Statement on Youth Participation in the European Integration Process

We, representatives of youth organisations from EU candidate countries, together with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) Youth Group, in a meeting in Brussels on 11 September 2025, issue the following statement.

This statement builds on all the previous work done by the EESC regarding youth participation. This includes calling for active inclusion of young people in the EU accession negotiations and the enlargement process, underlining the need for strengthening youth organisations and networks and inviting the EU to further examine new ways to support relevant youth structures.

We reaffirm our commitment to the fundamental values on which the project of a united Europe is built: democracy, rule of law, human rights, solidarity and inclusiveness. We recognise young people not only as the future of Europe, but also as essential actors of the present, whose perspectives, energy and engagement strengthen our societies and institutions.

We emphasise the importance of a vibrant, secure and democratic civil society. Youth organisations must be able to function freely and independently, with appropriate conditions that allow them to develop. Their active participation is essential to ensure the meaningful and effective involvement of young people in policy-making and decision-making processes.

We express our solidarity with the youth of Ukraine, who continue to stand bravely and show resilience in the face of Russian aggression, and with the youth of all current EU candidate countries, who defend democratic values in their society. Their resilience reminds us that the European project is not just about institutions and politics, but also about the everyday lives, rights and aspirations of citizens across the continent.

The EESC Youth Group underlines the importance of promoting a structured dialogue and closer engagement with youth organisations in the EU candidate countries. Their active participation and engagement foster mutual understanding, strengthen solidarity and deepen the sense of belonging to the European family.

We acknowledge and support the interest of the candidate countries National Youth Councils and youth organisations to be engaged in the work of the EESC, particularly through the EESC Youth Test.

With this statement, we express our common aspiration for a united Europe where the young people's voices are heard, respected and empowered. We jointly confirm that the meaningful participation of young people is a cornerstone of the European integration process and a vital driving force for its future.

*Adopted by the EESC President, EESC Youth Group, representatives of the National Youth Councils and youth organisations from EU Candidate Countries and the European Youth Forum, Brussels, 11 September 2025.

EESC President

EESC Youth Group

European Youth Forum

Youth Forum for Sustainable Development and European Integration (Georgia)

National Youth Council of Moldova

National Youth Council of Ukraine

GoFor – Youth organisations Forum (Türkiye)

National Youth Congress of Albania

National Youth Council of North Macedonia

National Youth Council of Serbia

Youth Council of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina