Our
Catalogue of resources

Explore our selection of resources, publications, and tools dedicated to fostering youth participation and sustainable democracies.

From innovative projects to insightful publications, our catalogue provides valuable resources to empower young people and promote active engagement in democratic processes.

Studies & Research

Publication of the month

Research paper on the state of Local Youth Councils (LYCs) in Europe
Research paper on the state of Local Youth Councils (LYCs) in Europe

Engage, Connect and Empower Local Youth Councils in Europe (ECE-LYCE)

Drawing on survey data from 20 countries and insights from seven multi-stakeholder focus groups, the paper explores the legal, political, and operational realities of LYCs, highlighting both their potential and the challenges they face, from institutional tokenism and volunteer burnout to knowledge loss. The research also identifies key training needs in policy and advocacy, leadership and organisational development, and outreach, promotion and mentoring. These findings provide valuable guidance for organisations, institutions, and practitioners working to strengthen Local Youth Councils and support meaningful youth participation in local governance. The paper will also contribute to the development of the European Network of Local Youth Councils (ENLYC), helping shape its long-term vision and priorities.

Download
Search
Studies & Research
Research paper on the state of Local Youth Councils (LYCs) in Europe

Engage, Connect and Empower Local Youth Councils in Europe (ECE-LYCE)

Drawing on survey data from 20 countries and insights from seven multi-stakeholder focus groups, the paper explores the legal, political, and operational realities of LYCs, highlighting both their potential and the challenges they face, from institutional tokenism and volunteer burnout to knowledge loss. The research also identifies key training needs in policy and advocacy, leadership and organisational development, and outreach, promotion and mentoring. These findings provide valuable guidance for organisations, institutions, and practitioners working to strengthen Local Youth Councils and support meaningful youth participation in local governance. The paper will also contribute to the development of the European Network of Local Youth Councils (ENLYC), helping shape its long-term vision and priorities.

Policies & Guidelines
DYPALL Network’s Position Paper on the next EU Youth Strategy

Position Paper

The paper builds on DYPALL Network’s experience in promoting meaningful youth participation and democratic governance across Europe. It argues that while the current EU Youth Strategy has strengthened the recognition of young people as active citizens, significant disparities remain in access to meaningful participation. To address these challenges, the next Strategy should emphasise strengthening local democratic participation and creating sustainable participation ecosystems.

Policies & Guidelines
Qualitative guidelines for mechanisms of youth engagement

Climbing the Ladder: fostering a culture of Youth Engagement (CL-YE)

This publication aims to serve as a resource that offers insights into the diverse approaches to youth engagement. By outlining different mechanisms, sharing real-world examples, and offering practical guides with main features, relevant tips, and resources for successful implementation, it intends to support entities in selecting and adapting the most suitable mechanism of youth engagement for their context.

Policies & Guidelines
Guidelines and Quality Indicators – Phygital youth participation

Phygital youth participation - Digital innovation for stronger local democracies

The concept of “phygital” combines the use of digital technologies for participatory processes in physical settings, thus bringing an innovative way of engaging young people in public policy-making. These Guidelines, developed within the project “Phygital youth participation – Digital innovation for stronger local democracies” are meant to serve as guiding principles for the use of the phygital concept in participatory processes with young people, combining participation, digital capacity and innovation in youth work.

Studies & Research
Good Practices and Case Studies of Youth Engagement

Climbing the Ladder: fostering a culture of Youth Engagement

“Good Practices and Case Studies of Youth Engagement” is the second publication of the project “Climbing the Ladder: fostering a Culture of Youth Engagement”. The publication takes a deep dive into 18 examples of models and mechanisms that successfully foster youth participation in decision-making processes from around Europe. Ranging from youth councils, youth delegates, youth banks and youth parliaments, analysing how these models promote inclusivity, diversity and youth participation. This publication serves as a resource and inspiration for enhancing youth participation in decision-making processes touching on the local, regional, national and international levels. These examples range from consultation mechanisms that seek young people’s input on policy decisions to more advanced forms of shared decision-making, where young people work alongside policymakers as equal partners in shaping the future.

Manuals & Toolkits
Educate for Democracy training programme – EmpowerEU

EmpowerEU

Building on the success of the “Educate for Democracy” programme, the three new chapters added under the EmpowerEU project enhances understanding of the EU and its institutions, encouraging civic responsibility and active participation. With three new chapters, it delves further into the EU’s foundations. By engaging with these resources, young people will deepen their knowledge of EU democracy, cultivating a sense of belonging and European civic duty. This active involvement in the democratic process empowers them to shape Europe’s future and contribute to a more just, inclusive, and prosperous society.

Manuals & Toolkits
EmpowerEU Toolbox

EmpowerEU

The toolbox offers a range of tools and strategies to boost youth participation in EU elections, drawing from campaigners’ experiences. Covering best practices in outreach, digital engagement, and campaign appeal, it is designed as a flexible, user-friendly guide adaptable to future elections.

Studies & Research
EESC’s study Structured and Meaningful Youth Participation in Policy and Decision-Making Processes

European Economic and Social Committee

This study explores effective practices for youth participation in policy and decision-making processes, providing a comprehensive overview of what youth participation means and its key characteristics. The aim of the study is to provide recommendations for mainstreaming structured and meaningful youth participation within the EESC and other EU institutions, in line with the EU Youth Strategy and the UN Youth Strategy, and based on four case studies at local, national, EU, and international levels: the Local Youth Council in Klaipèda (Lithuania), the Austrian National Youth Council, the Co-management System of the Council of Europe and the OECD Youthwise Initiative.
The study emphasis that while intentions to involve young people are very positive, actual implementation is generally limited by a lack of understanding of young people’s needs, insufficient managerial and financial resources and engagement strategies, and a lack of recognition of youth intersectionality. To be effective, young people must be seen as an integral part of civil society and their participation must be a structured process, not just an add-on.

Studies & Research
CL-YE Models and Mechanisms of Youth Engagement 

Climbing the Ladder: fostering a culture of Youth Engagement

This publication examines diverse models and mechanisms of youth engagement across Europe, with the goal of raising awareness about the importance of involving young people in decision-making processes at the EU, regional, and local levels, while highlighting the need for meaningful participation.

Studies & Research
Local Youth Councils – Analysis of Policy and Mechanisms

Study on structured youth engagement

The publication titled “Local Youth Councils – Analysis of Policy and Mechanisms” explores the role and effectiveness of Local Youth Councils (LYCs) in enhancing youth participation in decision-making processes across Europe. It compares the impact of LYCs in Estonia, Lithuania, Norway, and Portugal, analyzing their structures, challenges, and successes. The study provides recommendations and resources to improve youth engagement at the local level, aiming to foster more inclusive and impactful youth participation in governance. The analysis serves as a resource for policymakers, youth organisations, and LYC members.