How the EESC turned youth participation into a european benchmark

A practical tool, a clearer method and visible institutional uptake have made the EESC Youth Test a concrete example of youth mainstreaming in EU policy-making. 

Launched in 2024, the EESC Youth Test made the EESC the first EU institution to introduce a structured mechanism for involving young people directly in its core advisory work. The initiative was co-created with the European Youth Forum, Europe’s largest platform of youth organisations, ensuring credibility, relevance and a strong grounding in young people’s real-life experiences.

Its value is practical. Since its launch, the impact of the Youth Test has been strong and measurable: around one quarter of all EESC opinions have been Youth Tested, totaling 87 opinions to date. A 2025 review confirmed that it supports better drafting and strengthens intergenerational dialogue within the Committee. 

The initiative has also inspired wider institutional change, with the European Commission introducing its own Youth Check, and other administrations at EU, national, regional and local level looking to the EESC as a reference point for meaningful youth participation. Civil society stakeholders, including the European Youth Forum, have recognised the approach as a useful model for meaningful youth participation.

The Youth Test is part of a broader EESC approach: young people are not consulted symbolically but invited to shape policy discussions through established channels. Initiatives such as Your Europe, Your Say! have brought young people from EU and candidate countries into debates since 2010.  The proposals emerging from the 2026 edition have generated input relevant to the preparation of the next EU Youth Strategy. The Youth climate and Sustainability round tables, the EESC youth delegate to COP and selected consultations reinforce the same principle: youth perspectives should inform policy where decisions are made. 

This is why the Youth Test now stands out as a European benchmark. It combines a clear methodology, continued improvement based on feedback and a culture of dialogue that values lived experience alongside technical expertise. Its shortlisting for the 2026 European Ombudsman Good Administration Award further underlines its commitment to participation, transparency and accountability.

What makes the EESC Youth Test different is not only who is involved, but how we work. We prioritise dialogue over hierarchy, collaboration over formality. We create spaces where ideas can be tested, challenged and refined, and where lived experience is valued alongside technical expertise. 
Nicoletta Merlo, President of the EESC Youth Group