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The Youth Policy Dialogues are more than just talk. They’re a direct line for young Europeans to engage with top EU officials, including European Commissioners, on policies shaping their future. It’s about getting real answers from the people making the big decisions.

What’s the deal with youth policy dialogues?

Youth Policy Dialogues are organised by each European Commissioner to directly involve young people in EU policy discussions. President Ursula von der Leyen mandated that all Commissioners hold these dialogues within their first 100 days, emphasizing their importance.

Following a successful initial implementation, these dialogues are now an annual event, providing a consistent platform for young people to actively participate in shaping EU policies. The European Commission is committed to ensuring that young people have the opportunity to influence policy, drive change, and contribute to a fairer future.

To back this up, the Commission is rolling out a strategy for intergenerational justice – a framework that makes sure policies are future-proof. They’re also introducing a “youth check” to assess how EU decisions impact young people before they become law.

New initiatives: More power to young people

President von der Leyen also announced a Youth Advisory Board, designed to:
 ✅ Keep EU leaders in check on youth issues,
 ✅ Make sure policies reflect real youth concerns,
 ✅ Give young people an official role in EU decision-making.

Meanwhile, the EU is tackling one of Gen Z’s biggest concerns: online safety. From screen time addiction to cyberbullying, a new EU action plan is in the works to make digital spaces safer.

During the European Year of Youth 2022, each European Commissioner invited 12–15 young people to Brussels for deep-dive discussions on major policies. These weren’t PR stunts—attendees got to:

  • Ask direct, unfiltered questions,
  • Pitch ideas and policy changes,
  • Speak on live-streamed debates with thousands tuning in.

And here’s the best part – EU leaders actually listened. Many Commissioners incorporated youth proposals into their legislative work.

Are the Dialogues worth It? The stats say yes

Post-event surveys show young people see real value in these talks:
 📊 95% were happy with how the events were run,
 📊 82% rated the content as solid or excellent,
 📊 89% loved the interactive format,
 📊 88% saw networking as a major win,
 📊 60% found them environmentally responsible (a nice bonus).

Live-streams hit 7,000+ views, with peak engagement at 1,000+ simultaneous viewers.

What’s next?

The EU isn’t stopping here. The Youth Policy Dialogues are now an annual event, ensuring Gen Z has a permanent say in shaping the EU’s future.

At European Youth Week 2024, Vice-President Margaritis Schinas and Commissioner Iliana Ivanova hosted another round of discussions, proving that these conversations aren’t just one-offs.

This isn’t about “youth engagement” as a slogan—it’s about real change. Young Europeans aren’t just being heard; they’re shaping policy. 🚀

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