Youth Security Europe Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct of Youth Security Europe (YSE) Version 2.0 Whereas Youth Security Europe (YSE) is an independent, non ‑ profit and politically unaffiliated organization with the purpose of increasing youth engagement and influence in security policy and decision ‑ making at European, national and local levels, in accordance with

§2.1 of YSE’s Bylaws. Whereas YSE membership is open to both individuals and established organizations, in accordance with

§3.1 and

§3.2 of YSE’s Bylaws. Whereas all members must comply with YSE’s Bylaws, regulations, policies and decisions, as provided in

§3.3 and 10. 2 of YSE’s Bylaws. Whereas YSE is organized on three levels (European, national and local), as detailed in

§4 of YSE’s Bylaws. Whereas all members must adhere to high ethical and professional standards, as provided in

§9.1 of YSE’s Bylaws. Whereas violations of YSE’s statutes, regulations, policies or decisions may result in appropriate disciplinary measures, including expulsion from YSE, as stated in

§3.4 and 9. 2 of YSE’s Bylaws. Whereas conflicts within YSE are resolved, where possible, through mediation led by an impartial committee, as stated in

§9.3 of YSE’s Bylaws. Whereas YSE Code of Conduct (hereinafter “YSE CoC”) is adopted in order to:
a) Establish uniform rules, principles and standards for the personal and professional conduct expected of all persons covered by YSE CoC;
b) Set out YSE’s core values and principles as the common foundation for achieving its purpose and mission;
c) Establish a common understanding of prohibited behavior;
d) Establish disciplinary measures, as well as clear procedures to effectively report, investigate and deal with prohibited behavior and any other breaches of YSE’s statutes, regulations, policies and decisions.

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§1 Scope of application 1. 1 Personal scope YSE CoC applies to:
a) All individual members of YSE, including representatives of affiliated organizations.
b) All persons who carry out functions or hold positions on behalf of YSE at European, National or Local level, including but not limited to: members of the Presidium, the Executive Board, National and Local boards, committees and working groups.
c) Other persons acting in a voluntary or unpaid capacity on behalf of YSE.
d) Any person who represents YSE or participates in YSE events, projects, missions, meetings, trainings or activities, whether in person or online. 1. 2 Material and territorial scope YSE CoC applies to conduct:
a) Occurring within YSE structures at European, National and Local level;
b) Taking place during or in connection with YSE events, projects, missions, meetings, trainings or activities, whether in person or online;
c) Occurring outside such settings, where the behavior has a direct and significant impact on YSE’s reputation, activities, members or beneficiaries. 1. 3 Duty to know and comply All persons covered by YSE CoC have a duty to familiarise themselves with it, to comply with its provisions and to cooperate in good faith with any procedure carried out under it.

§2 Principles and values 2. 1 Respect and dignity All persons shall treat others with respect, courtesy and dignity, recognising the equal worth of every individual. 2. 2 Integrity and honesty All persons shall act with honesty, integrity and good faith, avoiding any conduct that could reasonably be considered as fraudulent, misleading or deceptive. 2. 3 Professionalism All persons shall conduct themselves in a professional manner, prepare adequately for their tasks, respect deadlines and commitments, and avoid behavior that undermines the proper functioning of YSE. 2. 4 Independence and impartiality

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YSE acts as an independent and politically unaffiliated organisation. All persons shall respect this independence, avoiding the use of YSE for partisan political, commercial or personal purposes. 2. 5 Diversity, equality and inclusion YSE promotes a diverse, inclusive and safe environment. All persons shall respect and actively support equality of opportunity and non ‑ discrimination. 2. 6 Transparency and accountability Decisions and actions taken on behalf of YSE shall be transparent and accountable. Persons holding responsibilities within YSE shall be able to explain and justify their decisions and use of resources. 2. 7 Zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination and abuse YSE does not tolerate harassment, discrimination, abuse of power or any form of violence, whether physical, psychological, sexual or digital.

§3 Responsibilities and obligations 3. 1 YSE members All members shall:
a) Comply with YSE CoC, the Bylaws and other internal policies of YSE;
b) Act in a way that upholds YSE’s reputation and mission;
c) Refrain from prohibited behavior as defined in YSE CoC;
d) Declare potential conflicts of interest in accordance with

§4 of YSE CoC;
e) Respect confidentiality obligations and data protection rules in accordance with

§5 of YSE CoC;
f) Use AI responsibly and ethically, in compliance with

§6 of YSE CoC;
g) Use YSE’s resources responsibly and only for authorised purposes;
h) Cooperate fully and honestly with any inquiry, mediation or investigation under YSE CoC;
i) Report serious breaches of YSE CoC or of the Bylaws through the channels provided in

§9.1 of YSE CoC. 3. 2 Presidium The Presidium shall:
a) Ensure the overall ethical governance of YSE and uphold the values and principles set out in YSE CoC;
b) Serve as the competent appeal body for decisions of the Ethics Committee, in accordance with

§10 of YSE CoC;

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c) Safeguard the independence and proper functioning of the Ethics Committee;
d) Provide strategic oversight to ensure consistent application of YSE CoC across all YSE levels. 3. 3 Executive Board The Executive Board shall:
a) Appoint the members and substitute member of the Ethics Committee by simple majority;
b) Ensure that Ethics Committee members receive the necessary organisational support and resources to fulfill their mandate;
c) Enforce final disciplinary decisions in accordance with

§11 and the Bylaws, including handling expulsions under

§9.2 of the Bylaws;
d) Adopt and implement interim measures when required under YSE CoC;
e) Promote awareness of YSE CoC by organising regular training sessions for YSE members and representatives;
f) Ensure proper communication and dissemination of YSE CoC and any subsequent amendments. 3. 4 Ethics Committee
a) Receive, register and assess reports submitted according to YSE CoC;
b) Conduct impartial investigations and adopt reasoned decisions in accordance with

§9 of YSE CoC;
c) Ensure the protection of parties’ rights, including confidentiality and due process;
d) Ensure impartiality and independence throughout all proceedings and maintain professional integrity throughout its mandate;
e) Provide guidance and clarification on ethical matters where required;
f) Facilitate mediation when appropriate, in accordance with

§12 of YSE CoC. 3. 5 National and Local Chapters National and Local Chapters of YSE shall:
a) Implement YSE CoC within their activities and ensure its dissemination among their members and volunteers.
b) Establish, where necessary, additional operational guidelines consistent with YSE CoC and the Bylaws.
c) Cooperate with the Ethics Committee and central bodies of YSE in handling cases.

§4 Conflicts of interest 4. 1 Definition
a) A conflict of interest arises when the personal, professional, financial or political interests of a

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person covered by YSE CoC could improperly influence, or be perceived as influencing, the impartial and objective performance of their duties for YSE.
b) For the purposes of this definition, a consensual romantic and/or sexual relationship between members of YSE involving a person in a higher position of authority and a person over whom they currently, either directly or indirectly, exercise supervisory or management influence presents an actual or potential conflict of interest for the person in the higher position. 4. 2 Duty to avoid and disclose
a) Persons covered by YSE CoC shall avoid situations of actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest whenever reasonably possible.
b) Where such a situation cannot be avoided or may arise, they shall promptly disclose it in writing to the Executive Board. 4. 3 Management of conflicts Depending on the nature and seriousness of the conflict, appropriate measures may include:
a) Recusal from discussions, decision ‑ making or access to specific information;
b) Reassignment of tasks or roles;
c) Resignation from a position within YSE;
d) Other measures deemed suitable and proportionate. 4. 4 Prohibited conduct It is strictly prohibited to:
a) Use a position within YSE to obtain undue advantage for oneself, one’s family, close associates or affiliated organisations;
b) Take part in decisions where one has an undeclared conflict of interest;
c) Conceal or knowingly fail to declare a relevant conflict of interest.

§5 Protection of data, privacy and confidentiality 5. 1 Personal data All persons shall process personal data obtained in the context of YSE’s activities lawfully, fairly and in accordance with applicable data protection legislation and YSE’s Data Protection Policy. 5. 2 Confidential information
a) Confidential information includes, but is not limited to, internal documents labelled as confidential, non ‑ public strategic or financial information, personal data, and any information related to ongoing procedures under YSE CoC.
b) Persons who have access to confidential information through their role in YSE shall not disclose it to unauthorised third parties, nor use it for personal, professional or political gain.

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5. 3 Public communication When speaking in public, including online, about matters relating to YSE, persons shall:
a) Respect confidentiality and data protection rules;
b) Clearly distinguish personal opinions from official YSE positions;
c) Refrain from statements that could damage the reputation of YSE or its members. 5. 4 Obligation after leaving office The duty of confidentiality continues after a person ceases to be a member, volunteer or office ‑ holder of YSE.

§6 Responsible and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) 6. 1 Any use of artificial intelligence tools in the context of YSE activities shall be ethical, lawful, and proportionate. 6. 2 Artificial intelligence shall not be used to manipulate, mislead or unduly influence decisions, individuals or processes within YSE. 6. 3 Confidential, personal or sensitive information shall not be input into AI systems that do not provide adequate guarantees of data protection and security.

§7 Prohibited behavior Without prejudice to applicable laws, the following behavior is prohibited under YSE CoC. The list is non ‑ exhaustive. 7. 1 Harassment Any unwanted conduct which has the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of a person and of creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment, including but not limited to:
a) Verbal or written insults, threats or degrading comments;
b) Dissemination of offensive material, including online;
c) Persistent unwanted contact. 7. 2 Sexual harassment and sexual abuse
a) Sexual harassment means any form of unwanted verbal, non ‑ verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect referred to in

§7.1 of YSE CoC.
b) Sexual abuse means any actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

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7. 3 Bullying and intimidation Any repeated or systematic behavior that demeans, humiliates or undermines a person or group, including spreading malicious rumours, exclusion from activities without justification, or abuse of supervisory authority. 7. 4 Discrimination Any direct or indirect unjustified distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on, inter alia, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, nationality, disability, age or any other protected characteristic. 7. 5 Violence and threats Any physical violence, threats of violence, or incitement to violence against any person or group. 7. 6 Violations of human rights Any conduct that seriously undermines the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, including hate speech, advocacy of violence, or participation in activities contrary to international human rights standards. 7. 7 Corruption, fraud and misuse of resources
a) Offering, giving, requesting or accepting any undue advantage related to actions taken within or for YSE.
b) Misappropriation, misuse or unauthorised use of YSE’s funds, property, name, logo or resources for personal, commercial or partisan purposes. 7. 8 Abuse of power Using one’s position, influence or authority within YSE to:
a) Obtain undue advantages;
b) Coerce, manipulate or retaliate against others;
c) Impede fair and transparent decision ‑ making processes. 7. 9 Breach of confidentiality and improper disclosure Unauthorised disclosure of confidential information or personal data, or deliberate leaking of internal documents or deliberations in a way that seriously harms YSE or individuals. 7. 10 Retaliation Any adverse action or threat of adverse action against a person who, in good faith, reports a concern, participates in an investigation, or seeks advice in relation to YSE CoC. Retaliation itself constitutes a serious breach of YSE CoC.

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§8 Ethics Committee of YSE 8. 1 Composition The Ethics Committee consists of three members and one substitute member appointed by the Presidium by simple majority. Gender balance shall be ensured. 8. 2 Requirements Members of the Ethics Committee shall:
a) be independent and impartial;
b) not hold any elected or appointed position within the Presidium or the Executive Board;
c) have an impeccable record of professional behavior and good judgment;
d) have relevant knowledge or experience in ethics, governance, law, or organisational compliance.

§9 Reporting and investigation procedures 9. 1 Right and duty to report Any person who becomes aware of a violation of YSE CoC should report it through one of the following channels:
a) at the email address ethics@youthsecurity. org or
b) via the reporting form provided for this purpose. 9. 2 Content of reports To the extent possible, reports should contain:
a) The nature of the alleged breach;
b) Date, place and circumstances;
c) Persons involved and potential witnesses;
d) Any available evidence and/or additional details. 9. 3 Confidentiality and data protection
a) Reports and investigations shall be handled confidentially and in line with GDPR rules and YSE’s Data Protection policy.
b) The identity of the reporting person shall not be disclosed beyond those who need to know for the purposes of the procedure, unless required by law or with the reporting person’s informed consent. 9. 4 Good ‑ faith reporting Persons who report in good faith shall be protected against retaliation, even if the concern is not ultimately substantiated. Knowingly false or malicious reports constitute a breach of YSE CoC.

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9. 5 Initial assessment Receiving a report, the Ethics Committee:
a) Acknowledges receipt of the report;
b) Conducts an initial assessment to determine whether the report falls within the scope of YSE CoC and whether it contains all elements required under

§9.2 of YSE CoC;
c) Verifies the absence of conflicts of interest among its members and, if any exist, applies the recusal rules;
d) May recommend immediate interim measures to the Executive Board when necessary to protect individuals or safeguard YSE’s interests;
e) Decides whether to open an investigation in accordance with

§9.7 of YSE CoC. 9. 6 Recusal If an Ethics Committee member has a conflict of interest, they must immediately recuse themselves and may not participate in any stage of the procedure. The recused member shall be replaced by a substitute designated by the Presidium. 9. 7 Investigation If the initial assessment indicates that a violation may have occurred, and an investigation is opened:
a) The person concerned is notified in writing immediately of the allegations and their procedural rights, including the right to be heard and to present evidence;
b) The Committee schedules separate oral hearings with the reporting person and with the person concerned, that shall take place no later than ten days after receiving the report;
c) The Committee collects and assesses all relevant evidence objectively, including documents, written statements, and witness interviews. Both parties have an equal right to present evidence and counter ‑ evidence, propose witnesses, and respond to the evidence presented by the other party;
d) The investigation shall be completed within thirty days of receiving the report, with a single possible extension of up to ten additional days in exceptional cases;
e) Written minutes shall be kept of the Committee’s meetings, including oral hearings. 9. 8 Decision
a) Upon completion of the investigation, the Ethics Committee deliberates in private. Decisions require the agreement of at least two members.
b) The Committee determines, on the balance of probabilities, whether a breach of YSE CoC has occurred. Findings are based exclusively on the evidence in the case file and the hearings.
c) The Committee issues a reasoned written decision including: – name of the members that participated in the deliberation; – date of adoption of the decision; – the established facts and evidence relied on; – whether a breach has occurred and the specific provisions breached; – the disciplinary measure(s) imposed and the legal basis for each measure; – the possibility to

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appeal the decision; – signature of the members adopting the decision.
d) The decision shall be handed over to the Presidium as a motion which will take the necessary steps forward. 9. 9 Record ‑ keeping YSE shall maintain secure records of all investigations made and decisions taken under YSE CoC, in line with data protection and retention legislation.

§10 Notification and appeal 10. 1 Notification As soon as possible after the decision is adopted, both the reporting person and the person concerned receive a written notification containing: ● short summary of established facts; ● the outcome of the case (whether there was a breach or not); ● the provision(s) of YSE CoC found to be breached, where applicable; ● the disciplinary measure(s) imposed; ● the right to appeal, the competent body and the deadline for submitting an appeal. 10. 2 Right to appeal
a) The reporting person and the person concerned may appeal the decision of the Ethics Committee within seven days from the date of notification. If no appeal is submitted within this period, the decision shall become final.
b) The Presidium is the competent body to examine and decide on the appeal. The Presidium applies procedural guarantees equivalent to those established for the procedure before the Ethics Committee.
c) The appeal has suspensive effect, meaning that no disciplinary measure is enforced until the Presidium renders its final decision.
d) After examining the appeal, the Presidium adopts a reasoned decision, in which it may: – reject the appeal and confirm the decision of the Ethics Committee; – uphold the appeal and issue a new decision on the case; – uphold the appeal and modify the disciplinary measure, whether by imposing a lighter or a more severe measure; – annul the decision of the Ethics Committee and remit the case back to the Ethics Committee for reconsideration, where procedural irregularities were observed.

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e) The decision of the Presidium is final.

§11 Enforcement 11. 1 Once a decision becomes final, the Presidium shall take all necessary measures to enforce the disciplinary measure imposed by the Ethics Committee or decided on appeal by the Presidium. 11. 2 In cases where the final decision entails expulsion, the Executive Board shall proceed in accordance with

§9.2 of the Bylaws.

§12 Conflict resolution and mediation 12. 1 Whenever appropriate and compatible with the nature and seriousness of the case, YSE encourages the resolution of conflicts through dialogue and mediation, as provided in

§9.3 of the Bylaws. 12. 2 Mediation shall:
a) Be voluntary for the parties concerned;
b) Be conducted by a member of the Ethics Committee;
c) Aim at restoring trust and agreeing on constructive solutions, without prejudice to possible disciplinary measures in serious cases. 12. 3 If the mediation does not succeed, the case shall be referred to the Ethics Committee. The member who conducted the mediation may not take part in the procedure and shall be replaced as provided for in

§9.6 of YSE CoC. 12. 4 Mediation does not preclude or replace disciplinary procedures where serious breaches are alleged or established.

§13 Disciplinary measures 13. 1 General principles
a) Disciplinary measures shall be proportionate to the seriousness of the breach, taking into account intent, impact, repetition, cooperation, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances.
b) The same or similar breaches should lead to comparable disciplinary measures, unless objectively justified. 13. 2 Types of disciplinary measures Without prejudice to the Bylaws, possible disciplinary measures include, individually or

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cumulatively:
a) Verbal warning;
b) Written reprimand;
c) Obligation to issue an apology or to attend training;
d) Removal from a specific role or responsibility within YSE;
e) Temporary suspension from participation in YSE events or activities;
f) Temporary suspension from elected or appointed positions;
g) Advice to the Executive Board of suspension of membership rights;
h) Advice to the Executive Board of expulsion from YSE; 13. 3 Interim measures Pending the outcome of an investigation or appeal, interim measures may be adopted by the Executive Board, where necessary, to protect individuals, safeguard evidence or protect YSE’s reputation. Such measures shall be proportionate and limited in time. 13. 4 Reporting to authorities 13. 4. 1 None of the procedures or measures established under YSE CoC shall prevent any person from contacting competent national authorities or pursuing legal remedies in accordance with applicable law. 13. 4. 2 The Ethics Committee members shall report any matter to the competent authorities where required by law.

§14 Interpretation 14. 1 Any doubt or question concerning the interpretation or application of YSE CoC shall be referred to the Ethics Committee, which may issue non ‑ binding guidance or recommendations. 14. 2 Where necessary, the Ethics Committee may propose to the Presidium amendments or clarifications to YSE CoC.

§15 Amendments and review 15. 1 YSE CoC shall be reviewed at least every three years by the Executive Board, in consultation with the Ethics Committee, to ensure its continued relevance and consistency with YSE’s Bylaws and mission. 15. 2 Amendments to YSE CoC may be proposed by the Executive Board, Presidium, the Ethics Committee or by at least 20% of YSE’s members.

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15. 3 Amendments shall enter into force upon their formal adoption by the Executive Board in accordance with

§6 of the Bylaws.

§16 Final provisions 16. 1 The YSE CoC complements YSE’s Bylaws and other internal regulations. In case of conflict, the Bylaws shall prevail. 16. 2 The YSE CoC shall enter into force upon its formal adoption by the Executive Board, in accordance with the procedures set out in the Bylaws. 16. 3 Upon its entry into force, the YSE CoC shall be published on YSE’s official website and communicated individually to each YSE member via email. Approved: 2026-01-11 Last updated: 2026-03-16

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