Derry - Strabane misses out in bid for European Youth Capital 2019

Derry-Londonderry and Strabane's bid to become European Youth Capital 2019 has been unsuccessful.

The Serbian city of Novi Sad claimed the title at the European Youth Forum’s Council of Members meeting in Varna, Bulgaria on Wednesday night. 

Over 10,000 young people from across the North West took part in the consultation process over the last 15 months. 

Oonagh McGillion, Director of Legacy at Derry City and Strabane District Council added:

"Despite our disappointment we are very proud to have got this far in the competition. This is testament to what our young people can achieve. 

"The entire Council area will still benefit from this campaign. We have shown Europe that our youth related cultural, social, political and economic life is on a par with Europe’s most progressive places for young people to live, learn, work and play and this campaign will benefit our city and district in the long term."

Congratulation to Novi Sad, Serbia the European #YouthCapital 2019 ! #EYC2019 #yfjGA pic.twitter.com/JDvC0SKiiF

— European Youth Forum (@Youth_Forum) November 16, 2016

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock hopes the region can build on the bid's foundations, she said:

"There is no doubt that I am disappointed at the news particularly after all the hard work that’s gone into the campaign but I want to reassure all our young people that all this work will not be lost.

"We have heard the voices of our young people and we need to ensure all their needs and priorities are reflected in the Community Plan. I will be asking officers to prepare a report for Council outlining how we can build on the momentum of the EYC19 campaign so that we have a clear pathway for future participation of young people in key strategic projects. I would like to wish Novi Sad, Serbiaevery success with the title."