Uniting Voices for a Safer Europe: Reflections from Riga

Q3/Q4 Recap

The second half of 2025 was marked by substantive dialogue, valuable exchanges, and visible consolidation of cooperation within the German-Baltic Youth Exchange Network (GBYEN). The GBYEN Meeting at the German Baltic Conference in Riga (16–19 October) stood out as the central event of the period.

Strategic Exchange and Network Development

The conference opened with updates on ongoing GBYEN activities and presentations from participating organizations. Discussions focused on future priorities, opportunities for cooperation, and the network’s broader role within European civil society. The environment fostered both professional exchange and renewed connections across the network.

Reframing Security Through a Human-Centred Lens

A key thematic highlight was the workshop on critical-relational approaches to security, led by Dr. Benjamin Klasche. Participants examined whose perspectives shape security policy and emphasized the importance of human security—economic, social, and environmental—alongside traditional state-centered concepts.

Practical Crisis Preparedness

The crisis management workshop organized by YATA Latvia provided practical tools for emergency readiness, communication, and decision-making under pressure. Interactive exercises demonstrated how preparedness can support resilience at both individual and community levels.

Insights From Ukraine

The contribution of the EDYN Ukraine delegation was especially impactful. Their sessions addressed the realities faced by Ukrainian youth during full-scale war, highlighting resilience, civic engagement, and the role of youth in national recovery. Their perspectives underscored a key principle: European security is inseparable from Ukrainian security. Our sincere appreciation goes to the speakers who shared their expertise and personal experiences with great clarity and courage.

Culture in Wartime

Further discussions explored the protection of cultural heritage during conflict, examining legal frameworks, risks to cultural assets, and strategies for preservation and reconstruction. These conversations reinforced culture’s role as both identity and resilience.

Closing Reflections

The conference concluded with a results session. Participants jointly articulated a commitment to resilient societies, democratic values, and a secure and united Europe.

We express our gratitude to EDYN Ukraine, YATA Latvia, all moderators, speakers, and participants. The meeting in Riga strengthened partnerships, sparked meaningful conversations and created new connections.

We are carrying this energy into the new year and looking forward to meet up again in Lüneburg in March 2026.

New Partnerships

We are very happy to welcome the Baltic States Offices of both the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the Friedrich Naumann Stiftung as well as the zis Stiftung für Studienreisen to our network! We are looking forward to a fruitful cooperation.