Shaping Tomorrow: Why the Next EU Youth Strategy Needs Your Voice

15-07-2026

 

Why is this important? The current EU Youth Strategy (2019–2027) is nearing its end – and the next chapter is yours to influence! This strategy plays a vital role in supporting young people’s social and civic engagement, ensuring policies truly reflect their needs, and driving meaningful change across Europe. Elaborated in the context of the PRISMA European Network, this contribution takes into account 1-on-1 networking and needs assessment meetings with over 10 member organisations. The PRISMA Framework for Digital Democracy and Citizenship is a strategic initiative which seeks to enhance democratic participation and foster digital citizenship across the EU Member States through innovative approaches that integrate education, technology, and community-driven collaboration. This programme has been supported by the European Commission through the CERV Programme during the period 2026-2028. You can contribute directly here: Join the consultation by 16.07.2026.

Democratic Participation and Strategic Feedback Mechanisms

Building a strong post-2027 EU Youth Strategy requires shifting from simple consultation to real, impactful decision-making. Research across Romania, Estonia, Latvia, Spain, and Italy through the Child-ACT+ project shows a clear gap between youth being consulted and their ability to actually influence final political decisions. To bridge this gap, the future strategy must embed structured feedback and institutional accountability, proving to young people that their contributions actively shape policy. Initiatives like an "Intergenerational Impact Check" can systematically audit major EU decisions to protect the interests of future generations, ensuring today's choices do not compromise their tomorrow.

Elevating Digital Citizenship and Democratic Resilience

Our digital reality demands that the next strategy recognizes digital citizenship as a cornerstone of youth participation. Insights from digital citizenship labs run across 7 EU Member States in 2026 revealed that young people face significant barriers in critically evaluating online information and understanding the impact of artificial intelligence. Rather than addressing disinformation in isolation, the EU must treat digital literacy and mental well-being as essential ingredients for civic engagement. Additionally, integrating real-time digital tracking tools to monitor how authorities handle citizens' requests can build institutional transparency and restore trust in democratic systems.

Reimagining the EU Youth Dialogue for Long-Term Impact

The EU Youth Dialogue must evolve from a periodic consultation tool into a comprehensive educational and engagement ecosystem. By combining consultation with civic education, such as the European Fellowship on Democratic Engagement launched in 2026, we prepare young people to participate in political processes with deeper confidence and competence. This structural shift can empower youth to transition from climate anxiety to direct democratic action. It equips them with the tools needed to advocate for key policies at local and European levels, such as the Water4EU framework for free access to drinking water in public spaces.

Standardizing Youth Work and Reaching Uninvolved Youth

To make participation equitable, the EU Youth Strategy must actively engage youth who are not already affiliated with organized structures or European programs. Supporting this transition requires elevating the professional environment of youth work itself. We propose introducing European quality standards and a certification framework for youth centers and youth workers, modeled on successful systems like EQYP 2.0 or adapted ISO standards. This mechanism ensures safety, professional quality, and social recognition across all EU-funded projects.