Over 35 young trade unionists from across Europe gathered in Belfast on the evening of 24 March 2025 with the support of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung to discuss the critical role of young voices in defending democracy and social values across the region.
The workshop, facilitated by Stiofán Ó Nualláin, co-founder of Trademark Belfast, and Danny Scott, founder of Jarrow Insights, brought together participants with a shared goal: to deepen their political education, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and understand how their actions can shape a better future.
The workshop underscored the importance of political education as a barrier to the expansion of the far-right movement across Europe and in particular, within young people; and as a cornerstone of the broader trade union struggle – not only to secure improved working conditions but also to safeguard fundamental rights such as freedom of assembly and collective bargaining.
“The active engagement of young workers in all spheres, the development of their political education and critical thinking, their involvement in all aspects and decisions in trade unions, is vital to ensuring that the fight for workers’ rights and social justice remains at the heart of the trade union movement in Europe and beyond” added Marta Ochoa, Director of UNI Europa Youth.