The Congress has long been committed to promoting the active participation of young people in civic life as a means of securing social cohesion and anchoring democratic principles in a society based on respect for human rights. This approach was borne out by the adoption of its European Charter on the participation of young people in municipal and regional life in 1992.

But as highlighted in the Congress report on Youth and democracy: the changing face of youth political engagement, in the 21st century, young people are engaging differently. There is a wide gap between political institutions’ and young people’s understanding of participation. During the Congress’ 2014 conference on promoting youth participation, it became clear that institutions have difficulty in grasping not only what these new forms of youth participation are but also the issues that mobilise young people. For their part, young people are facing unemployment, job insecurity, difficult transitions to work and adult life. They are increasingly disenchanted and feel marginalised from the political process.

The active participation of citizens in democratic structures and representative institutions is decisive in guaranteeing the legitimacy, credibility and operation of democratic systems. The Congress is cooperating with young people and local and regional authorities to find a way forward towards achieving the meaningful participation of young people.

Youth work

The Congress published a leaflet on the report Youth work: the role of local and regional authorities, adopted in February 2021. The leaflet contains a presentation of the main recommendations of the report. It was prepared in collaboration with youth delegates in the framework of the Congress' "Rejuvenate Politics" initiative, which aims to promote the participation of young people in public life and decision-making at local and regional level. Since 2014, this initiative has enabled young delegates from the 46 Council of Europe member states to contribute to debates at Congress sessions and committee meetings.

 Download [EN - FR]

 Youth work - Report Feb. 2021

PUBLICATIONS

Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life

Young people must be included in democratic structures and processes, have their voices heard and make decisions on issues that impact on them and their lives. Their active participation is essential if we are to build more democratic, caring and prosperous societies.

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe is convinced that it is at local and regional levels that a culture of youth participation can most efectively take root and thrive.  

The revised Charter contains principles, best practices and guidelines to enhance youth participation at local and regional levels. It also sets out the basic requirements for this participation to be meaningful, i.e. young people must have the necessary rights, means, space, opportunity and support.

Booklets available in:
English - French - German - Italian - Azerbaijani - Belarusian
Bulgarian - Greek - Hungarian - Romanian - Serbian
Spanish - Turkish - Ukrainian
Other translations:
Albanian - Georgian - Polish - Estonian - Russian - Swedish

 

 

 Other publications of the Youth Sector, on the Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young people in Local and Regional Life

Congress texts on youth
Youth Delegates

Since October 2014, the Congress has invited young people from different backgrounds to take part in its sessions, to have their say in the debates and to exchange with Congress members on the issues on the agenda.

 Participating in Congress Sessions

News

Back Youth delegates participate in the 36th Congress Session

Youth delegates participate in the 36th Congress Session

Youth delegates from 42 member states of the Council of Europe took part in the debates at the 36th Session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. This participation was part of the Congress’s “Rejuvenating politics” initiative, which, since 2014, has sought to promote youth participation in public life and in the decision-making process at local and regional levels.

In his discussion with members of the Congress, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn JAGLAND, welcomed the participation of the youth delegates, stating that “This initiative, which enables young people to take the floor in debates and meetings, is literally a vision of our future”.

Youth delegates took a particularly active part in the debates on the future of the Council of Europe, on nepotism, on mayors safeguarding democracy, on open government at regional level and in the open discussion held by the Chamber of Regions. In addition, they prepared a collective contribution, which was presented by one youth delegate on behalf of all, concerning the social rights of young people, a topic which had been included in the Congress agenda at the request of the youth delegates.

Presented on 3 April 2019, by co-rapporteurs Liisa ANSALA (Finland, ILDG) and Piero FASSINO (Italy, SOC), the report reiterates the principles of the European Social Charter and its collective complaints mechanism. It emphasises the role of local and regional authorities in their implementation, the importance of raising awareness among young people through various initiatives and of co-ordinating action at all levels of governance.

 

 

 

*** 36th Session of the Congress ***

File 36th Session - Agenda - Videos and photos - Mediabox

36th Session Strasbourg, France 2 to 4 April 2019
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