"Initially intended to support young people, youth organisations and local authorities in promoting the participation of young people in local and regional life across Europe, the European Charter on Youth Participation is more relevant than ever," says the Congress' Deputy Spokesperson on Youth, Véronique Bertholle, on the occasion of this instrument's 20th anniversary.

Progress has been made in many local and regional authorities, in particular through the setting up of youth consultation structures in certain States. However, 20 years after the adoption of the revised Charter on 21 May 2003, youth participation is not fully guaranteed everywhere in Europe.

Today's socio-economic and environmental challenges not only require consultation with young people, but must also provide opportunities for them to be proactively engaged in political life, especially in the current context of aging population which inevitably impacts the composition of political assemblies.

"In a world marked by war and crises of various kinds that often lead to democratic regression and increased inequality, every political decision has lasting effects for youth. Youth participation must therefore be an intrinsic part of democratic processes at all levels of governance," underlines Véronique Bertholle.

"I am delighted that this 20th anniversary coincides with the decisions adopted by the Council of Europe Summit of Heads of State and Government on 17 May 2023 in Reykjavik, which support the participation of civil society and youth in our democracies. The Congress will continue to promote the European Charter on Youth Participation so that it becomes a reality in all cities and regions of Europe" concludes Véronique Bertholle.

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