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

Projects that aim to engage these communities will be given priority. In addition, all young people - no matter what their background is - are welcome to join LWD Next. This is a large, ever-growing, and diverse WhatsApp-community of young people who actively shape the European Youth Capital programme by generating ideas, collaborating with partners, co-creating initiatives, offering advice on key issues, and voting on programme components. This group plays a central role in both the development and the legacy of the EYC-year. Collaboration with former and upcoming EYC’s Now and in the future, Leeuwarden is committed to actively exchanging good practices with other European Youth Capital cities. The ambition is to collectively strengthen youth participation in local governance and urban development. This includes organising and hosting study visits—already underway—and engaging in European cooperation projects that promote mutual learning and long-term impact. Key examples: ● Youth Exchange Visits In collaboration with former and upcoming European Youth Capitals such as Lublin (Poland), Ghent (Belgium) and Parma (Italy), international exchange visits will take place - starting June 2025 - for young people to explore youth engagement models in other places.

These visits inspire local policy development and foster networking between young people, municipal staff, and core team members. ● CERV Child Programme: City Next – Up to You(th) In partnership with the City of Ghent (Belgium), a proposal was submitted, focused on engaging 12 to 15 year olds in co-creating the “City of the Future.” Special attention was given to inclusive participation, particularly for young people from special education or newly arrived backgrounds. 18

Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change ●

URBACT Transfer Network Leeuwarden has applied to join a Transfer Network on participatory budgeting for youth, inspired by Cluj-Napoca’s EYC 2015 model, alongside cities such as, Veszprém (Hungary), Bielsko-Biała (Poland), Valongo (Portugal), Piacenza (Italy).

Coordination with the European Youth Forum In alignment with the conditions and expectations of the European Youth Forum, LEYC proposes holding joint planning workshops to co-develop goals, timelines, and mutual expectations. This early-stage collaboration will help establish a shared vision and clearly define roles and responsibilities. To ensure ongoing alignment, structured coordination meetings will be held: fortnightly during the preparation phase, monthly during implementation, and post-project for evaluation and reflection. The Project Director is the primary point of contact with the European Youth Forum. This will guarantee consistent communication, timely updates, and alignment with shared objectives throughout all phases of the project. 9. Communication and outreach - Feedback to be processed Vision and core message LEYC’s communications strategy is rooted in a powerful belief: every young person deserves to “Just. Be. Young.”, free from pressure, judgment, or limitation. This is a call for space, self-expression, and trust. The public-facing call to action is: Own Your Spot! Two-phase campaign: building and belonging Phase 1: Building the Movement (2024–2027) This phase focuses on co-creation, visibility, and momentum.

The aim is to cultivate a youth-led movement that gains credibility and energy in the lead-up to 2028, building on existing structures and platforms. This process is already well underway, as Leeuwarden’s intention to apply for the EYC title was established before 2024. Key Elements: ● Youth-created content (Instagram, TikTok, events) ● Regular in-person engagement, such as Project500 ● Partner activations across schools, villages, and youth spaces ● Strategic storytelling positioning Leeuwarden as a symbol of possibility for smaller European cities ● Start-up of a communications task force (the promo team): a group of young people (currently five paid members) helping to inform youth about Leeuwarden’s journey towards the EYC title and offering opportunities to co-create the programme further Phase 2: The EYC-year (2028) 2028 is the culmination of all efforts: a year of experience, action, and international exchange. Key Elements: ● High-visibility campaigns showcasing what it means to Just. Be. Young.

in Leeuwarden ● Cross-border content partnerships with other EYC cities and European youth organisations ● Local campaigns around the three core themes, led by youth ambassadors ● A dedicated communications task force comprising the promo team, international connectors, and media partners Target groups and key messages The core audience is young people aged 12–27 across Leeuwarden and the surrounding region. LEYC recognises the diversity within this group and tailors its messages accordingly: ● 12–15: Reached via schools, youth centres, and events. Focus: belonging and creativity. Tone: playful, visual, inspiring. ● 16–21: Active on TikTok and Instagram, balancing school and part-time work. Focus: real-life action, freedom, visibility, and opportunity. 19

●

Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change 22–27: Often studying, working, or starting families. Focus: leadership, co-ownership, and impact. Channels: LinkedIn, WhatsApp, direct project involvement.

Level

Target group

Key message

Local

Youth (12-17) from city and villages

“This is your city. Claim your space. Own your spot.”

Regional

Youth in Friesland

“Young voices shape Friesland — when we make space, we make it matter.”

National

Ministries, press, youth orgs

“Leeuwarden is a model for youth participation in regional Europe.”

European

Young people, EYC peers, jury, networks

“Just. Be. Young. A call for freedom, equity, and connection.”

A detailed target group breakdown is available in ANNEX X. Tools, inclusion, and language Youth-led content is central to our strategy, produced by the promotion and editorial teams using a mix of online and offline tools: ● Online: Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp communities, reels, short-form video, digital storytelling, local influencers, and the ‘LWD for EYC’ website. ● Offline: events (for example, Tienskipdagen, which attracts over 2,000 young people annually in Leeuwarden), flyers, stickers, narrowcasting, schools, youth centres, and partner networks. For an example of offline communication, see ANNEX X. Inclusion is prioritised by partnering with schools, social organisations, and local initiatives (for example, LWD Oost) to reach young people with fewer opportunities. All tools are accessible, easy to engage with, and cocreated (such as Project500). Language and accessibility: ● B1-level, visuals-first, and multilingual (Dutch, Frisian, English) ● Environmentally conscious: minimal print, reusable templates, digital-first communication Organisation and sustainability Coordination is led by a dedicated project group comprising communication professionals from Arcadia, Keunstwurk, Tienskip, and the municipality—guided by an external strategist. The group includes young professionals and interns from the 12–27 age group.

Youth involvement is incorporated in the promo team, editorial board, and structured feedback moments to ensure youth leadership throughout. Sustainability measures: ● Long-term integration of EYC values into policy and practice (also in communication) ● Reusable, recyclable materials and templates ● The use of online materials instead of print whenever possible ● Emphasis on public/shared transport in outreach efforts Upon winning the title, the official EYC logo will be fully incorporated into our visual identity. The current youth co-designed brand is flexible and ready to integrate EYC branding across platforms and materials.

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Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change 10. Preparation for the EYC-year Roadmap & Key steps Our preparation towards Leeuwarden European Youth Capital 2028 follows a clear four-phase roadmap (see ANNEX X for details). 1. Exploration ground (Q1 – Q3 2026): pilot projects and prototypes are co-created with young people to test approaches, learn what works, and encourage institutions to share decision-making power. 2. Activation & expansion (Q4 2026 – Q1 2027): successful pilots are scaled to additional communities, youth engagement is broadened locally and internationally, and achievements are showcased to build momentum. 3. Integration & sustainability (Q2 – Q3 2027): youth participation becomes structurally embedded in governance frameworks, supported by new roles and accountability mechanisms. Guidelines, training modules, and policy recommendations are formalised. 4. Building expectations and last preparations (Q4 2027): communication campaigns raise awareness across Leeuwarden, Fryslân, the Netherlands, and Europe. The programme is launched 100 days before the opening event, with final logistical and operational preparations completed.

Milestones & Deliverables These different phases are underpinned by three parallel strands of development that ensure readiness in 2028: ● Youth sector capacity building: from early meetups to a strong, independent network after 2028. ● Work organisation capacity building: from a small core team to a full structure with embedded youth leadership. ● Programme development: from idea collection to a youth-led programme ready for launch. The following table brings these strands together and highlights concrete milestones and deliverables. Timeline of Milestones & Deliverables Year

20242025

2025

Youth sector Capacity Building Work organisation Capacity Building

●

● ● ●

2026

●

Initial meetups with youth organisations and student groups: Intro to EYC, Code Young and EU funding

●

Tienskip-led sessions with youth organisations. Network building begins. Visits to former EYC’s lay the groundwork to restart the European Youth Capitals Alumni Network (NEYC).

●

Continued meetups.

● ●

A core team is formed with youth and experts from the 4 partners.

Programme development

● ●

Youth hired in paid roles: Promoteam, Editors, Designer, School ambassador, Project500 pilot team (>50% youth)

● ● ●

LEYC organisation launched. Youth leadership embedded through master-apprentice structure.

● ●

Idea collection from youth and partners. Longlist programme ideas created.

Youth-led decisionmaking. Shortlist programme ideas formed. Bid 3 submitted.

Projects enter development phase. Plans programme finalised.

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Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change

2027

●

From November: Focus on partnerships and project development.

●

Project development and youth sector strengthening.

●

Community of Practice begins.

●

May: Youth sector projects selected. October: Large network meeting with learning sessions. Visual Cooperation map created Inviting NEYC network members to restart the network

●

The team expands with project leads and volunteers. Collaboration with schools. International volunteer call.

●

Final selection and budgeting. Production starts. Youth-led monitoring.

April: Cross-city youth sector event. Youth agenda co-created with the municipality.

●

Full activation of team and volunteers for LEYC year. International event for NEYC

● ●

LEYC events launched. Ongoing monitoring and Community of Practice.

Youth sector network operates independently. May: municipality takes over facilitation. NEYC is active

● ●

Organisation downsizes Legacy planning; remains active for at least 2 years to uphold systemic change giving time to embed within the municipality.

●

Youth-led evaluation using structured methodology.

●

● ●

2028

● ●

2029

● ● ●

● ●

●

● ●

This phased and connected approach ensures that the work organisation and the youth sector take meaningful roles in the EYC year and create a lasting legacy at local, national and European levels. 11. Evaluation- Feedback to be processed Young people are at the heart of our evaluation process. LEYC does not measure participation alone, but also how young people feel, whether they feel at home in Leeuwarden, empowered to contribute, and connected to Europe. Success indicators are flexible and responsive to youth priorities. Evaluations will be conducted in: Evaluations by year 2025 and 2027 Before LEYC, to establish benchmarks 2028 During the title year 2029 Immediate post-year impact 2033 Long-term legacy measurement Data will be collected through surveys, legacy meetings and youth-led tools, drawing on lessons from our European Capital of Culture experience. But the most important metric is direct youth feedback, gathered by visiting schools, hangouts, and events, and by speaking with youth involved in projects. Testimonials will be collected at gatherings, and spaces will be created where young people can continuously share their views and hopes. Youth-led platforms like podcasts and reporting will amplify their voices. And youth organisations will play a crucial role in helping gather and share these insights.

To assess the impact of Leeuwarden as European Youth Capital (EYC) in 2028, a comprehensive evaluation approach will be implemented, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. This plan outlines the 22

Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change methods, thematic focus and timeline, with particular emphasis on the quality of youth participation. Quantitative data will be collected through a recurring youth survey carried out by the municipality. Qualitative methods will focus on capturing lived experiences before, during and after 2028, centred on the themes of Vitality, Sense of Belonging, Equity and Youth Participation. Quantitative evaluation A large-scale youth survey will be conducted every two years by the municipality from 2023 (1,200 respondents). The survey is focused on young people in the municipality of Leeuwarden from 12 to 26 years old. The survey explores key areas in young people’s lives, including health, education, employment and social involvement. In addition, a question will be added especially for EYC that focuses on rating the actual opportunities to engage in decision-making topics young people wish to influence. (scale 0-10) To maximise response rates, the survey is promoted through a variety of channels, with specific outreach efforts targeting young people with fewer opportunities. Data will be analysed by the municipality’s research team, in collaboration with at least one independent regional data institute.

The findings will be shared through tailored presentations with young respondents—including deep-dive sessions—as well as with policymakers and European Youth Capital partners. Efforts will be made to ensure a sustainable evaluation process, making primary use of digital tools such as online surveys, dashboards and virtual meetings, in order to minimise environmental impact. Timeline quantitative evaluation 2023

Baseline survey (completed)

2025

Interim survey (post-summer)

2027

Pre-title year survey

2029

Final survey

2031 onward

Continued biennial surveys

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) While all data will be analysed, focus will be placed on indicators aligned with the core EYC 2028 themes. If not stated differently data are available from 2023 and onward: ● Vitality: self-reported physical and mental health (scale 0–10) ● Sense of Belonging: general happiness; intention to stay in one’s neighbourhood, village, or Leeuwarden ● Equity: trust in future prospects (job, housing, life satisfaction) ● Youth Participation: ○ importance of involving youth in policy-making ○ (from 2025) rating of actual opportunities to engage in decision-making topics young people wish to influence Qualitative evaluation The qualitative evaluation will include in-depth interviews and focus groups with young people, policymakers, youth professionals, and partner organisations. Special attention will be paid to: ● The quality of youth participation ● The impact of initiatives related to Vitality, Sense of Belonging, and Equity ● Case studies of notable EYC 2028 projects

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Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change Focus groups will include vulnerable and hard-to-reach young people. These will be organised through partners who work closely with these groups, such as Amaryllis or youth workers in areas like LWD Oost. Local evaluators and youth organisations will be prioritised to ensure both relevance and long-term sustainability. Qualitative methods will focus on capturing lived experiences before, during and after 2028, centred on the themes of Vitality, Sense of Belonging, Equity and Youth Participation. Timeline qualitative evaluation 2027

Planning and selection of research teams (preferably NHL Stenden and/or Campus Fryslân); establishment of advisory groups (experts + youth)

Late 2028 - Early 2029

Interviews, focus groups, case studies

2029

Analysis and reporting

Evaluation criteria ● Vitality: effectiveness of mental and physical health initiatives ● Sense of Belonging: success of activities fostering a sense of community and identity ● Equity: impact of programmes offering equal opportunities, regardless of background ● Youth Participation: degree and quality of youth involvement in policy and programming To ensure a well-rounded evaluation, findings will be consolidated by comparing data trends with personal insights, resulting in a clear and comprehensive assessment. Reporting and dissemination Interim reports will be published following each survey cycle by the LEYC2028 work organisation, with a comprehensive final report scheduled for May 2029. This final report will evaluate the overall impact of the EYC-year and provide recommendations for Leeuwarden’s legacy and for future European Youth Capitals. All communication materials will be made available in Dutch, Frisian, and English, using youth-friendly language and design. Dissemination strategy: 1. Initial presentation to young people and youth organisations to gather feedback and ensure relevance. 2. Subsequent sharing with policymakers, programme partners, and the wider public to inform policy and practice. 3. Dissemination will take place at local, regional (Friesland), national, and European levels to maximise reach and impact.

Key outputs will include: ● An online dashboard, available in Dutch and expanded into English from 2025 onwards ● Articles and reports co-created with young researchers ● Social media campaigns specifically tailored to young audiences ● Visual summaries to enhance accessibility and engagement ● Presentations to the European Youth Forum and other international partners 12. Impact and long-term legacy- Feedback to be processed LEYC’s vision is of a community where people live and work together across boundaries of language, age, race, and background. By promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities, it aims to enhance employability in the global job market and contribute to sustainable economic development. The result? A vibrant city with a thriving community, low unemployment, and a growing international appeal. LEYC2028 is not merely a goal, it is the launchpad for a city rooted in the sustainability triangle, with young people at its heart. 24

Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change Legacy During LEYC2028, a new Youth Agenda will be co-created, one that looks beyond 2028. The EYC process will offer insights into what can, and must, be done differently. As a result, the Youth Agenda for 2029 to 2033 will represent a significant step forward. Several flagship initiatives are expected to become lasting features of the city: ● The Youth Platform: an evolving youth advisory group within Leeuwarden’s municipality, providing structured input proactively or reactively on youth participation in decision-making. ● Code Young: a guideline developed with Tienskip and the municipality to ensure genuine youth participation in policymaking, preventing tokenism, and influencing subsidies and policy development. ● Skill Factory: integrated into existing youth workspaces, offering workshops regularly (e.g., during LEIP, the Leeuwarden student opening week). ● Project500 (micro-budgeting): secured municipal funding will sustain a small team incentivising youth to organise initiatives responding to community needs. ● LWD Next: born out of the EYC journey, will continue as a dynamic and evolving WhatsAppcommunity for and by young people advising the municipality and other institutions while also creating a sense of belonging.

● New partnerships: the Partner Programme will facilitate lasting collaboration between organisations new to each other. The programme will build a map of youth-engaged organisations to strengthen infrastructure and foster future partnerships. Leeuwarden’s strengthened European connections will also leave a lasting impact. Through international collaborations in 2028, the city will cultivate a stronger European identity. Cross-border partnerships such as RUN-EU (Regional University Network – European University), which already links NHL Stenden with eight other universities across Europe, will continue to expand as a model of innovation and collaboration. Moreover, our European connections give us a chance to share our flagship initiatives with other European cities and to keep learning from cities active in the area of youth participation. Finally, LEYC2028 will leave behind a legacy of more intelligent and effective cooperation. As outlined in Chapter 8 (Visual Cooperation Map), youth organisations and partners will work together more efficiently, sharing resources and expertise. EYC is the perfect lever to achieve this. With more physical spaces for young people to meet, collaborate, and create (and stronger links between schools and youth organisations) the foundations for long-term, sustainable youth engagement will be firmly established.

The importance of building on the foundation that already exists is clear. Leeuwarden boasts a strong infrastructure of youth-focused organisations operating across a wide range of policy areas. Many of these organisations are keen to enhance their youth participation. The LEYC-Partner Programme provides an incentive for them to collaborate, implement Code Young, and connect different policy areas, all while keeping young people at the heart of their projects. This approach reflects a core principle: build on what already exists. There is no need to reinvent the wheel—just to amplify what works well. In the future, Leeuwarden will no longer need to advocate for the right to Just. Be. Young.; it will simply be accepted as a given. 13. Budget indications- Feedback to be processed The estimated total project costs for the European Youth Capital 2028 amount to €7 million. It is expected that the municipality of Leeuwarden will contribute €4.9 million. This contribution is intended specifically for LEYC and does not include regular (recurring) budgets. Also excluded is the involvement of numerous professionals from the municipality working on LEYC, as well as many professionals from the core partners. The overview below shows the anticipated distribution of the budget over the coming years.

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Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change Estimated Costs and Funding for the European Youth Capital 2028 by the municipality of Leeuwarden Phase 1 and 2 - 2024 and 2025 Preparing the bid book € 710,000 Selection and assessment June 2024 – November 2025 Budget allocated by the council for preparation (secured): € 710,000 Phase 3 - 2026 and 2027: Preparation for the run-up and starting-up € 1,790,000 the LEYC-programme December 2025 – December 2027: Phase 4 - 2028: Implementation year 2028 € 4,000,000 Phase 5 - 2029: Legacy 2029 € 500,000 Estimated costs for implementation: € 6,290,000 Total expected costs: € 7,000,000 Estimated contributions from funds, subsidies, sponsoring and program-partners € 2,100,000 (at least) Own contribution from the municipality of Leeuwarden (in total – phase 1 – 5): € 4,900,000 Expected funding: € 7,000,000 Fueling the future A total budget of €7 million, of which €4.9 million comes from municipal resources, has been or will be allocated to the European Youth Capital programme for the years 2024 through 2029. These funds support initiatives that empower young people, enhance their participation, and nurture a European identity through projects addressing cultural, social, political, and economic aspects of urban life.

Investing in youth The municipality provides various types of funding to support young people across different areas of their lives. These costs range from subsidising youth workers to providing financial assistance that enables young people from low-income families to join sports clubs or take cultural lessons to develop their talents. Support also extends from youth care and youth venues to assistance for young entrepreneurs. These funding options are spread across numerous departments. Annually, the municipality invests between €70 million and €90 million in youth care, youth work, youth healthcare, life coaching, and support for school dropouts, among others. LEYC is already utilised within the municipality to leverage multiple policy domains, strengthening young people’s influence over various topics and budgets. Starting in 2025, an additional structural budget will be allocated to establish a new system of youth participation across different themes, working closely with core partner Tienskip. A vast experience behind The municipality of Leeuwarden has extensive experience in co-producing and co-financing major events. The internationally acclaimed 100-day event ‘Bosk’ is a prime example of a large-scale collaboration between Arcadia (the ECoC legacy organisation and core partner of LEYC) and the municipality.

This demonstrates Leeuwarden’s expertise in hosting significant European-scale events that involve substantial attendance and financial investment. From our experience, private sponsors and funds tend to support specific events rather than titles. Therefore, our funding strategy is closely linked to the development process of the LEYC programme. Within our fundraising strategy, we seek funding for the LEYC organisation and the youth participation process—as foundational infrastructure for the entire LEYC programme—at the national and regional levels. Overall, we estimate external parties will contribute at least €2,100,000. This external funding is pursued through a combination of grants, subsidies, and contributions from European, national, and provincial governments; partner involvement in specific programme areas; private funds and foundations; and sponsorship. 26

Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change The city’s network The municipality of Leeuwarden maintains a broad and strong national and international network, including connections in Brussels and The Hague. Our Economic Affairs department cultivates good relations with local entrepreneurs and multinationals operating in the municipality, as well as with potential sponsorship sources. We aim to foster substantive collaboration at national and European levels to create the best possible programme for Leeuwarden in 2028 and to be recognised nationally and internationally as a leading city for youth culture, policy, and events. Institutions coming together LWD for EYC 2028 has been established in partnership with three core project partners. During the preparation phase, these core partners contribute by providing personnel and facilities while charging only a small proportion of associated hours and costs. The final bid will include a clear overview of these in-kind contributions. The municipal council of Leeuwarden supports the organisation of the European Youth Capital. For the current preparation phase, a budget of €710,000 has been allocated. Budgets for subsequent phases will be requested from the council on a phase-by-phase basis. The city council is set to decide on the allocation of the phase 3 budget (€ 1,790,000 for 2026 and 2027) in September 2025.

The final bid will include the outcome. The remaining municipal contribution will be determined once Leeuwarden officially wins the title. The overall operating budget, distributed by phase, is shown in the table below. Phase Total EYC From the From other From the budget municipality public public (EUR) (EUR) sector (#) sector (%) (EUR) Voorbereiding van 710.000 710.000 p.m. p.m. het bidbook selectie en beoordeling maart 2025 - november 2025: Preparation for the Run-up December 2025 – December 2027: Implementation year 2028: Legacy 2029

1.790.000

4.000.000 500.000

7.000.000

From the private sector (*) (EUR) p.m.

From the private sector (%) p.m.

The municipal council will vote on the formal allocation of the preparation budget of 1.790.000 EUR in September 2025. At this stage, it is too early to provide a detailed breakdown of the co-financing contributions from other governmental bodies and private sector partners. However, the preliminary financing structure is as follows: approximately 70% of the total budget will be covered through municipal funding, while the remaining 30% will be secured through co-financing. This co-financing will consist of contributions from other public authorities (16%) as well as private entities (14%). Further specification of the distribution between these sources will be developed as the project progresses, and additional commitments are formalised. 4.900.000 2.100.000

We expect to receive around € 1 million from the private sector and € 1 million from other public/government institutions out of the € 2,1 million in co-financing. Our expectations are presented in the table below. These figures are initial estimates. In our final application, we will provide more concrete amounts and confirmed commitments. Indication of the public sector part of the EYC-budget:

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Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change The public sector EYC budget * EU National and regional government Other public Municipality Other

EUR 450.000 650.000 1.100.000 4.900.000

% of the total EYC budget 6% 9% 16% 70%

Regarding EU funding, we are currently working on several ESF grant applications connected to parts of the LEYC-programme. One of these applications focuses on youth participation and covers a three-year period from the end of 2025 through 2028. Another application, under the 'ESF Social Inclusion' program, is aimed at activities to break and prevent social isolation. This funding is intended for the Youth Perspective Fund, which addresses youth debt issues. Participation in this programme requires young people to engage in activation and participation trajectories. It is expected that the funding will amount to several hundred thousand euros. The municipality of Leeuwarden has submitted a grant application for Citizens, Equality, Rights and Valuesprogramme (CERV). Also, a grant application has been submitted for the European Migration and Security Funds (EMVF), which consists of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF grant). We expect no costs on capital expenditure, such as physical assets, building renovation and new constructions. A breakdown of the EYC budget can be found in the table below: Programme Communications Salaries, office, budget and outreach administration budget budget 4.000.000 EUR 1.000.000 EUR 2.000.000 EUR 57% 14% 29%

Other budgetary chapters

Total EYC budget

7.000.000 EUR 100%

I hope LEYC2028 will become the heartbeat of a generation, where voices once faint now echo with purpose, where dreams of the young are not just heard, but built, brick by brick, into the foundations of a brighter tomorrow. – Rico

14. European Youth Forum Events Leeuwarden, a city with a rich history of hosting large-scale events, is the perfect venue for the Statutory Meeting and the European Youth Capital Award Ceremony. With extensive experience managing international gatherings, well-equipped facilities, and a strong commitment to supporting youth initiatives, Leeuwarden is fully prepared to make these events a resounding success. Expertise in event organisation Leeuwarden has demonstrated its capability to host significant cultural, political, and community-driven events. From large-scale festivals to high-profile scientific conferences, the city excels in creating an engaging and welcoming atmosphere. Its event management teams are seasoned in coordinating multi-day programmes, ensuring smooth logistics, robust security, and an inspiring environment for delegates and guests alike. Having served as a European Capital of Culture, Leeuwarden’s reputation as a hub for dialogue, creativity, and youth engagement is well established. Accommodation & accessibility With a diverse range of hotels, Leeuwarden guarantees comfortable accommodation for all attendees. Options span from budget-friendly stays to luxury hotels, all conveniently located near event venues. The city benefits from excellent transport infrastructure.

Leeuwarden is easily accessible by various means and lies just two hours from Schiphol Airport, facilitating hassle-free international travel. Additionally, a well28

Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change connected public transport network, bike-friendly streets, and sustainable mobility initiatives make moving around the city effortless. Further details are available in Chapter 4. Commitment to financial & logistical support Leeuwarden adopts a proactive stance in securing financial resources to support major events, ensuring the Statutory Meeting and European Youth Capital Award Ceremony proceed without constraints. Local authorities, cultural and educational institutions, and business partners are prepared to contribute through funding, sponsorship, and in-kind support. Students from NHL University and Firda will play a leading role in organising these events. Furthermore, Leeuwarden collaborates closely with Friesland Convention Partners to attract and manage both local and European events, with a vital role envisaged for them in the European Youth Capital preparations. Leeuwarden embodies the spirit of youth empowerment, sustainability, and international cooperation, core values of the European Youth Forum. The city hosts numerous youth initiatives, educational institutions, and creative hubs such as LAB058, providing inspiring spaces for young leaders and change-makers.

With outstanding venues, proven expertise, solid financial backing, and excellent accessibility, Leeuwarden stands ready to deliver an inspiring and seamlessly organised Statutory Meeting and European Youth Capital Award Ceremony that will leave a lasting impact. 15. Contingency planning- Feedback to be processed Risks and mitigation Several key risks have been identified and are being actively managed to ensure the success of Leeuwarden’s European Youth Capital year. - Political change (locally): political shifts pose a primary risk. While nearly all current parties present in the city council supported Leeuwarden’s candidacy—with only one dissenting vote—decisions are made incrementally. To maintain momentum, LEYC aligns closely with council priorities, emphasising engagement of hard-to-reach youth and inclusion across all quarters of the city and also all 35 villages of the municipality. The LEYC promo team, alongside partners such as Tienskip, schools, sports clubs, and youth workers, are already expanding participation efforts. - Political change (nationally): the fall of the Dutch cabinet, the upcoming new elections and (so far unknown) effects for municipalities in general and for topics important to young people and to Leeuwarden in particular pose risks. This may have an effect on (sufficient financing of) tasks in youth care.

The municipality however has a lot of room when it comes to youth participation. And we have made a careful estimate for co-financing from the national government for EYC for the time being. - Funding: legacy planning is fully integrated into the programme’s structure. Financial stability is being secured through external funding to meet the required €2 million co-financing target. Partners’ in-kind commitments have been identified, with active involvement from the Province and National Ministries. - Political continuity: a new council will be elected in 2026, representing a potential risk. To mitigate this, the current council intends to vote in September 2025 on pre-allocating €1.79 million for 2026– 2027, signalling firm long-term support. Ongoing engagement with political and community stakeholders, alongside a focused communication strategy to maintain awareness of the EYC during political transitions, further safeguards the programme. Crucially, even if full political backing is not sustained, strong regional and national support ensures continuity. - Sustaining youth involvement: maintaining youth engagement is another key challenge. The period 2025–2027 will function as a testing phase, piloting initiatives such as Project500 to foster immediate action and capacity building.

Organisations like Tienskip (idea development) and Keunstwurk (project implementation) provide solid structures to support wide-reaching and lasting youth participation.

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Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change Strengths and feasibility LEYC’s greatest strength lies in its grassroots foundation: the majority of ideas originate directly from young people. Initiatives like Project500 empower them to either launch their own projects or receive mentorship to develop their ideas further. This approach fosters genuine ownership and long-term engagement. The project is supported by a robust, experienced team that combines seasoned professionals with young talent, ensuring both quality and continuity. Core partners—Tienskip, Keunstwurk, Arcadia, and the municipality—share a strong history of collaboration, building on valuable lessons learned from LF2018. Political support is broad, and strategic conditions are clear, aligning all stakeholders towards a shared objective: meaningful youth participation. The EYC title is collectively owned—not only by the municipality but by a network of partners and, most importantly, the young people of Leeuwarden and its surrounding villages. This shared ownership forms the solid foundation for a resilient and impactful EYC-year. Please view ANNEX X for all the meetings with young people in preparation for this second application.

Closing thoughts from the editor: Leeuwarden is an incredible example of innovation and well-functioning processes in every aspect, including youth participation—the area I’ve been most involved with. I was president of the RUN-EU Student Council for one year, and I learned firsthand how young people are empowered to take the lead in our province. This role also enabled me to travel across Europe and share my ideas about creating a more inclusive and attractive future for young people. I was not only heard but truly listened to. Now that this second bid is over, my job ends too. But don’t worry—you’ll be hearing from me again soon. From me, and from the tens of thousands of empowered young people in Leeuwarden. We have a voice, and now more than ever, we are encouraged to use it. So we will! - Mihai Căsălean, 20 years old, international student at NHL Stenden University in Leeuwarden

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Draft document - Work in progress – Subject to change

Disclaimer: this is the draft document of LWD for EYC 2028’s bidbook. It is a work in progress and 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

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