Supporting and promoting the participation and inclusion of Roma young people lies at the heart of the Council of Europe’s response to the challenges faced by Roma youth across Europe. These challenges include persistent discrimination, often shaped by structural and intersectional factors, as well as limited access to decision-making spaces. In this context, particular emphasis is placed on empowering Roma youth, strengthening their agency, and ensuring their meaningful participation in policy processes and institutional frameworks at local, regional, national and European levels.
The work on Roma youth participation is currently structured around two complementary strands:
Capacity-building of and with Roma youth-led organisations and networks. This includes training and non-formal learning activities, particularly those carried out at the European Youth Centres, which aim to enhance leadership skills, advocacy capacities, and civic engagement. Together, these efforts contribute to fostering a more inclusive and participatory democratic space, in which Roma youth can fully exercise their rights and participate meaningfully.
