The Council of Europe has developed a unique Youth Policy bringing together youth representatives and public authorities to strengthen the voice of young people in the democratic process. The report of the High-level Reflection Group of the Council of Europe (October 2022) recommends including a “youth perspective” in the Organisation’s intergovernmental and other deliberations by consulting European youth organisations when shaping public policies. It also recommends highlighting the impact that each international legal instrument may or may not have on young people.
For the Parliamentary Assembly, national parliaments have a significant role to play in strengthening links with young people, in particular by promoting youth participation in political processes, lowering the voting and eligibility age, and considering youth quotas for political parties to enhance the selection of young candidates. The ongoing report on the Establishment of a “youth partner” status with the Parliamentary Assembly discusses new approaches as to how youth representation and relevance can be strengthened within the Assembly.
At the same time, meaningful and impactful youth policies are not only about promoting participation in electoral and decision-making processes, but also about creating democratic space for youth organisations, providing young people with opportunities for intergenerational dialogue, supporting their social engagement, and ensuring their full access to social, economic and cultural rights, which in turn have a strong correlation with youth engagement and trust in democratic institutions.
The Assembly should analyse current trends and policy responses to increasing difficulties, disenchantment and intergenerational rivalry experienced by many young Europeans. Challenges such as political polarisation, growing inequality, the pressing climate crisis, and war, require the sustained involvement of youth, not only to make a real impact on policy-making in areas important to them but also to enhance the social fabric, foster innovative thinking in the digital age and uphold and reimagine democracy itself.