Report
How can Europe empower young people to become more active and informed participants in democratic life?
This policy paper addresses the growing challenge of youth civic engagement across the EU and highlights the role of civic education in equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and opportunities needed to participate meaningfully in democratic processes.
Addressed to the CULT Committee of the European Parliament, the proposal identifies key barriers to youth participation, including limitations within educational curricula and a lack of specialised expertise and resources for teaching civic education.
To address these challenges, the authors put forward two key recommendations: the establishment of a tiered EU Civic Passport, designed to encourage and recognise young people's civic participation, and the creation of an EU Youth Advisory Council, which would provide young people with a stronger and more structured role in European decision-making.
The policy paper was developed by seven young participants from Cyprus, France, Italy and Lithuania, bringing together diverse experiences and perspectives from across Europe.
Through their proposal, the authors call for a stronger and more coordinated approach to civic education across Europe, while ensuring that young people themselves have a meaningful voice in shaping the democratic future of the EU.
