CYR Members
The Committee of Youth Representatives (CYR) is the core of BSRYF, consisting of elected youth representatives from across the Baltic Sea Region. These members advocate for youth interests, participate in high-level discussions, and help shape the direction of BSRYF’s initiatives.
CYR members come from diverse backgrounds, bringing expertise in various policy areas such as sustainability, digitalisation, democracy, and youth rights. Their work includes drafting position papers, organising youth consultations, and ensuring that young people have a say in regional governance.
Nathalie Bews, Germany
(Chair of the Committee of Youth Representatives)
“Youth in the Baltic Sea region have shown remarkable resilience, bouncing back from multiple crises and responding with determination and creativity. However, it is time to raise our ambitions for meaningful youth involvement. That’s why I joined the CYR to help drive a comprehensive and forward-looking macro-regional strategy.”
[resilience, innovation, connection]
Kyriakos Kourtidis, Greece / Poland
(Vice Chair / WG Coordinator Energy & Transport)
“As Vice Chair, I am involved in organisational coordination and connect the BSRYF with EU institutions and European cooperation frameworks, including Interreg and EU Macro-regional Strategies. As WG Coordinator for Energy & Transport, I coordinate BSRYF activities on Green Transition and Sustainable Transport.”
[European territorial cooperation, energy transition]
Austėja Bartkevičiūtė, Lithuania
(…)
“…“
[…]
Daniel Bang-Hansen, Denmark
(Working Group Lead – Defence and Preparedness)
“I joined the CYR because The Baltic Sea Region is facing a security environment we have not seen in decades. Where defence preparedness, resilience and cooperation have become defining priorities. As a Working Group Lead on Defence and Preparedness, I want to contribute meaningfully with my own sense of responsibility and to better understand what is happening across the region and how states are responding to both old and new threats.”
[defence, preparedness, cooperation]
Eemeli Tuominen, Finland
(Nordic Council Affairs Officer and Youth Advocacy WG Leader)
“I applied to CYR because I wanted to contribute to strengthening youth participation and influence across the Baltic Sea region. Through my previous work with the Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC), I gained valuable experience in promoting youth engagement, and I was motivated to continue building on that work. I believe every young person should have a say in decisions that affect their lives and to gain meaningful experiences of active participation.”
[youth participation, security, wellbeing]
Ellen Bang, Denmark
(EU-Officer & Environment and Climate Change Working Group Co-lead)
“I joined the CYR because we as youth need to work together to build a better present and future for the region, both for the environment around us and all of us inhabiting it, human and non-human.”
[sustainability, inclusion, collaboration]
Emīls Bergs, Latvia
(Secretary and Security Officer)
“I joined the CYR because I want to ensure that the perspective of the eastern Baltic Sea region is represented within the BSRYF while collaborating with young people from across the Baltic region to strengthen meaningful youth participation and contribute to tangible policy outcomes.”
[defence, resilience, sustainability]
Hanna Skoczowska, Poland
(Communications Officer)
“My aim is to bring people closer through effective communication, meaningful dialogue and the exchange of ideas that connect communities and inspire collaboration.”
[cooperation between states in the Baltic Sea region]
Justus Ferdinand August, Germany
(Working Group AI)
“….”
[…]
Lando Rehse, Germany
(Steering Group)
“I joined the CYR to share my ideas on the sustainable development of the Baltic Sea region and to strengthen youth voices. As an economics student, I always try to understand how policy decisions shape people’s everyday lives and I want young people in the region to have a real say in decisions that will define our future.”
[sustainability, equity, participation]
Märten Koll, Estonia
(Steering Group, EUSBSR and Interreg Officer)
“I decided to join CYR to connect with like-minded young changemakers and work together to make the BSR a better place for youth – a place where young people have the opportunity to voice their opinions and take part in inclusive decision-making. I believe that through collaboration and active engagement, we can create meaningful and lasting impact.”
[meaningful connections, social resilience, great impact]
Mateusz Pisański, Poland
(…)
“….”
[…]
Milena Mensching, Germany
(HELCOM officer)
“The environmental state of the Baltic Sea is the best example of the need for strong regional cooperation to solve our problems. We especially need young voices to repeatedly underline the urgency of long-term thinking and commitment.”
[environment, science, youth advocacy]
Nikola Lewicka, Poland
(Migration Officer)
“I joined BSRYF to collaborate with like-minded people to drive positive change in the Baltic Sea region. My focus lies at the intersection of migration, European policy, and combating disinformation, which are crucial areas for building resilient, inclusive, and informed societies. I believe that young voices must not only be heard but actively shape the policies that affect their lives and communities.”
[migration, European policy, disinformation]
Noora Soininvaara, Finland
(Hope for Resilient Futures)
“I joined the CYR to contribute to a sustainable and secure future for the Baltic Sea region. At a time of growing uncertainty, regional cooperation and the courage to act matter more than ever.”
[trust, resilience, collaboration]
Norina Pommerening, Germany
(…)
“…“
[…]
Pola Zabuska, Poland
(Co-Lead Climate & Environment Working Group and Steering Committee Member)
“I would like to continue raising awareness about climate and environmental issues and youth action in our region, advocating for more just and socially inclusive policies in the CBSS member states.”
[sustainability, resilience, justice]
Tom Matzen, Germany
(BSPC Officer)
“My aim is to strengthen the impact of the Baltic Youth in the BSPC.”
[engagement, security and external affairs]
Tom Teske, Germany
(Arctic Officer, Member of the Working Group on Climate & Environment)
“The Baltic Sea has evolved from a harsh natural frontier into a body of water that feels like a lake of friendship. Yet both this spirit of unity and the Baltic Sea itself as a irreplaceable habitat are under threat. Let’s work together to safe the unique sea that unites us.”
[societal resilience, Baltic Sea environment, critical infrastructure]
Zofia Górska, Poland
(…)
“…“