Youth democratic participation – especially at local level – essential in times of stability and crisis alike

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has adopted today a new recommendation to member states, calling upon them to implement the European Charter on the participation of young people in local and regional life.

The charter sets out standards and mechanisms for young people to engage in democratic processes, decision making and community rebuilding at local and regional levels, through safe, inclusive, accessible formats, also in times of crisis. Application of youth participation standards and mechanisms at all levels is a practical step towards the New Democratic Pact for Europe, a pioneering initiative of the Council of Europe aimed at revitalising democracy.

Youth participation means a better democratic future

The participation of young people is a determining factor for a sustainable democratic future of Europe. Youth participation means that young people have the right, the means, the space, the structures, the opportunities, the tools and the necessary support to participate in and influence decision making at local and regional levels.

Youth participation is essential not only in times of democratic stability, but also in situations of armed conflict, forced displacement and post-emergency recovery, as it contributes to safeguarding democratic values and fostering civic trust.

At the local level, the right to participate in democratic life can be exercised most directly. The European Charter on the participation of young people in local and regional life spells out various dimensions of exercising this right. Respect for the freedom of expression of young people ensures that young people can voice their opinions without fear of intimidation, repression or backlash. At the same time, young people need access to unbiased and reliable information to make informed decisions. The right to privacy requires additional protection with respect to participation processes, in both online and offline environments.

The recommendation highlights the importance of equal access to fundamental rights, equal opportunities for all young people and support systems for their participation, including youth centres, youth work and youth civil society. Policies should address young people's diverse needs. Young people in exile, young human-rights defenders and those with refugee or asylum-seeking backgrounds often face additional barriers and risks to participation and require additional measures to ensure their safety, inclusion and access to democratic processes.

Protecting rights, benefitting the community

Youth participation is an individual right with a collective dimension: young people can make an impact not only as individuals but as part of a broader group. Freedom of assembly and association, including the protection of youth civil society is a requirement for meaningful youth participation at any level. Young people exercise these rights in various ways, including through engagement in youth organisations, local and regional youth councils and movements, and by taking part in demonstrations and advocacy groups, the Charter says.

The charter is a result of a consultative process set up by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe and the Joint Council on youth. The Committee of Ministers acknowledges this consultation as an example of good practice of the participatory process for young people and youth civil society, as well as local and regional authorities.

The Congress adopted the European Charter on the participation of young people in local and regional life at its October 2025 plenary session in Strasbourg, calling upon local and regional authorities as duty-bearers of youth participation to translate the charter's provisions into concrete action on the ground.

The dissemination of the charter in different languages will set in immediately. The Committee of Ministers will review the implementation of this recommendation by member countries in five years.

Read the recommendation in full

Learn more about the Council of Europe's work in the area of youth

Towards a New Democratic Pact for Europe