On the 20th of March, 2025, Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul and potentially the strongest opponent of Türkiye’s current president in the upcoming presidential elections, was arrested over allegations of corruption and links to terrorism – claims that have raised significant concerns about their credibility and timing. This arrest and other repeatedly dismissed accusations against opposition show how this case is less about justice and more about political interests. Immediately after the incident, the government imposed a nationwide ban on gatherings, protests, and demonstrations without prior approval. The ban was enforced by city governors, who are directly appointed by the current president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan [1]. Major roads and public squares were blocked by the police [2], blatantly disregarding the constitutional rights of Turkish citizens. The country erupted in outrage.

Despite the ban, hundreds of thousands protested nationwide, opposing not just recent events but also long-standing anti-democratic practices, including political pressure on universities, crackdowns on opposition, journalist arrests [3], and civil rights violations.

Students across the country face police violence, including batons, rubber bullets, and tear gas. Many have been arrested under harsh conditions. At Istanbul University, students protested the mayor’s arrest and the unlawful annulment of his diploma, barring him from the presidency and deepening distrust in the legal system. Despite police blockades, students push toward main squares, with protests erupting in cities like Izmir and Ankara. Demonstrators demand government resignations [4], the restoration of judicial independence, and the rule of law.

Given the recent events, AEGEE-Europe stands in solidarity with all our members and young people actively participating in these demonstrations, defending democracy and their fundamental rights – rights that should never be restricted. As a youth organisation committed to the values of democracy, freedom of speech and expression, human rights and civic engagement [5], we are concerned about the current political situation in Türkiye and we condemn the oppressive actions taken by authorities.

We demand an immediate end to the violation of these values and we call upon authorities to guarantee that all young people, including our members, are allowed to exercise their democratic rights. AEGEE-Europe firmly stands with all those protesting and encourages all young people to use their voice and take a stand for democracy and free and fair elections in their country We also call on young people across Europe to stand in solidarity with protesters in Türkiye by joining demonstrations in their countries and spreading the word to amplify youth voices, because in times like this, defending democracy and human rights knows no borders.

Sources:

[1] https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/yerlikaya-condemns-call-for-street-protests-amid-imamoglu-detention-tensions-207167

[2] https://nypost.com/2025/03/22/world-news/turkey-braces-for-more-unrest-after-hundreds-arrested-over-detention-of-top-erdogan-rival/

[3] https://apnews.com/article/turkey-detains-journalists-replaces-mayor-4e14365032d9414486b42194d00ae8d0

[4] https://www.turkiyetoday.com/turkiye/imamoglu-probe-officials-warn-against-disinformation-amid-student-protests-in-istanbul-133969/

[5] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/22/turkey-protests-istanbul-mayor-grow-into-fight-about-democracy

This paper has been written by Oluchi Obi, Policy Officer for Eco-responsible Society.

Many European countries have been experiencing a wave of growing support for far-right populist parties in recent European and national elections. This fact has resulted in greater parliamentary representation of the far right and an especially visible rising popularity of them among the younger voters. Seeing this evolution of the European political scene and its development in different countries, it is crucial to consider the implications that a possible victory of the extreme right in the EU would have on the development of environmental policies. It is also necessary to analyse and reflect on the great impact that it would have in almost all areas of the European economy and society if these far right-wing parties came to control the institutions and had real power in the European Union as a whole. This would entail a very broad impact in diverse areas of policy-making and of society. This document aims to focus on how pressure from far-right populist parties could trigger a reactionary response to the progress made so far in climate matters and reduce the EU’s environmental ambitions.

You can read the rest of the position paper here.

Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

This paper has been written by Michiel Barten, the Policy Officer for Digital Culture.

Populism has seen a dramatic rise globally in the last two decades, spurred in part by a transformative shift in how societies communicate and interact. While social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have democratized political participation by giving voice to underrepresented groups, it has also become a double-edged sword, enabling the spread of misinformation, polarization, and extremist rhetoric by populists, powerful enough to destabilize democracy and incite violence. […]

Read the rest of the Position Paper can be found here.

Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Position paper written by Martyna Zapalska and Lena Sobczyńska.
And was supported by Teddy van Amelsvoort.

In an era of unprecedented global connections, our world still faces persistent conflicts and deep-rooted divides. At AEGEE-Europe, we believe young people have the power to bring upon positive change. Our recent position paper on the role of young people in building bridges and uniting cultures reflects our commitment to fostering open dialogue, promoting cultural exchange and awareness and youth leadership across Europe.

Inspired by our conference last February in Eindhoven, where young people gathered to explore topics like diversity, inclusion and the role of youth in shaping a more united society, this paper highlights the critical role of young people in shaping a peaceful, inclusive and open-minded society. With this paper we try to amplify the voices of young Europeans dedicated to fostering peace, unity, and cross-cultural understanding. 

We call on policymakers, educators and young leaders to join us in this mission. By empowering youth to lead, engage in dialogue, and promote cross-cultural exchange, we can build a stronger, more united Europe. 

Key recommendations include:

1. Open Dialogue and Facilitating Cross-Cultural Understanding:
   We urge municipalities, educational institutions, NGOs, and citizens to organise cultural festivals, events, exchange programs, and safe spaces to encourage dialogue on diversity and inclusion.
2. Promoting Civic Engagement and Participation:
   We urge municipalities and educational institutions to create platforms for community input, mentorship programs, and youth councils. We urge youth organisations to focus on empowering young people and raising awareness of their civic responsibility and opportunities.
3. Transparency and Accessibility in Governance:
   We urge governments to use clear communication, make information accessible, and create engagement opportunities for citizens in decision-making.
4. Advocating for Accessibility and Inclusion:
   We urge governments and NGOs to fund and support initiatives focused on physical and digital accessibility, engage with marginalised communities, and promote inclusive policies.
5. Enhancing Existing Education and Non-Formal Education Practices:
   We urge educational institutions to update curricula to promote inclusion, train staff, and address biases. We urge NGOs and employers to recognize non-formal education and collaborate to improve educational practices.

Read the full position paper at [LINK] and join the conversation. Together, we can drive positive societal change.