Young people are engaging with democracies within the context of a shrinking space for civil society, rapid digitalisation, advancement of populist ideologies, increased inequalities, rise of global youth movements, and conflict. Participation can take many forms, including activities such as voting, being members of political parties, serving on a local youth council, engaging through a youth organisation, or taking part in online political activism, boycotts or a protest movement.

In order to explore some of the main questions and trends around youth political participation, the Youth Partnership organised a seminar from 10-11 October at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, France. The seminar brought together 50 participants including young people, youth work practitioners, local and national policymakers and researchers.

 Purpose of the seminar

The seminar was an occasion to build on the Youth Partnership’s existing knowledge and share new research on the topic of youth political participation, including shrinking space for civil society,gender, digitalisation, new forms of participation, participation in climate movements, EU Youth Dialogue, impact of Covid-19 on youth spaces. It stimulated critical discussions on trends related to youth political participation, and share updates about relevant policy processes and youth work initiatives in this area.