Embracing the picturesque city of Podgorica, the XXXIX EYCA Conference & General Assembly took place from 15 to 18 June 2023, hosted by the Center for Youth Education in Montenegro. This annual event, is one of the most significant gatherings for the European Youth Card Association, bringing together members and stakeholders from across Europe to collaborate, exchange ideas, and shape the future of the association.

The conference commenced with a warm welcome from distinguished figures in Montenegro, including the Secretary of the Ministry of Sports & Youth, the President of the Assembly of the Capital, and the Director of the Montenegrin Convention Bureau. The presence and support of esteemed partners such as the Council of Europe, the European Commission, the European Parliament and prominent organisations like Eurodesk, the European Youth Forum, and ERYICA further elevated the event. Their contributions, either in person or through video messages, demonstrated their support to EYCA's mission.

An integral part of the conference was the focus on digitalisation, acknowledging its transformative impact on society and our organisation. The attendees had the privilege of listening to an insightful session lead by Vladimir VulIć, who delved into the intricacies of digitalisation. Furthermore, a panel discussion, featuring experts in the field, shed light on the future implications and opportunities brought about by digitalisation.

Notably, the active participation of the EYCA Youth Panel in every session proved to be immensely valuable. Their meaningful inputs and ideas showcased their powerful and dynamic presence, reminding everyone of the importance of empowering Europe's youth by giving them not only a voice but also a place in shaping their future.

As the conference progressed, members engaged in various workshops and discussions, fostering collaboration and enabling the exchange of knowledge and experiences. An important highlight was the election of a new EYCA President and Board, who will assume leadership responsibilities for the mandate 2023-2026.

Additionally, we were thrilled to welcome our newest full member ¨Dipartimento per le Politiche Giovanili e il Servisio Civile Universale¨. A significant milestone, expanding the association's reach and influence into more regions. 

To culminate the event on a high note, the excellence awards ceremony was held on the final night. Members were honored for their outstanding achievements in diverse areas such as sustainability and digital transformation and more, exemplifying EYCA's commitment to recognising excellence. The host organisation left no stone unturned in providing an exceptional experience, surpassing expectations with well-organised events and ensuring participants had ample opportunities to indulge in fun-filled cultural activities. The conference provided an ideal platform not only for professional growth but also for participants to discover and immerse themselves in the beauty and charm of Montenegro.

The XXXIX EYCA Conference & General Assembly in Podgorica truly epitomised the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and empowerment. The event's success lies in the collective efforts of the organising team, the active engagement of the youth panel, the unwavering support of partners, and the dedication of all attendees. With the new board and president assuming their roles, the future of EYCA is poised to be filled with promising initiatives and impactful endeavors aimed at empowering Europe's Youth.