Democracy and young people
Strong, inclusive democracies need youth participation!
Young people are politically active, engaged and often at the forefront of global movements and campaigns. Yet, they remain the generation most likely to be underrepresented in policy-making, leading to decisions that do not reflect their realities.
The European Youth Forum aims to make sure that all young people have the right to participate in democracy and become active citizens. This can be achieved with better citizenship education, electoral reform and lowering the voting age.
Young People Care
Democracy isn’t just a big, abstract idea—it’s about standing up for what truly matters. Whether it’s fighting for better education, taking climate action, protecting online privacy or promoting equality for everyone, democracy shapes the decisions that impact our everyday lives. That's why we need to remove barriers to democracy!
Did you know that not all young people in Europe can vote?
It’s true! While 16 and 17-year-olds in Belgium, Germany, Austria, Malta, and Greece (where 17-year-olds also have voting rights) can participate in some or all elections—millions of their peers across Europe are still excluded.
Seven million 16- and 17-year-olds in the EU are denied their democratic say. This isn’t just unfair—it’s discrimination.
Or that they never even had a chance in the 2024 EU Elections
Political groups did not give young politicians under the age of 35 a chance to get elected in the 2024 European Elections. Despite young candidates offering fresh ideas and strengthening the connection with a new generation of voters, political parties continue to sideline them in their electoral lists.
For young people to be represented fairly, they must be placed in positions where they can actually get elected.
What needs to happen?
Meaningful involvement in decision-making: Governments and institutions must work directly with young people and youth organisations in every step of policy-making. Co-management and co-creation structures are the best way to ensure direct participation.
Youth impact assessments: Policies and legislation that affect young people must include an impact assessment, and ensure there are mitigation measures in place for those youth groups that might be negatively impacted by the new policy or legislation.
Actionable outcomes: Any consultations or engagement with young people by governments or institutions must have a visible follow-up to the outcomes.
Lowering the voting age: The European Parliament and the Council of the EU should push for lowering the voting age.
- Electable spots for young candidates: Young candidates should be placed on electable spots in party lists, in order to be properly represented.
By breaking down these barriers, we can build a more inclusive democracy that truly works for everyone—especially young people. Together, we can shape a future where young people truly matter.
Learn more about young people and democracy
Safeguarding civic space
Through civil society, we are able to come together, share...
Representative democracy
EU Youth Dialogue
Lower the voting age
What’s democracy without us? It’s time for decision-makers to listen. To make our democracies stronger, we need to bridge the gap between young people and elected politicians. Young people below the voting age are often invisible in the democratic process. By denying them the right to vote, politicians overlook their needs and concerns. What’s how trust in democracy erodes, and it becomes harder to repair later in life, posing a threat to democracy.
EU Youth Test
What is the EU Youth Test? It is an impact assessment tool that will ensure that young people are considered during the policy-making processes within the EU. Thanks to the Youth Test, the EU will be able to create better policies that are long-lasting and impactful, reducing inequalities, while considering the needs of young people both today and in the future.