Youth Regional Council established in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace with 45 student members
A new Youth Regional Council has been officially established in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, bringing together 45 high school students in a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening youth participation in regional governance.
45 Students Selected Through Competitive Process
The council is composed of first- and second-year high school students (from both general and vocational schools), with representation distributed across the region as follows:
Meriç: 11 members
Kavala: 10 members
Drama: 8 members
İskeçe: 8 members
Rhodope: 8 members
The selection process began with a written examination held on March 27, 2026, focusing on forest protection as a pillar of sustainability in the region. A total of 432 students participated, with evaluations conducted by a special committee under standards similar to Greece’s national university entrance exams, ensuring transparency and credibility.
Institutional Backing and Policy Impact
The initiative was launched by a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace and the Regional Directorate of Education.
A key feature of the council is its institutional influence:
All proposals developed by the Youth Council will be mandatorily introduced for discussion in the Regional Council, giving students a direct channel into policymaking.
Empowering the Voice of Youth
Regional officials Stylianos Katsogridakis and Konstantinos Kontos praised the initiative, highlighting its role in empowering young voices and encouraging active civic participation.
They emphasized that the strong turnout demonstrates a growing interest among young people in shaping the future of their region.
“A Bright Example for the School Community”
Deputy Regional Director of Education Marigoula Kosmidou described the students’ success as:
“A clear demonstration of knowledge, critical thinking, and active civic engagement, highlighting the importance of democratic education and responsible citizenship.”
She added that the selected students serve as a positive example for both the school community and society at large.
Next Steps
Following the announcement of members, the council will hold its first session to elect its governing board. This will be followed by the development of policy proposals to be formally submitted for debate at the regional level.
The initiative marks a significant step toward integrating youth perspectives into institutional decision-making in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
