Reports & Photos

Around 100 young people from 31 European countries came to Thessaloniki on 19-22 October 2023 to explore the issue of independent living. At the same time they had the opportunity to get in touch with the work of the Heinrich Böll Foundation, but also to get to know the city, learn about its past and present and, of course, have fun. Here is a summary of what happened during the four days of the conference – four intense and busy days, full of experiences, insights, information, contacts and friendships.

On the first day of the Congress, the delegates divided into four groups participated in four workshops that took place in parallel, in different rooms of the Glass House (the former Kindergarten) at the first pier of the Port of Thessaloniki. The themes of the workshops were housing problems, the situation in the labour market, mental health fragility, and the political under-representation of youth in decision-making centres. See detailed description.

The delegates had the opportunity to explore the city and the known or unknown aspects of its history. The three options they could choose from were a guided walk along the waterfront and a boat trip on the Thermaikos Gulf, a tour of the former Red Light district, and a visit to the main exhibition of the Thessaloniki Photobiennale. In the end they all joined together for a... lesson in modern Greek political history at the Grigoris Lambrakis monument and a street concert. See detailed descriptions.