 0285 0048 67 NL0019.03664.B01 NL22ZZZ500426880000 Dirk Minnema

European Youth Capital (EYC) 2028 first round application form A. Applicant Municipality Gemeente Leeuwarden Region Friesland State Total population 130.011 (1/1/2025) Population under 35 years old 57.170 (1/1/2025) Website EYC Leeuwarden for European Youth Capital 2028 - Home B. Municipal legal representative Surname First name Position Address Phone E-mail Surname First name Position Address Phone E-mail Webpage of the city

Van Haersma Buma Sybrand Mayor of Leeuwarden Oldehoofsterkerkhof 2 8900 JA Leeuwarden Friesland +31582338888 secretariaat.burgemeester@leeuwarden.nl Municipal Service Coordinator Metselaar Karen Project lead Oldehoofsterkerkhof 2 8900 JA Leeuwarden Friesland +31650050395 karen.metselaar@leeuwarden.nl https://www.leeuwarden.nl/ 2

Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change C. Supporting Youth Structure(s) Name of organisation Address of organisation Phone E-mail Web page Surname First name Position Address Phone E-mail

Tienskip Snekertrekweg 1 8912AA Leeuwarden Friesland +3158 230 0669 info@tienskip.nl https://www.tienskip.nl Contact person Kok Jeppe Initiator Snekertrekweg 1 8912AA Leeuwarden Friesland +316 22052660 jeppe@tienskip.nl

Please find an overview of supporting organisations of our bid in ANNEX X.

I hope LEYC2028 will Be home Be safe Be an example to follow Inspire the new generation Be young Be a place of change Be a place of sharing and acceptance - Federica

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Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change 4. Hosting infrastructure Rooted in a culture of resilience and individuality, Leeuwarden is ready to connect. Our city was born from the uniting of mounds, and with that same spirit, our hosting infrastructure is designed to host an European Youth Capital year that builds bridges between people, places and perspectives. Leeuwarden is a welcoming and accessible city that places a strong emphasis on inclusion, hospitality, and the well-being of its residents and visitors. Initiatives such as the ‘Iepen Hûske’ campaign, in which hospitality entrepreneurs open their toilets free of charge to the public reflect the city’s open, community-minded spirit and commitment to accessibility in everyday life. This atmosphere makes Leeuwarden a pleasant place to visit. Accommodation Leeuwarden offers a variety of hotels catering to different preferences and budgets with over 1,000 beds available. Room prices vary widely, from €57 to €179 per night, depending primarily on amenities and location. Many hotels provide wheelchair accessible rooms, lifts, and accessible bathrooms to accommodate guests with mobility challenges. For a detailed overview of Leeuwarden’s accommodation options and various transport methods, see ANNEX X. Reaching the city Leeuwarden is easily accessible from across Europe via multiple modes of transport.

Most notably, the city is just two hours away by train from Schiphol Airport, Europe’s fourth largest, which offers direct flights to most European capitals. Closer to Leeuwarden is Groningen Eelde Airport, approximately 52 kilometres away. From there, the city can be reached by train or bus. Train travel is one of the most efficient ways to reach Leeuwarden. The national rail operator, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), provides frequent intercity services from major Dutch cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam. A single ticket to Leeuwarden costs up to €35 in second class, with various discounts available, including group and off peak fares. For those travelling by car, Leeuwarden is accessible via the A31, A32 and N31 motorways. The city is also bicycle friendly, featuring an extensive network of dedicated cycling paths and free bicycle parking at multiple locations. Transport in the city Leeuwarden offers sustainable and convenient transport options, including buses, taxis, (rental) boats, shared scooters, and (rental) bicycles. At the same time, the city is compact and highly walkable, with most destinations reachable within a 30-minute walk or a 10-minute bike ride. Cycling is part of everyday life with well-connected routes to the villages where hundreds of pupils cycle every day to their schools in Leeuwarden and back home.

Our focus on walking and cycling also supports inclusive mobility, with well-maintained pavements that are accessible for people using wheelchairs, walkers, mobility scooters, or other assistive devices and tactile paving guiding people with visual impairments. Walking and cycling are not only sustainable, but also the most affordable ways to get around, an important point since Dutch public transport can be costly for international young visitors. As part of our EYC ambitions, we aim to explore ways to make local buses cheaper, support carpool initiatives, and further strengthen shared mobility during our EYC year. Working facilities Leeuwarden offers a diverse range of well-equipped venues and sports facilities (also accessible for people with disabilities), making it an ideal location for a wide variety of activities. - Cultural venues, such as theatres and cinemas - Sports facilities: stadiums, ice rinks, and skateparks - Scouting, for outdoor activities - Young meeting spaces, where young people take partial responsibility for management and organising activities - Outdoor event locations, for festivals and such

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Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change The sports facilities can house up to 30,000 seats and have additional open spaces available. Cultural venues offer over 4,725 seats and outdoor event locations can house another 30,000 people. This in addition to smaller young meeting spaces for groups between 10 and 250 people. For the city map with likely venues for our programme, please see ANNEX X. For a detailed overview of the main working facilities see ANNEX X. Sustainability in accommodation and transport Leeuwarden is actively working towards sustainability across its accommodation and transport facilities. With ambitious goals in place, the city is committed to becoming climate-neutral and achieving a fully circular economy by 2050. Efforts include waste minimization, grants for energy efficient appliances, and greening of our inner city. These actions are already bearing fruit; the province of Friesland, of which Leeuwarden is the capital, was recently recognised as the leading global region for a circular economy in the Circularity Gap Report (2025). These ambitions are reflected in our accommodation and transport facilities. For example, the Notiz Hotel, which is run by NHL Stenden University’s hospitality students, offers locally sourced, organic meals at its restaurant.

Secondly, Leeuwarden is increasing space for walking and cycling throughout the city and offers numerous sustainable transport options such as electric public buses, taxis, shared scooters and bicycles. All contributing to a clean and healthy urban environment. Reinforcements of the city’s current capacity Over a thousand organisations, municipalities, schools, NGOs, festivals, cultural venues and many more have already come together to collectively deliver a European Capital of Culture in 2018, which was named LF2018 (Leeuwarden-Fryslân). A testament to Leeuwarden’s highly effective processes is the visit of the Giants by Royal De Luxe, when over 450,000 people visited the city over three days. Large-scale international conferences, such as the International Society for Performing Arts, were also hosted. After 2018, the city was left with a mature infrastructure capable of meeting the requirements of a European Youth Capital. By 2028, the city centre will undergo a significant transformation to become a greener, more pedestrian-friendly area. 5. Information on the applicant city Leeuwarden is a small city in the north of the Netherlands, nestled in the rural province of Friesland (Fryslân). Located about 140 kilometres north of Amsterdam and just 30 kilometres from the Wadden Sea, which connects to the North Sea. Water has long been a core part of our identity.

In earlier times, Leeuwarden was directly bordered by the ‘Middle Sea’, which has since silted up. To be protected from the tides of the sea, inhabitants of the region lived on artificial mounds (‘terpen’ in Frisian). The legacy of this mound culture is deeply embedded in our landscape and our way of living. Many villages owe their location to the presence of a mound and the city of Leeuwarden emerged through the union of three such mound settlements. Leeuwarden is more than just a city; it is connected to 35 villages that are part of the municipality. One of Leeuwarden’s most striking landmarks is the Oldehove, a leaning tower reminiscent of its Italian counterpart, the renowned Tower of Pisa. The tower’s name traces back to one of the three original mounds from which Leeuwarden developed. Importantly, Leeuwarden’s very name captures our heritage, as it is formed by two old Germanic words ‘Lee’ and ‘Warde’ meaning ‘sheltered mound’. The mounds are not only present in our landscape, but also illustrate our culture. A cornerstone of Leeuwarden's identity is our strong individuality, or stubbornness. We take immense pride in our culture, languages, and traditions, which have been shaped by centuries of resilience and self-reliance. In Leeuwarden, we just like to do it a little bit differently.

While this mindset has helped us preserve what is uniquely ours, it has also made it harder to step confidently onto the European stage. Through our EYC adventure, we aim to open up. To encourage young people to leave their mound, explore new perspectives, and connect with others across the city, the region, and Europe. We want to offer each individual and organisation in Leeuwarden an open gaze.

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The step towards European connection requires more than ambition. It also requires the right tools, and many young people in Leeuwarden already have a strong foundation. English is widely spoken among youth, lowering the threshold for international communication and collaboration. Leeuwarden is a multilingual city where Dutch, Frisian, and the local dialect “Liwwarders” coexist with languages such as Papiamento, Arabic, Turkish, and Ukrainian. This linguistic richness reflects the diverse backgrounds of our residents, including international students and young people with migration roots. It creates a fertile ground for intercultural dialogue and a natural openness to Europe. Having carried 225 names throughout its history, Leeuwarden has shown adaptability. Our task now is to turn this quality into more and deeper connections across our community and Europe. The youth of Leeuwarden Leeuwarden is home to approximately 30,000 local young people aged 12 to 27 (24% of the city’s population) and also serves as a regional hub for students, school children, working youth and leisure activities. Specifically, over 31,000 young people study in the city. Among them, around 2,500 international students are supported by the International Student Association (ISA).

Altogether, more than 50,000 young people are connected to Leeuwarden through living, working, studying or enjoying leisure activities. The municipality hosts around 50 primary schools (in January 2026, an international primary school will be added), and 19 secondary schools offering special needs education, VMBO (pre-vocational), HAVO (senior general) and VWO (pre-university) tracks. Additionally, Leeuwarden is home to 8 higher education institutions which offer all main educational routes. Our future, our policy Leeuwarden has vast experience with the implementation of youth policies. The leading youth strategy that guides our policies and initiatives is the Youth Agenda 2024-2028, whose foundation is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The Youth agenda sets out a clear ambition: that all young people, from -9 months to 27 years old, grow up in a safe environment, free from poverty, where they can develop themselves, be who they are, and have their talents and potential recognized. It focuses on improving young people's daily lives by building a strong social foundation, making education more inclusive, and ensuring accessible youth care.

Building this strong social foundation requires meeting several fundamental conditions, such as assessing the social needs of each neighbourhood (city and all villages), enhancing youth influence on policy, and promoting democratic citizenship in relation to the Youth Agenda. The agenda thus not only outlines a comprehensive, long-term vision for improving the wellbeing of young people, but also initiates concrete steps toward youth participation in policy-making and implementation. Young people were directly involved in the development of the Youth Agenda 2024 to 2028, working alongside a strategic network of local education and welfare partners (LEJA). It started expanding young leadership opportunities, such as the role of Children’s Mayor, so young voices are not just heard but empowered. Lastly, to make the Youth Agenda more accessible, a shorter ‘youth version’ was created, offering a clear overview of what the city provides for young people and how it plans to address current challenges. Despite these efforts, youth participation poses several challenges. That is why a structured approach to organising sustainable youth participation is essential. The Youth Agenda outlines two key actions to realise this: our candidacy for European Youth Capital, and the sustainable engagement of young people in the agenda’s implementation.

Through collaboration with local organisations, we aim to involve a diverse group of young people and use our EYC candidacy as a catalyst to further strengthen youth participation. Next to youth participation, the municipality invests in preventive services that offer early support to help avoid future problems such as school dropout, social isolation, and mental health issues. Youth workers engage young people where they naturally gather: at school, in neighbourhoods, online, and in public spaces. An important example of this preventive strategy is the initiative “School as a Key Location”. Rather than waiting for problems to surface, this methodology positions schools as vital environments for early detection and 6

Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change support. Moreover, OKO (“Opgroeien in een Kansrijke Omgeving”, or “Growing up in a Promising Environment”) is a data‑driven, community‑based prevention approach, designed to promote healthy and happy youth by strengthening protective factors in environments such as home, school, peer groups and leisure time. Through this initiative, Leeuwarden collaborates with local partners to monitor youth well‑being, discuss findings, co‑develop policy and implement sustainable initiatives focused on prevention together with youth. (more info on OKO in ANNEX X). European Alignment The goals outlined in Leeuwarden’s Youth Agenda 2024–2028 closely align with the EU Youth Strategy 2019– 2027, particularly in areas such as inclusivity (Youth Goals #2 and #3), mental wellbeing (Youth Goal #5), youth participation (Youth Goal #9), cross-sector collaboration (Youth Goal #11), and the creation of a youthfriendly version of the policy document (Youth Goal #4). While we are proud of the progress made, we recognise that there is still room for growth.

Through the European Youth Capital process, we aim to build on these foundations by, for example, strengthening connections with European youth organisations, as encouraged by Youth Goal #11, and by placing greater emphasis on supporting the potential of young people in our rural region, in line with Youth Goal #6. To elaborate, in line with Youth Goal 3 of the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027, we want to ensure the inclusion of all young people in Leeuwarder society. Long-term initiatives such as LWD Oost address intergenerational poverty by improving prospects in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, supported by programmes like the ‘Rijke Schooldag’, which expands opportunities in sports, culture and learning. At the same time, inclusivity is embedded in municipal policies: the Inclusion Agenda (2024–2026), the Rainbow Programme (2024–2027) for LGBTQ+ rights, that drive anti-discrimination campaigns and inclusive practices in schools and workplaces. We also follow the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Dutch principle of NOOZO (Nothing About Us, Without Us), ensuring that accessibility and participation of young people with disabilities are embedded in the design, implementation and evaluation of EYC 2028.

These frameworks provide the foundation for EYC 2028 to be not just a celebratory year, but a step forward in making Leeuwarden a city where all young people can thrive. Partners To achieve a lasting impact, we rely on strategic partnerships at the regional, national and European levels. Regionally, over 50 organisations that work with youth, such as Amaryllis, LAB058, Moody’s, @ease and MDT Friesland, play an essential role in this landscape. They are joined by a broader network of youth-centred partners such as Arcadia, Keunstwurk, Friesland Pop, Sport Fryslân, and the Dutch Youth Council. A standout example is Tienskip, a local youth organisation that brings European values to life by engaging young people in democratic processes. The organisation reaches out to youth from diverse backgrounds through interactive school events where they discuss pressing social issues, collaborate on solutions, and learn how to make a real impact within democratic systems. Tienskip was recently awarded the national ‘Gemeentedelers’ (Municipal Best Practice) prize, recognising its approach as a national model for youth engagement in democracy. The organisation works with approximately 2,000 young people in Leeuwarden, 5,000 in the province of Fryslân, and 10,000 across the Netherlands (plus 250 young volunteers).

The city also maintains strong national connections, with active involvement in networks such as the G40 and VNG (Vereniging van Nederlandse Gemeenten - Association of Dutch Municipalities). The Alderman for Youth and Education plays a key role nationally as a member of the VNG board and chairman of the VNG committee ‘care, youth and education’. Moreover, Leeuwarden has a vast European network due to our participation in European networks and funding programmes. As part of the EYC process, Leeuwarden has started forming strategic partnerships with former European Youth Capitals such as Ghent (Belgium) and Cluj-Napoca (Romania) through initiatives like CERV Child and URBACT. These collaborations enable mutual learning and shared innovation (especially on how to reach youth aged 12 to 15 and reduce inequalities), ensuring that local youth policy is shaped in harmony with broader European objectives. Moreover, we are working together 7

Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change with, for example, children's rights organisation UNICEF Netherlands within their Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) to organise a large participation meeting on youth participation. For a full list of the 50 organisations mentioned and descriptions of additive initiatives, see ANNEX X. From challenges to participation Even though we are working hard to improve the wellbeing of young people in our municipality, they continue to face significant challenges. Many still feel they must leave Leeuwarden for opportunities in the ‘Randstad’ or other larger cities. We want to change this perception by proving that Leeuwarden can be a city of opportunities where young people can truly thrive. As part of our EYC candidacy, we conducted a broad consultation process to map the current realities for young people. This included desk research, surveys, meetings, and in-depth conversations with young people across the municipality. The main challenges identified were: - Increasing mental health issues: 43% of young people in Friesland report feeling stressed and insufficiently resilient. Especially among girls, with 59% experiencing these challenges. - Insufficient accessible sports facilities: 43% of young people in Friesland feel they sport less than they would like.

- High poverty rates: In Leeuwarden, 4,4% of young people grow up in poverty: this is 22% higher than the national average. - A lack of general youth activities and spaces, 58% of young people in Friesland feel there are not enough meeting places for young people. - Difficulty in buying a home. - Safety concerns (including harassment and crime). - Struggles with social media use, with many youth seeking more meaningful offline connections. We believe that tackling these challenges starts with youth participation. Youth participation in policy making has always been important for our city, but it has gained even more momentum in recent years. In the coming years, demographic pressure on young people will increase. With an ageing population, young people will form an even smaller minority in our city. This makes it all the more important to ensure their voice is heard and secure their place in shaping the future. At the same time, we see that trust in institutions and democracy is declining across Europe, a trend also visible in Leeuwarden. These trends underline once more why youth participation is essential. This urgency has also been recognised by our municipal council, which adopted a motion on sustainable youth participation and launched a democratic innovation programme. As a result, youth participation is a cornerstone in our Youth Agenda.

It forms the foundation of this bid and our EYC-year. We are committed to involve a diverse range of young people through collaboration with local organisations, schools, youth initiatives and informal networks. While our municipality does not yet have a fully integrated participation structure, we see our EYC application as a catalyst to test and embed lasting participatory structures. By doing so, we contribute to Leeuwarden’s and Europe’s journey towards more inclusive and youth-driven societies. Note from the editor: “Leeuwarden feels like a very big village, where everybody knows everybody. Every day I walk or cycle through the city, I run into at least five colleagues or friends and end up having conversations with them. Mind you, I used to be incredibly shy as a teenager. Now, I’m as extroverted as I can be, all thanks to Leeuwarden.” - Mihai Căsălean, 20 years old 6. Motivation In Leeuwarden, ‘terpen’ are more than just mounds of earth, they are part of our culture. These ancient structures represent our ability to adapt and protect, but they also reflect a mindset of self-reliance. We want to move from our tendency to self-reliance and stubbornness toward openness and connections. We believe 8

Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change young people should have the opportunity to step off the mounds that separate them and meet each other on equal ground. This change starts here. It means creating an equal playing field between young people and decision-makers, between neighbourhoods, between generations, and between communities that may differ in size, visibility or background. We also want to strengthen the relationship between the city of Leeuwarden and the youth organisations we contain. We believe our real power comes from working together across the region. At the same time, we are ready to expand this process beyond our borders. We are eager to share what we learn, and to draw inspiration from other European cities who face similar challenges focused on youth. Such meaningful exchanges will lead to lasting partnerships and mutual growth. We see our EYC candidacy as both a catalyst and a ground for experimentation. It is a way to accelerate the positive work that is already happening. At the same time, it is a space where we can try out new approaches that focus on youth empowerment and participation. Our bid for European Youth Capital 2028 builds on this vision and is a means to achieve it, working to strengthen youth voices in policy, enhance collaboration, and drive systemic change. This process will not be designed for young people, but with them.

From a youth platform to dialogue events, we let young ideas, voices and leadership guide this journey. We are not here to tell young people how they should act or what they should become. We want to offer them the freedom and the tools to shape the future of their city and their place in Europe, and to be able to Just. Be. Young. Note from the editor: “I have seen that these beautiful-sounding words have truly been the core from the very beginning of the EYC process. In fact, as I write this during the final editing of this bid, I do so as a 24-year-old project team member for EYC. Young people have much more to offer than older generations realise, and EYC gives us the opportunity to demonstrate this. From me now, to hopefully all young people in Leeuwarden”. - Else Hofstra, 24 years old. “Now it’s our turn” The first spark for Leeuwarden’s European Youth Capital (EYC) ambition was ignited at the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) Legacy Meeting in 2018, when young attendees declared: “Now it’s our turn to lead”. Inspired by the momentum of Leeuwarden’s ECoC year and supported by various youth organisations and local schools and universities, young people began mobilising. The municipality embraced their energy in 2023, appointing a project leader and committing to a questionnaire and bid that would be co-created with youth. See ANNEX X for a full timeline.

Target group In this bid, we often speak of empowering young people in Leeuwarden, but who exactly are we referring to? The target group of our EYC programme is all young people aged 12 to 27 who are connected to Leeuwarden, whether through living, studying, working or spending their free time. This age range aligns with the one captured in our Youth Agenda and local initiatives such as LWD Oost. It reflects our commitment of offering continuous support from secondary education to sustainable employment. That said, this age range is not a hard limit. For example, several 10 year olds have already provided input for the programme, knowing they will be within the age range by 2028. Likewise, we also involve young people up to 35 year olds through work, volunteering and peer-to-peer roles, enabling them to support younger generations while gaining from the momentum of EYC 2028. The European Youth Capital year is meant to inspire intergenerational connection, without losing focus on youth-led impact. Within this broad framework, we pay particular attention to key target groups who might need a bit more to step of their mounds and connect: ● Urban and rural youth While the city is an important hub, Leeuwarden also includes 35 surrounding villages. We are committed to ensuring that the EYC programme reaches young people in both urban and rural areas.

The relationship between city and countryside is an urgent issue across Europe and will be reflected in our programming. 9

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Newcomers Whether they are refugees, international students, or labour migrants, newcomers are an essential part of our community. We aim to create spaces where all young people can contribute, connect, and build a future in Leeuwarden. Diversity is seen as a strength and a foundation for resilience. Young people experiencing poverty We are particularly attentive to the needs of young people growing up in financially challenging circumstances. Their voices, opportunities, and access to the programme are priorities for the municipality. The ‘unseen’ youth Some young people remain invisible in public life, such as boys who spend much of their time isolated at home, girls and young women from socially vulnerable backgrounds who do not feel safe or welcome in public spaces, or youth belonging to the LGBTIQ+ community, which are an extravulnerable group. We want to reach, hear, and support these young people. Young people in vulnerable situations This includes school leavers, young people living with disabilities, and those supported by youth care services. These groups often face systemic barriers and deserve special attention to ensure full inclusion and participation.

By focusing on these groups, we aim to make LEYC2028 a year of visibility, opportunity, and genuine empowerment for all young people, especially those who are too often unheard or excluded. A youth-driven bid This application is the product of deep collaboration between young people, the municipality, and the core partners of this project. Thousands of young people contributed through research, meetings, and surveys. Partly on the basis of earlier research and partly specifically for the EYC process. For the first application round, a group of ten young people drafted the bid’s foundation during an intensive two day “pressure cooker” session. In this session, they expanded the results of surveys, desk research and gatherings towards a foundation of bid 1, supported by a facilitator from our partner Keunstwurk and backed by the municipality. Then, the second application form was written by Mihai Căsălean, a 20 year old editor-in-chief who was selected through an open application process, including a cover letter and CV. He worked in close collaboration with the municipality and partner organisations to craft an application that accurately reflected the current realities and ambitions of Leeuwarden.

The position was paid, and the writer signed a formal contract to ensure accountability and quality, as well as to reinforce the principle of meaningful, professional youth participation. This final bid was edited by Else Hofstra, a 24 year old fulltime employee within the European Youth Capital project since July 2025. Throughout the whole process, the bid was refined through feedback from youth groups, municipal departments, and partners, but always with the young editor at the centre. This approach exemplifies the very ethos Leeuwarden advocates: youth-led processes that renew democracy and place young people at positions where they can make a change. The three core themes LEYC’s guiding ethos, coined by a young participant at one of the consultation sessions, is deceptively simple: Just. Be. Young. It not only encapsulates an invitation to young people to grab the power, but also a declaration that being who you are is enough. Young people should feel free from pressure, full of potential, and able to participate at one’s own pace. More than just being a slogan, Just. Be. Young. is our blueprint for transformation. The words in our ethos each lead to one of our main themes. These themes didn’t emerge by chance.

A wide range of co-creation activities informed this process, from the ‘Tienskipdagen’, to targeted meet-ups with student associations, sports clubs, and cultural organisations. They are the result of aligning the local challenges identified with the broader framework of the EU Youth Goals. 10

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Just. → Equity Fairness, justice, and structural inclusion, removing barriers through equal access, policy reform, and engagement with social justice movements. Be. → Sense of Belonging Identity, connection, and participation, creating physical and mental spaces for shared experiences, cultural expression, and collective creativity. Young. → Vitality Health, vibrancy, and resilience, promoting mental and physical wellbeing in nurturing, sustainable environments.

Equity Equity revolves all around equal opportunities. We want every young person to have the chance to be seen, heard, and valued. Everyone should be able to develop their talents and participate fully, regardless of where they were born or what their background is. This theme is deeply connected to the guiding principle of empowerment from the EU Youth Strategy. Similarly, this theme aligns strongly with European Youth Goals #2, #3, #6 and #9 which all focus on inclusivity, and equal rights of any young person, whatever gender or heritage they may have. In line with these Youth Goals, we are committed to dismantling structural barriers, fostering inclusive environments, and amplifying the voices of marginalised youth. By creating spaces where all young people are seen, heard, and valued, we aim to empower them to fully participate in shaping their futures. Outcome: All young people feel respected, trusted, and able to participate meaningfully in governance. This transformation positions Leeuwarden not only as a national leader in youth policy but as a model city for sustainable, youth-led development across Europe. Young people are no longer passive participants, but are recognised as co-creators of an inclusive and sustainable urban society.

Sense of Belonging Sense of belonging focuses on making sure that every young person feels that they are part of something, that they belong, that there is a place for them, and that they matter. With this theme, we aim to create spaces and networks where all young people feel at home. Not only in their neighbourhood or in Leeuwarden, but also in Friesland, in the Netherlands, and in Europe. We want young people from Leeuwarden to engage with peers across Europe, building friendships, sharing experiences, and co-creating solutions. Through Erasmus+ programmes such as DiscoverEU, the European Solidarity Corps, and youth-led partnerships with other European Youth Capitals, they will have opportunities to participate in exchanges, international projects, and civic initiatives, and to bring their experiences back to Leeuwarden. We will make sure to lower the barriers to participate in these European programmes. To that end, we have, for example, already started cooperation with the national Erasmus+ Youth agency (Nederlands Jeugdinstituut), we have visited 3 former EYC’s with young people from Leeuwarden, and we have facilitated for 3 young people to participate in the Enter Summer School in Nova Gorica. This theme supports the guiding principle of connect from the EU Youth Strategy and reflects Youth Goal #1: Connecting EU with Youth.

By creating opportunities for meaningful engagement, building trust, and promoting a shared sense of European identity, we aim to strengthen the connection between young people across Europe. Outcome: Young people feel connected to each other and their communities in both the city and its villages, and are engaged in civic life locally and across Europe. When young people feel they belong, they are more 11

Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change likely to stay and contribute their talents to the local community. Belonging strengthens both the social and economic future of our region.

Vitality Vitality means more than just health. It means having the energy, confidence, and support to grow, contribute, and feel fully alive. With this theme, we want to create the conditions that allow every young person in Leeuwarden to thrive. We want them to feel strong and to feel they have a future worth looking forward to. Next to feeling good, it is about doing good. A vital young population is one that shapes its city, cares for its environment, and drives change. That is why this theme connects health and wellbeing to youth leadership, civic engagement, and environmental activism. This theme supports guiding principles engagement and empowerment from the EU Youth Strategy. It aligns with Youth Goal #5 (Mental Health and Wellbeing) and Youth Goal #10 (Sustainable Green Europe), as well as the European Commission’s 2023 focus on community-based mental health support and prevention. In line with EU policy, our focus is investing in young people’s physical and mental vitality, to create conditions where they are equipped to thrive and lead. Outcome: Young people are healthier, more resilient, and more engaged. They have access to inclusive support systems and opportunities for environmental and climate activism. Long-term goals By following the goals of these themes, Leeuwarden will be recognised as one of Europe’s leading youthdriven cities by 2028.

Young people here take ownership of their wellbeing, shape inclusive communities, and influence systemic change. Leadership is embedded from neighbourhoods to city hall, making youth engagement the norm, not the exception. To achieve this, the municipality has: ● Developed inclusive spaces across urban and rural areas. ● Launched youth-led cultural programmes and intergenerational dialogues. ● Formalised youth participation through Code Young. ● Built more youth-focused European partnerships, for example via Erasmus+, CERV Child, and URBACT. ● Embedded youth voices structurally in decision-making. From the Frisian terp to the European stage All together, our themes focus on levelling the terpen-ground where needed so that every young person has an equal chance to stand tall. They aim to make every terp, whether physical or symbolic, feel like home. They open space for young people to run, jump and dance across the landscape. This is how we move beyond selfreliance and toward shared strength. By co-creating the conditions for belonging, vitality and opportunity, we are not only reimagining what the terpen represent. We are building a future shaped with and by youth, from the Frisian terp to the European stage, so all youth can Just. Be. Young.! 7. European Youth Capital Programme - Feedback to be processed With our vision in place, we now shift to action.

Our programme proposal translates our ethos Just. Be. Young. into concrete projects. Guided by the themes belonging, vitality and equity, we present a year-long programme designed to include, activate and transform. Most importantly, it is a programme where young people are the starting point, the driving force and the ultimate outcome. This is how we will bring the European Youth Capital year to life in Leeuwarden.

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Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change The foundation: Code Young In this application, youth participation is not one of our themes, it is the foundation beneath all of them. Leeuwarden’s candidacy for European Youth Capital 2028 is built on the ethos of Just. Be. Young. This is more than a slogan; it reflects our belief that young people should not simply be invited in but trusted to lead. From the start, our bid has been written, shaped and reviewed by young people. The themes themselves emerged from youth consultations, and the programme that follows has been directed, co-created or developed based on input, ideas and direct advice from young people across the municipality. So when you read about canal surfing, gamified budgeting workshops, abseiling from the Oldehove or student cooking competitions, these are not proposals made for youth but with them. Youth participation is not an add-on to this bid, it is the core. Therefore, we have partnered with Tienskip, a local youth organisation with years of experience with bridging the gap between young people and democracy. Together, we developed Code Young: a structured framework and quality label for high-standard youth participation. Code Young does not only function as a guideline, but as a tool to make youth participation visible and transparent.

It offers a clear path for any organisation or government who wants to ensure that young people are justly included. Once all four phases are followed, the project receives the Code Young label, giving credibility to its participatory foundation. With Code Young, we explicitly aim to ensure that organisations consistently work towards the three highest levels of Arnstein’s participation ladder, where young people have real control and decision-making power. This approach is aligned with the 5 pillars of the EU Youth Test and the key principles for youth participation developed by the Dutch National Youth Council (NJR). Through Code Young, we bring these principles into practice. Four phases of Code Young Beginning phase

Define the framework in which young people can engage, and determine which areas they will (and want to) be involved in. Tienskip provides a decision tree and supporting materials to help guide this process.

Outreach phase

Plan how to reach a diverse group of young people and gather their input. Tools such as the Participation Agenda1 are used to ensure comprehensive planning and inclusive outreach.

Decision phase

A key aspect of Code Young is including young people in actual decision-making. To support this, organisations are encouraged to use Tienskip’s hourglass method2, which structures participatory decision-making in an effective and transparent way.

Securing phase

This phase focuses on traceability and accountability, clearly showing young people how their input has influenced decisions and where their ideas have been implemented.

1The Participation Agenda is an overview of the wide-range of events and activities within the municipality of Leeuwarden

where young people will be present. 2The hourglass method is a participatory approach where input is first gathered from a broad and diverse group of young people. This input is then narrowed down and used to develop concrete ideas or policies. Finally, the outcomes are tested and refined by returning to a wide group of young people to ensure alignment with their needs and perspectives.

Code Young has been an integral part of the development of this bid. From the beginning, we believed young people should be involved in shaping a year that is meant for them. So, we launched an inclusive process, starting with broad outreach through surveys, consultations and interviews. Then, this input was processed by a smaller group of young people and written down in the different versions of the bid. Subsequently, we shared the draft with young people, invited them to provide feedback and met with them to discuss their additional ideas. Importantly, we showed them how we used their feedback. In this sense, our bid itself is a living example of what Code Young entails. 13

Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change Beyond the bid, Code Young will play a structural role in how youth participation is embedded throughout our EYC programme. The Youth Platform, which we will expand on later in this chapter, will adopt Code Young, ensuring a well-structured and meaningful participation process. In addition, our programme development also strives to work along the criteria of Code Young. The open programme is a perfect example of youth control, while the partner programme invites and supports organisations wishing to contribute to LEYC2028 to join the label and follow its principles. The Curated programme, which has so far focused on gathering youth input, will gradually move higher up the participation ladder in the preparation years (see Chapter 10). Most importantly, the framework is currently being piloted within the governance of the municipality of Leeuwarden with the goal of scaling its use over the coming years to create sustainable and systemic youth participation. Looking beyond 2028, we see Code Young as a lasting legacy of our European Youth Capital year. Developed locally but designed for broader relevance, it offers a clear, practical framework for embedding meaningful youth participation in policy and decision-making.

During the EYC year, we will actively share and promote Code Young through European partnerships, open-source tools, and peer learning. It can contribute to a broader European movement of valuable, inclusive youth participation. Learning by doing While youth participation is our clear ambition, we also recognise that it is not always easy to achieve in practice. Reaching a diverse group of young people takes time, persistence, and creativity, and not every attempt immediately resonates. As an illustration, during our preparation, we have adapted our strategy from inviting young people to come to us, to going to spaces where they naturally gather. We see these challenges not as failures, but as valuable lessons in an ongoing process. By reflecting on what works and what does not, the process of preparing this EYC candidacy already strengthens our ability to engage young people more effectively. Looking ahead, we will continue to leave room for development and flexibility within our programme, allowing young people to shape events and activities as their interests, needs, and ideas evolve over the coming years. Our EYC candidacy is all about accelerating our learning and building sustainable participation structures for the future.

Ik hoopje dat LEYC2028 doaren iepenje sil foar jonge minsken om te dwaan wat se wolle en te wêzen wa't se wêze wolle." - Esther The quote is in Frisian as this is the native language of Esther. In English it translates to: “I hope LEYC2028 will open doors for young people to do what they want to do and to be who they want to be.” Types of programming Before diving into the initiatives in our European Youth Capital programme, we have to shortly distinguish between the approaches in the development of projects in our programme. ●

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The Open Programme presents the core of our youth-led vision. These projects are initiated and owned by young people themselves. True to its name, the programme is ‘open’ in both access and ownership. It is not organisations, but youth who set the agenda, shape the themes and shape the outcomes. The Partner Programme invites youth-focused organisations to collaborate if they commit to meaningful youth participation through Code Young. While partners do not receive direct funding, they benefit from access to LEYC’s communication channels, network, and enhanced visibility. This programme is also intended to be a learning space, welcoming organisations that are new to youth participation but eager to grow. However, the ultimate goal is for as many organisations as possible to reach the highest levels of youth participation on Arnstein’s ladder. The Curated Programme highlights the flagship initiatives built around our three core themes. LEYC2028 will either produce these initiatives directly (with young people embedded in the team) or co-produce them with professional partners through formal financial agreements. 14

Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change Together, these initiatives create a dynamic programme where young people drive transformation across Leeuwarden and beyond. Flagships Within our programme, 3 flagship initiatives will serve as the leading faces of our European Youth Capital year. Each project will embody the heart of one of our themes: Equity, Sense of Belonging, and Vitality. These flagship projects involve a select group of partners who receive partial funding to deliver high-impact initiatives. Young people have been engaged by giving input for the themes and by sharing which ideas inspired them the most and will be part of the implementation teams. Projects in 2028 Next to the 3 flagship initiatives, we are hosting a wide variety of smaller and bigger projects and initiatives that will shape our year as European Youth Capital. Of course, like the flagships, they will revolve around our themes Equity, Sense of Belonging and Vitality and focus on letting participants Just. Be. Young. Project500 Project500 is a low-barrier micro-funding initiative offering €500 for independent youth-led projects. It offers young people accessible resources to develop, test and scale their own ideas.

With a straightforward application process and guidance from a predominantly youth-led commission, participants can submit either a ready-to-launch project or a concept in progress. Approved proposals, selected by the youth-led commission, receive €500 to bring their idea to life, along with visibility through social media and light-touch evaluation to track impact. Project500 is already operational, currently in its pilot phase. The first full review of Project500 will take place in October 2025 to assess its impact and refine the model, with the aim of securing structural funding in 2028 as part of the EYC legacy. Project500 targets (2026–2028): ● 600 funded projects ● 3,700+ young people reached ● 330 social media features For initiatives that grow beyond the €500 microbudget, Project500 includes two advanced tiers of support: ● Mid Projects: For individuals or groups with solid plans and a legal entity. These projects receive coaching, budget support, and a tailored development path. (Expected in 2028: 50 projects) ● Big Projects: For high-impact initiatives created in partnership with organisations. Evaluated by a committee (50% youth), these projects directly align with EYC’s core themes: Vitality, Sense of Belonging, and Equity.

(Expected in 2028: 10 projects) These tiers form a pipeline for youth innovation, with a clear bridge to the Partner Programme for those ready to scale further, connecting young creators to long-term opportunities, structural funding, and crosssector partnerships. Skill Factory The Skill Factory is a youth-designed learning hub that equips young people with essential life skills often absent from traditional education. The workshops in 2028 will focus on practical learning, fostering independence, and personal development, offering 10 diverse sessions tailored to real needs and interests. The workshop themes include life skills and sustainability, financial independence, navigating adulthood, creativity and technology, and citizenship and participation. These themes were selected based on a youth questionnaire and follow the hourglass method. Examples of addressing topics such as financial independence include using gamification to teach budgeting, incorporating a competition element, and hosting a showcase after a day of workshops. 15

Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change This approach aligns with the European Skills Agenda and supports the objectives of the Union of Skills initiative by promoting skills for life, work, and active citizenship in a future-oriented and inclusive manner. Descriptions of each theme, along with input collected through the survey, can be found in ANNEX X. Over de Drempel Young Over de Drempel Young is a youth-led extension of a wider creative initiative tackling loneliness through design, dialogue, and community storytelling. Originally launched in Leeuwarden to connect isolated residents through artistic interventions, the youth edition (2026–2028) invites young creatives to take the lead in developing participatory cultural projects. From interactive installations to public events, the initiative fosters meaningful connections, with mentorship from experienced artists and support from organisations such as Arcadia, local schools, and community centres. It empowers young people to use creativity as a tool for empathy, inclusion, and social cohesion. Night Vision Night Vision is a bold initiative that gives young nightlife collectives a central role in reshaping Leeuwarden’s night-time culture. By collaborating with local authorities and artistic communities, the project champions inclusive, safe, and youth-driven nightlife policies.

In July 2025, Night Vision will host a “public night meeting” with the city council to co-create a shared vision for the city after dark. Through festivals, performances, and civic dialogue, young people are not only revitalising Leeuwarden’s night scene but also influencing how cities think about youth and cultural participation at night. MOVE MOVE is an international youth exchange project connecting young people from Friesland with peers in rural regions of Serbia, Lithuania, and Croatia. Through cross-border encounters, MOVE explores themes of rural vitality, intercultural learning, and creative collaboration. Participants engage in immersive experiences that foster mutual understanding, personal growth, and a shared vision for vibrant rural futures. Funded by Creative Europe and Erasmus+, MOVE equips young people with tools to imagine and shape more inclusive and sustainable rural communities across Europe. Mind Power Mind Power is an initiative aimed at improving mental health through sport. It was founded by Berber Swart, a 28 year old International Olympic Committee Young leader. Her approach is grounded in Olympic values and positive psychology. She is currently training youth workers and sports coaches to become Mind Power coaches, focusing on both sport and mental health within school settings.

Her goal is to reach young people before they enter the youth care system, adopting a preventative approach. This strongly aligns with our theme of Vitality. Examples of possible flagships can be found in ANNEX X, an example of the Partner Programme can be found in ANNEX X. The European perspective A strong European perspective runs throughout the LEYC2028 programme, not as an add-on but as a core layer of impact. Projects are designed to connect young people across borders through mobility opportunities, intercultural exchanges, and shared challenges such as climate action and democratic participation. Initiatives like Creative Embassies, Lift! and Enter Summer School foster youth-led collaboration across European cities, while international partnerships are strengthened through networks including Culture Next and RUN-EU. These initiatives allow young people to co-create a sense of European identity, gain new perspectives, and build solidarity with peers from diverse backgrounds. By anchoring all projects in personal, community and European levels of impact, LEYC2028 ensures that local action is always linked to a broader European story.

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Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change 8. Management - Feedback to be processed The municipality’s goal for European Youth Capital 2028 is to put young people aged 12 to 27 at the forefront of leading Leeuwarden. It builds on the city’s experience from Leeuwarden Fryslân European Capital of Culture 2018 (LF2018), applying the insights to its approach to management. EYC 2028 will be shaped by a growing community of young people, some involved since the initial application, others joining through cocreation processes or Tienskip Days. All young people connected to Leeuwarden are welcome to take part. Professional partners are encouraged to develop their contributions to the EYC programme with young people in the lead, supported by experienced organisations. LEYC is currently in contact with over 120 youth-focused organisations, XX of which are official partners and have submitted letters of support. Governing structure At the heart of LEYC’s governance is a working organisation led by young people, supported by core partners and the municipality (which also bears ultimate responsibility at the political and administrative levels). The aim is for 50% of all staff within this organisation to be from the target group aged between 12 and 27.

Joint Decision Board: this board is the strategic core, composed of seven members: two municipal decisionmakers, two young people, and one representative from each of the core partners. All members have equal voting power. Responsibilities: strategic decision-making, setting direction, managing risks, and problemsolving. Young board members are supported by the partners and are either employed by core partners or active in the LWD Next-community and have a specific role. Project Director: appointed by the municipality, the Project Director ensures that project execution aligns with the strategic goals and direction. Key responsibilities include leadership and governance, stakeholder management, oversight of budget and resources, risk and issue management, and monitoring performance at the programme level. The Project Director acts as the central link between all partners, as well as between Leeuwarden and the European Youth Forum in the role of Liaison Officer, maintaining coherence across the entire EYC 2028 programme. Programme Execution Teams: execution is divided into five teams: Youth, Programme, MarCom, Finances, and European Relations. These teams are composed of young workers from core partners and operate in accordance with Code Young. Each team works within a framework set by the Project Director, with ongoing mentorship from experienced professionals.

The operations of the Youth Team run horizontally throughout the work of all the teams. Core partners and their roles Tienskip – Youth Participation and Democratic Programme: Tienskip engages, moderates and mobilises a large network of young people through recurring “Tienskip Days” and other activities. With their professional team and over 250 volunteers, it is responsible for developing and implementing the Youth Participation Strategy and Code Young. Tienskip also leads and moderates the WhatsApp-community LWD Next. 17

Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change Keunstwurk – Open Programme and Partner Programme: Keunstwurk specialises in youth talent development through education, cultural participation and community projects. It co-leads the bid writing with a young editor, makes the Open Programme accessible to all young people in Leeuwarden, and supports part of the Partner Programme. Arcadia – Curated Programme and Partner Programme: Arcadia brings expertise in large-scale youthfocused cultural programming and is the direct legacy organisation from LF2018. In 2028, Arcadia will deliver its third triennial, centred on youth and the future, co-developed with young people. Arcadia also supports parts of the Partner Programme alongside Keunstwurk, focusing on collaboration with larger, well-established organisations. Municipality of Leeuwarden – Democratic Programme, MarCom, Finances, European Relations: As the official titleholder, the municipality ensures long-term structural change through the integration of Code Young into policy and decision-making. It facilitates roles across communications, finances and international relations. Key municipal figures include vice-mayors for youth, economy and education, as well as senior advisors and policy officers. The City Council remains closely involved.

About the programme Youth participation is a non-negotiable requirement for joining the LEYC2028 programme. Collaboration between partners is strongly encouraged. To support this, a visual cooperation map will be developed, illustrating which partners are active, where, and how, building on the strong foundation of existing networks and youth initiatives already present in Leeuwarden. This map will not only make connections more visible and accessible, but also reinforce and sustain them over time, helping to transform short-term collaborations into long-term, durable partnerships. As a living legacy tool (see Chapter 12), it will evolve alongside the city’s growing youth ecosystem, supporting the structural transformation set out in our Vitality, Sense of Belonging, and Equity agenda. Regular partner meetings will also be organised to further encourage cooperation. Inclusive participation To ensure the inclusion of disadvantaged and marginalised youth, LEYC works with trusted partners such as youth and welfare organisations, including Amaryllis as well as schools like Firda, NHL Stenden, and Aeres, Buurtbazen, mental health and welfare partners, Neighbourhood Sport Coaches, Cultural Coaches, and church or mosque communities. These partners are essential to reaching underrepresented groups and increasing their presence within the programme and governance structure.