The European Union has many programmes and events surrounding the topic of youth policy and dialogue between decision-makers and youth. However, it is a complex system, and it is easy to get confused. What is the European Youth Strategy? What are Youth Conferences? What is the role of ESN in these discussions? Let us clarify for you what this is all about, how it works and how ESN contributes to discussions.

First of all, how does the Youth Dialogue work?

The EU set in 2018 the European Youth Strategy 2019-2027, which provides a framework for cooperation in the field of youth policy. The current strategy defines 11 Youth Goals which serve as the basis for discussions that take place during 18-months cycles called Youth Dialogues (EUYD) where ministers set priorities and action plans. These 11 goals are the direct outcome of the 6th EUYD cycle.

As part of the Youth Dialogues, each Presidency of the Council of the EU holds Youth Conferences. They occur once every six months, usually at the beginning of each presidency. It is the occasion for Education, Youth ministers, representatives of political institutions, youth organisations and NGOs to exchange on diverse topics of interest to young people and to define priorities.

Read more