The BWI youth from the Nordic countries gathered at Utøya in Norway from 18 to 20 September 2025 to discuss the rise of the far right in Europe and how unions are fighting against.

Utøya is an island full of energy, solidarity, and struggle for equality, but it is also a place marked by deep pain and loss. On 22 July 2011, the worst terrorist attack in modern Scandinavian history took place. After setting off a bomb in Oslo, the perpetrator arrived on the island, disguised as a police officer, and began shooting at participants in a political youth camp. Sixty-nine young people lost their lives that day.

Yet Utøya remains a living symbol of resilience. The island continues to host youth activities, debates, and political training, proof that hate and violence failed to intimidate youth leaders. By gathering there, the youth honor the memory of those lost and reaffirm their commitment to democracy, solidarity, and peace.

During three days on the island, twelve participants from four Nordic countries came together to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation across the Nordic region in the construction and wood sector.

The event deliberated heavily on the far right, how to define extremism, how it manifests in Europe, and various ways unions can resist it. We held formal reporting sessions, listened to lectures, and learned from AUF about how 22 July has shaped their movement and how they have moved forward. They also engaged in an “Escape Game” module, originally designed by ACV CSC and then adapted to the political scene of the Nordics, to match far-right leaders with their well-known rhetoric.

Finally, the participants began preparations for an upcoming global young worker gathering of the BWI in 2026, when we plan to return to Utøya with participants from all over the world.