Última actualización Lunes, 09/06/2025
The European Commission completed an ambitious initiative in the first 100 days of its new mandate, showing its commitment to foster a democratic connection between the EU and its younger citizens.
By providing a platform for direct exchange between young people and top EU decision-makers, this initiative brought President von der Leyen’s vision to life – placing young people at the heart of EU policymaking, as outlined in the Political Guidelines for 2024-2029.
Following these meetings, the Commission published a report providing an overview of these Dialogues, highlighting the main takeaways and outlining the way forward.
The takeaways cover a broad spectrum of issues, as each Commissioner engaged with young people on topics relevant to their respective portfolios, including security, economy, competitiveness, social challenges, sustainability, digital transformation, and more.
The ideas discussed during the Dialogues can be categorised into five overarching themes corresponding to the Commission’s priorites:
- a Safe Union
- a Competitive and Sustainable Union
- a Democratic and Digitally Fit Union
- a People-Centred and Social Union
- and a Global Union.
Young people expressed their concerns, reflections and suggestions on these topics, illustrating a clear consensus on the need for a European Union that is democratic, resilient, adaptable and sustainable.
These Youth Policy Dialogues are just the beginning. Looking forward, the ideas proposed by young people will support the Commission to adopt policies that fully reflect the needs and hopes of the younger generation. Their perspectives will shape major EU initiatives, from the European Democracy Shield and Cultural Compass to the Citizens Energy Package, the Digital Education Action Plan and more, turning young people’s ideas into action.
In addition, the key outcomes of the Dialogues are integrated into the Commission’s Citizens’ Engagement Platform, for further online dialogue in all 24 EU languages. Have a look at the different debates and submit your ideas and views to help steer Europe’s future.
This marks a powerful shift from simply listening to “policy co-creation”, putting young people in the driver’s seat to help shape the Europe they will one day lead.
Read the report – The Youth Policy Dialogues during the first 100 days of the new mandate of the European Commission
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