2024
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.