German-Baltic Conference 2026 in Tallinn: Voices of Self-Determination – Youth Contributions to European Peace and Democracy
From 15 to 18 October 2026, we welcomed participants, speakers, guests, and organisers representing 16 countries for our 8th German-Baltic Conference (GBC) 2026 in Tallinn. Under the theme “Voices of Self-Determination: Youth Contributions to European Peace and Democracy,” the four-day conference brought together young Europeans, civil society representatives, and political experts to discuss pressing European challenges and develop concrete recommendations for a more secure, democratic, and resilient future.
Organised by the German-Baltic Future Foundation (DBJW), the conference continued a tradition established in 2019, providing a platform for young people to engage in European political discussions, build international networks, and contribute directly to policy development.
Four Days of Dialogue, Exchange, and Collaboration
The conference officially opened on 15 October with a welcome reception at the Residence of the German Ambassador to Estonia. The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks from Thomas von Lüpke, Chairman of the German-Baltic Future Foundation; Jan Scheer, German Ambassador to Estonia; and Dr Kristi Raik, Director of the International Centre for Defence and Security (ICDS).
The following morning, the conference commenced at the historic Tallinn Teachers' House “Tallinna Õpetajate Maja” in the heart of Tallinn's Old Town.
Kersti Kaljulaid, former President of Estonia (2016–2021), delivered the opening keynote, bringing her perspective on European democracy, security, and the challenges facing the continent.
The programme continued with a discussion featuring Hanah Lahe, Member of the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu), representing one of the youngest voices in political leadership. Together, these sessions provided a starting point for discussions on European security, democratic resilience, and the importance of involving young people in shaping political decisions.
From Discussions to Action: Three Policy Clusters
Throughout the conference, Youth Ambassadors worked in three thematic clusters, developing concrete policy recommendations to address some of Europe's most pressing challenges. Their proposals were presented during the closing ceremony.
Cluster A: Total Defence & Crisis Preparedness Lead by Jonas Hoppe
Under the title “ForYou: From Future Takers to Future Shapers,” participants explored how young people could play a more active role in European crisis preparedness and civil defence. Their proposals included international exchanges for young civil protection volunteers, community-based crisis preparedness training, a multilingual platform providing offline access to emergency guidance, and intergenerational advisory teams within the European Parliament.
Cluster B: Disinformation & Digital Literacy
Lead by Maisa Mattila
Focusing on Russian disinformation and its impact on European democracies, the group presented solutions to strengthen young people's media literacy and resilience against manipulation. Their recommendations included a European digital map of organisations combating disinformation, a dedicated Erasmus+ educational mobility programme, and an annual Disinformation Week in Brussels involving young people, policymakers, and civil society.
Cluster C: EU Enlargement
Lead by Yuliia Dziuba
The third cluster focused on improving opportunities for young Ukrainians who are not in education, employment, or training (NEETs), highlighting barriers that prevent them from accessing European programmes. Participants proposed establishing a youth consultation mechanism within EU–Ukraine parliamentary cooperation and improving targeted outreach and support through programmes such as the European Solidarity Corps and Youth Guarantee.
Cluster A Cluster B Cluster C
Strengthening European Cooperation Through GBYEN network
Alongside the Youth Ambassadors’ clusters, the German-Baltic Youth Exchange Network (GBYEN), lead by Francesca Knaus, brought together representatives of youth and civil society organisations from across Europe to exchange experiences, strengthen partnerships, and explore new opportunities for international cooperation.
During dedicated working sessions, participants discussed the three conference themes — crisis preparedness, disinformation and digital literacy, and EU enlargement — from the perspective of youth organisations. They explored how cross-border partnerships, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives could help address these challenges.
There is more: Brussels Outreach in December!
The German-Baltic Conference 2026 once again demonstrated the importance of bringing young Europeans together to exchange perspectives, build lasting connections, and turn ideas into meaningful action. Beyond the discussions and policy recommendations, the conference strengthened international cooperation and reinforced a shared commitment to a more democratic, secure, and united Europe.
Last but not least, one key principle of the German-Baltic Conference is to not only connect tomorrow’s decision-makers but also make their voices heard and make their ideas count. Therefore, building on the success of the last GBC, we are excited to visit the European Parliament again this year in December to present the cluster results in front of its MEPs.
As we look forward to the Brussels outreach and the next German-Baltic Conference in Vilnius, Lithuania, in 2027, the message remains clear: Europe's future must be shaped together with its young generation.
photos by Marianne Lapin https://www.instagram.com/marianne.lapin/
