DYPALL Network publishes Position Paper on the next EU Youth Strategy As the European Union shapes its next EU Youth Strategy, DYPALL Network has published its Position Paper, contributing to the consultation process with concrete policy recommendations to strengthen youth participation and democracy at the local level. 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. At the core of the position paper is a clear message: Europe has committed to strengthening democracy. Young people are willing to participate. The local level of governance is where young citizens directly experience and shape democracy. Therefore, the next EU Youth Strategy must strengthen local democratic participation. The position paper outlines seven key policy priorities: Strengthen the local dimension of the EU Youth Strategy. Embed youth participation across public governance. Strengthen local democratic participation ecosystems. Invest in capacity, quality and evidence. Ensure inclusive and representative participation. Strengthen democratic resilience through local participation. Ensure sustainable funding for local democratic participation. The recommendations call on European institutions, Member States and local and regional authorities to recognise local democratic participation as an essential pillar of the future EU Youth Strategy. They advocate for stronger multilevel governance, sustainable participation structures, bigger investment in local capacities, and more inclusive opportunities for young people to shape the decisions that affect their lives. The Position Paper has been submitted as DYPALL Network’s contribution to the public consultation on the future EU Youth Strategy and reflects the Network’s commitment to supporting evidence-informed youth policies and strengthening democracy through local action. DYPALL Network remains committed to supporting the development and implementation of the future EU Youth Strategy and is looking forward to a Strategy that recognises local democratic participation as an essential driver of democratic governance for a stronger Europe. You can find the position paper in DYPALL Network’s Catalogue of Resources or access it directly qui.