BSRYF Election 2026

Are you passionate about Baltic Sea Region politics and eager to represent young people’s voices? Then step up and shape the future of the region by running for a leadership position in the upcoming Baltic Sea Region Youth Forum (BSRYF) elections.

Young people aged 16–29 are invited to stand for election to the BSRYF Committee of Youth Representatives or the Steering Group. The Baltic Sea Region Youth Forum is a platform that empowers young people to influence decision-making and contribute to regional cooperation.

Registration for the fourth election cycle is now open. Applications are accepted until 8 April 2026, and the elections will take place online on 28 April 2026. 

“Have you ever felt that young people are invited to speak, but rarely to influence? The CYR changes that by creating room for honest exchange, responsibility and real involvement.”
Paulina Moskal, CYR Member

The elections will fill seats in two main bodies of the BSRYF for one year: the Committee of Youth Representatives (CYR), the Forum’s legislative body with up to 20 members, where young voices engage in meaningful discussions and propose innovative policies; and the Steering Group (SG), the executive body responsible for guiding the Forum’s activities and ensuring the implementation of its initiatives.  

The online elections are scheduled for 28 April 2026, from 15:00 to 18:00 CEST (Stockholm time).    

The links to the online Election Meeting will be distributed via the CBSS Youth newsletter. Voting is open to all BSRYF members aged 16 – 29, so if you want to vote, make sure to sign up. To become a member of the BSRYF, you can register here. 

In the CYR, members have different roles. You can find an overview over different roles below: 

BSRYF / CYR Chair – direct elections

The Chair provides overall leadership and strategic direction of the Baltic Sea Region Youth Forum. They represent the organisation externally, chair meetings, ensure decisions are implemented, and support the work of the CYR and Working Groups.
The Chair ensures that BSRYF’s mission, values, and long-term goals are upheld. 

Key tasks: 

  • Lead the CYR and chair meetings (monthly CYR, bi-monthly SG meetings)  
  • Represent BSRYF to partners and stakeholders 
  • Oversee strategy and priorities 
  • Ensure decisions and policies are implemented 

CYR Vice-Chair

The Vice-Chair supports the Chair in all leadership duties and takes over when the Chair is unavailable. They often focus on internal coordination, follow-up on CYR decisions, and supporting Officers and Working Group leads. 

Key tasks: 

  • Support the Chair and replace them when needed 
  • Coordinate internal work and follow-up actions 
  • Support Officers and Working Groups 
  • Contribute to strategic planning 

Secretary

The Secretary ensures smooth internal administration and good governance. They are responsible for documentation, meeting minutes, CBSS coordination and internal communication, helping maintain transparency and continuity. 

Key tasks: 

  • Prepare agendas and take minutes 
  • Maintain internal documents and archives 
  • Support formal communication 
  • Ensure compliance with Terms of Reference and CBSS values 

Communications Officer

The Communications Officer manages BSRYF’s internal and external communication. They promote activities, maintain visibility, and ensure clear, consistent messaging across channels. 

Key tasks: 

  • Manage social media (Instagram / LinkedIn) and communication channels (slack, WhatsApp) 
  • Promote events, campaigns, and opportunities 
  • Support outreach to members and partners 
  • Maintain branding and communication guidelines 

Officer (Organisation / Event / Activity Coordinator)

Officers support the CYR by coordinating a specific partner organisation, event, or activity. They act as focal points, ensure communication flows smoothly, and help implement BSRYF’s projects. 

Key tasks: 

  • Coordinate with one assigned organisation or activity 
  • Support planning and implementation of events/projects 
  • Report progress to the board 
  • Engage members and stakeholders in their area 

Working Group Coordinator / Lead

The Working Group Coordinator leads a thematic or project-based working group. They organise meetings, guide discussions, and ensure that the group’s work contributes to BSRYF’s goals and outputs. 

Key tasks: 

  • Lead and coordinate a working group 
  • Set priorities and plan activities 
  • Facilitate collaboration among members 
  • Report outcomes to the board 
How to apply for the CYR and SG Elections
  • To the Committee of Youth Representatives (CYR): To join this open and youth-led legislative body of BSRYF, the most important criterion for applicants is to be between 16 and 29 years of age and be a citizen of one of the CBSS Members or Observer States. You also should be motivatedand have the time to get engaged in the CYR. Passion for youth advocacy and the Baltic Sea Region is what all CYR members share. Skills and experience are always welcome, but the CYR is also a place where members grow and develop skills. New members of the CYR will be elected during the elections on 28 April 2026 at 15:00 CEST (Stockholm time). It is possible to be elected in absence, but online presence at the elections is encouraged. Individuals can apply here.  
  • To the Steering Group: This is the executive body of BSRYF and is comprised of five members: two youth-orientated organisations and three individuals elected to the CYR. The elections for Steering Group individual members will be held after the CYR is elected. Individuals wanting to be in the Steering Group have to become CYR members first. The elections for Steering Group organisations will be held together with the CYR elections on 28 April 2026 at 15:00 CEST (Stockholm time).   
  • Note to organisations applying to the SG and voting in the elections: To participate in the elections, an organisation must have applied by 8 April 2026. Organisations eligible to vote in the BSRYF election can submit a vote delegation form by 27 April 2026 at 13:00 CEST (Stockholm time). This will allow their representative to cast three votes on behalf of the organisation with no age limit of the representative. Organisations can apply here.  
Additional Information
  • Info sessions: Online info session will be held for both interested individuals and organisations on 5 March 2026 at 17:00 CET and 25 March 2026 at 19:00 CET (Stockholm time). To participate in the session on 5 March, register here, for the session on 25 March, register here. 
  • Additional information about the BSRYF can be found on the CBSS website and on the Baltic Sea Youth website.  
  • Do you still have questions? Please reach out to our youth team at the CBSS who will be happy to help: [email protected]