Promoting Democracy among Young Europeans: a How-to Guide
Ensuring space for young people to participate in both national and European politics will be critical to securing a more promising future for Europe. As the next leaders, they bring fresh perspectives and can offer sorely needed innovative solutions to tackle serious challenges.
However, the young generation is currently the group least satisfied with the state of democracy in their home countries. Disillusionment and dissatisfaction are perhaps the feelings that best capture the present relationship between young people and democracy in Europe.
There is a declining interest among young people in European and national politics toppled with a number of structural barriers for political involvement and severe underrepresentation.
A sensitive and tailored approach, considering diverse factors, is essential for all stakeholders—whether at the supranational, national, or local level—to effectively engage and mobilise young people.
Key Guidelines on How to Improve Youth Participation in (European) Democratic Processes
- Empower Youth Through Digital Tools and Community Initiatives
- Build Trust with Young Citizens
- Address Long-Term Structural Barriers
- Lower the Voting Age
- Implement Youth Quotas and Boost Representation
- Increase Youth Electoral Participation and Use of Alternative Voting Methods
- Involve Young People in Policymaking and Ensure Visible Follow-Up on Youth Engagement
- Ensure Impact Assessment, Especially for Youth-Related Policies
- Foster Supporting Structures, Resources and Expanding Definitions and Opportunities
- Provide Educational Opportunities, Enhance Media Literacy and Ensure Access to Information
Read the full Guidelines on what the EU, national governments, local authorities and the civil society can do to foster youth political and civic engagement below.
