What does it mean to speak of the “Ends of Europe”? How can we reflect on what Europe means and what it could become through the prism of its ends: as in geographies, goals, limits, and potential endings?
The Heinrich Böll Foundation, Tirana Office is pleased to host the 9th Congress of Young Europeans, taking place in Tirana from 9–12 October 2025. The 2025 edition, held under the theme “The Ends of Europe” invites young people from across the continent to engage in a critical exploration of Europe’s purpose, direction, and future transformation – both as a political project and as a lived, contested reality. Apply until July 11th, 2025.
The Heinrich Böll Foundation, Tirana Office is pleased to host the 9th Congress of Young Europeans, taking place in Tirana from 9–12 October 2025. The 2025 edition, held under the theme “The Ends of Europe” invites young people from across the continent to engage in a critical exploration of Europe’s purpose, direction, and future transformation – both as a political project and as a lived, contested reality.
As in previous editions, the four-day program will feature a diverse mix of workshops, panel discussions, and talks by influential figures from politics, civil society, arts, culture and education. At the heart of the congress is a strong emphasis on youth participation, with plenty of space for young people’s voices, opinions, and initiatives to take center stage. Alongside the political program, participants will also have opportunities to explore Tirana and connect with one another through meetings with local activists, cultural experiences, group dinners, and social gatherings.
Themes We’ll Explore:
• Geopolitical ends: Borders, peripheries, migration and freedom of movement
• Moral and political ends: What does Europe stand for? What should it strive for — in the face of rising authoritarianism, shrinking civic space, and anti-gender movements?
• Crisis-driven ends: War, climate collapse, democratic backsliding, and the politics of fear
• Cultural and identity fault lines: How do narratives around religion, nation, gender, and race divide or connect Europe?
• Transformative ends: Visions for post-national futures, new solidarities, sustainable ecologies, and reimagining democracy
This congress is a space for bold reflection, critical dialogue, and creative experimentation – not a traditional policy forum, but a space to question and reinvent.
Who Should Apply?
We invite young people aged 18 – 30 from across Europe – including EU member states, the Western Balkans, and neighboring regions – who are:
• Politically or socially active
• Involved in activism, research, community work, or the arts
• Interested in Europe’s cultural, ecological, and democratic futures
• Eager to connect across borders and build lasting networks
Working language: English
Please fill out the application form by 11 July 2025
You’ll be asked to share:
• A short personal background
• Your motivation for participating
• What “the ends of Europe” means to you
Participation is free. Travel and accommodation support may be available for selected participants based on individual need.
Contact: Questions? Reach out to us at: info@al.boell.org
*The congress is part of a long-standing biannual initiative organized by the Heinrich Böll Foundation, in collaboration with the Federation of Young European Greens and the Green European Foundation, with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this event.