The Danube Youth Council (DYC) was first established in October 2022 to provide a platform for involvement of young people to make their ideas and viewpoints heard and considered on a political level.

Youth Council members may propose concrete actions and projects and suggest topics, bring ideas to the attention of high-level politicians from EUSDR states and regions, contribute to the EUSDR priorities and policies, raise attention for the special features of their regions at the transnational level and participate in EUSDR events as well as international and EU related youth events.

The DYC is composed of 28 members in total, 2 members from each Danube Region country, who are selected for a mandate of one year (currently fourth mandate year), which can be extended for another year.

Members of the DYC have to choose at least one Priority Area that they’re particularly interested in.

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In Priority Area 8, we have 4 interested Youth Council members, who we would like to introduce:

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My name is Danil Rodionov, and I am from Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Moldova State University. Additionally, I have a Master’s degree in audit from Moldova State University and corporate governance from Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava (Romania). Currently, I work for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), making part of sustainable infrastructure team, which is actively involved in Energy Efficiency, Waste Management and Transport projects to promote environmentally sound investments and sustainable development. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to represent Moldova in the Danube Youth Council and to contribute to decision-making processes that could amplify cooperation among the countries of our region.

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My name is Irina Ana Ilie, and I am a 22-year-old student from Romania. With a background in International Relations, I am currently expanding my expertise by studying about the Global South. I have a strong passion for traveling, cinema, and, most importantly, politics.

I believe deeply in the power and importance of youth involvement in politics—not only at the national level but also as a collective voice shaping the future on a global scale. I have always sought opportunities to engage civically in Romania, and I view the Danube Youth Council as an excellent platform to expand my interests and contribute to broader international dialogues.

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My name is Martin Markov, and I am 25 years-old. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in International Economic Relations, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in European Studies at University of Regensburg – the city where the Danube reaches its northernmost point. I have experience as a youth workеr, during which I organise events using non-formal education methods to support young people in their personal and professional development. I was also an UNICEF youth councillor for two years.

This year I became a co-founder of an association in Bulgaria called Proluka. We want to provide opportunities for young people for self-improvement and to organise educational initiatives for human rights, European values, sustainability, cultural heritage, mental health and others. I am excited to contribute to the development of the Danube Region.

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My name is Tamás Vincze from Hungary and I’m a proud member of the Danube Youth Council. I’m a 21 year old student at Eötvös Loránd Tudományegyetem (ELTE) where I study International Relations. Originally I come from the beautiful town of Eger, known for its castle, medieval streets and stunning surroundings, but I moved to Budapest in 2024 to begin my university studies.

Today, I’m actively involved in several groups and organizations. I serve as a seat holder in the university’s general assembly and participate in multiple student associations. In addition, I am a youth council member at the U.S. Embassy in Hungary and I work for an NGO where we plan, coordinate and facilitate Erasmus+ projects. My interests cover a wide range of regional topics, including energy, environmental sustainability, and tourism. I believe that fostering deeper integration within the region should be a key priority. Achieving this, however, requires effective collaboration among working groups and initiatives. After all, the European Union’s spillover effect can only succeed if there are multiple fields in which nations can work together.