In significant recognition of youth participation in EU policymaking, the European Parliament (EP) has officially commended the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on the EESC Youth Test in the 2023 discharge report.

The EESC Youth Test is designed to ensure that the voices and perspectives of young people are systematically considered when the EESC draws up its opinions. It represents a forward-thinking model for inclusive governance and is already influencing how institutions approach youth participation. The European Commission has based its Youth Check on the EESC’s model and the Parliament has requested multiple meetings with the EESC as they begin to plan its version of the tool.

In the 2022 discharge, the European Parliament had already 'welcomed the efforts made by the Committee to enhance youth involvement in policymaking'. However, the 2023 discharge goes a step further. In addition to the Youth Test, it explicitly commends the EESC on its proactive and innovative approach to youth participation. This is thanks to the work of the EESC Youth Group, launched in 2023, and initiatives by EESC sections such as the youth delegate to COP and the Youth Climate and Sustainability Roundtables.

This commendation by the European Parliament not only validates the EESC’s work but also sets a precedent for other EU institutions to follow suit in integrating youth perspectives into the heart of EU policymaking. (epv)