11th Cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue

The European Union Youth Dialogue (EUYD) is a key participatory process that brings together young people, policymakers, researchers, and youth organisations to discuss priorities affecting young people across Europe. Now in its 11th cycle, the EUYD continues to operate under the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 and the framework of the European Youth Goals, building on the achievements and recommendations of previous cycles to strengthen youth participation in democratic decision-making processes.

The EU Youth Strategy promotes the active involvement of young people in shaping policies that affect their lives while ensuring that diverse voices are represented. Through consultations, conferences, and structured dialogue at local, national, and European levels, the EUYD provides a platform for meaningful engagement between young people and decision-makers. The process aims to ensure that young people’s perspectives are reflected in policies and initiatives across the European Union.

The 11th cycle of the EUYD is led by the Trio Presidency of Poland, Denmark, and Cyprus covering the period from January 2025 to June 2026. The cycle focuses on European Youth Goal #1: “Connecting EU with Youth.” Under this theme, the Trio Presidency seeks to strengthen young people’s trust in the European project, enhance their understanding of EU institutions, and create stronger links between youth and decision-making processes. The cycle recognises that many young people feel disconnected from European governance and aims to address this gap by promoting meaningful participation and greater transparency.

The Polish Presidency launched the cycle by focusing on reinforcing a shared European identity and strengthening the governance of the EU Youth Dialogue process. Through consultations across Member States, young people were invited to reflect on European values, democracy, participation, and their relationship with the European Union. The first EU Youth Conference, held in Lublin, explored ways to build trust between young people and European institutions and generated discussions on safeguarding democratic values and increasing youth engagement in public life.

Denmark’s Presidency represents the transition phase of the cycle and focuses on transforming consultation results into practical recommendations. Particular attention is being given to improving connections between young people and EU opportunities, including programmes such as Erasmus+. Discussions also examine how European institutions can become more accessible, transparent, and responsive to the realities faced by young people. The Presidency aims to identify concrete measures that will strengthen youth participation at both national and European levels.

The Cypriot Presidency will conclude the 11th cycle by concentrating on the implementation and evaluation of the recommendations developed throughout the process. The final EU Youth Conference in Nicosia will focus on the youth-friendliness of policies at both national and European levels. Young delegates, policymakers, and experts will work together to translate consultation outcomes into concrete policy recommendations designed to improve accessibility, transparency, and youth participation across Europe. These recommendations will contribute to the Council Resolution marking the conclusion of the cycle.

Throughout the 11th cycle, the EUYD places particular emphasis on strengthening democratic participation, increasing transparency in EU decision-making, and ensuring that young people have a meaningful role in shaping policies. The dialogue explores ways to close the perceived distance between young people and European institutions while improving awareness of EU opportunities, rights, and programmes. The cycle also examines how public policies can be designed and communicated in a more youth-friendly manner.

A central message emerging from the 11th cycle is the importance of creating stronger and more sustainable connections between young people and the European Union. By promoting trust, participation, and inclusive governance, the dialogue aims to empower young people to become active contributors to Europe’s future. The cycle highlights the need for accessible information, effective consultation mechanisms, and continuous cooperation between youth and policymakers to ensure that European policies remain relevant and responsive to the needs and aspirations of younger generations.

The EU Youth Dialogue is a project co-funded by the European Union.