Integrating young voices in EU decision-making

Young people are the most under-represented age group in the European Parliament, with only 6% of MEPs younger than 35, according to figures from the European Youth Forum. The EESC is determined to change that. Including young perspectives in EU decisions is not just desirable, it is essential for creating policies that truly represent the future of Europe.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) takes the lead in ensuring that the voices of young Europeans are heard in the EU decision-making process.

In 2022, we became the first EU institution to commit to the EU Youth Test, a pioneering tool to mainstream youth participation in policymaking. In 2024, we delivered on this commitment by working closely with young people to develop a robust methodology for implementing the EU Youth Test in our work. Now, EESC opinions fully incorporate the youth perspective on critical issues.

Youth representatives actively influence EESC policy recommendations. They attend meetings, participate in hearings, provide written contributions and track the impact of opinions. This is not symbolic. Young people hold a real seat at the table, shaping decisions that directly affect their future.

Our commitment to youth engagement goes far beyond the EU Youth Test. 

Since 2010, the EESC flagship event Your Europe, Your Say! has been connecting young people from all EU Member States and candidate countries with the European Union. In 2021, we launched the Youth Climate and Sustainability Round Tables, where youth representatives engage directly with relevant Commissioners on climate issues. In 2023, we appointed Diandra Ní Bhuachalla as the EESC COP28/ COP29 Youth Delegate, to ensure that young voices remain central to tackling the climate crisis.

The EESC’s youth engagement strategy drives change across the EU. In 2023, the European Parliament pledged to create a Youth Assembly and involve us in the initiative. Our efforts were also recognised in 2024 when the European Commission’s Communication on the legacy of the European Year of Youth highlighted our pioneering role in youth engagement.

Looking ahead

The EU Youth Dialogue is Europe’s largest participatory process involving decision-makers and young people. The EESC works relentlessly to make this process even more  impactful.  The  Committee  works  on  opinions to strengthen youth participation in the dialogue. Young people must be involved in selecting topics and ensuring clear and transparent communication of outcomes.

The  EESC Youth Group pushes for the creation of a permanent body dedicated to youth participation within the Committee and builds stronger ties with external youth organisations. Through bold initiatives like the EU Youth Test and direct youth engagement, we guarantee that young voices drive the future of Europe.

Young Europeans can rest assured – the EESC empowers them and fights to ensure that the EU listens to and reflects their ideas.

Young people belong at the heart of EU politics and policies. Our task as policymakers is not simply to listen to young people, but to elevate them and their voices to positions of equality and responsibility. Katrīna Leitāne, president of the EESC Youth Group

Back to the main page