Europe’s youth engage with Commissioner Hoekstra on the future of climate action

The youth of today will experience the effects of climate change more profoundly and for longer than any other age group. It's for this reason that young people around the world have long been calling for stronger, more decisive action to tackle the crisis, and continue to do ahead of the UN Climate Conference (COP30) being held in Belém, Brazil, from 10-21 November 2025.

Ahead of COP30, twelve representatives of youth organisations active on climate issues - including six European Climate Pact Ambassadors and Partners - gathered in Brussels on 27 October for a discussion with Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth.

The discussion covered topics including climate targets, adaptation and preparedness, and climate finance, with a particular focus on youth engagement, protecting vulnerable groups, and the urgent need to remain within planetary boundaries to ensure intergenerational fairness.

Commissioner Hoekstra responded to suggestions and concerns raised around the table, emphasising the importance of continued youth participation and reaffirming EU climate leadership in a fast-paced, ever-changing international political landscape.

"We as a team are actively looking for a conversation with youth, and we also benefit from it," said Commissioner Hoekstra.

Participants represented youth organisations from across the Union, including the European Youth Energy Network (EYEN), World's Youth for Climate Justice, Generation Climate Europe (GCE), and the European Youth Forum (EYF), amongst others.

In the lead-up to COP30, these representatives - collectively speaking for more than 73 million young Europeans - had their voices heard by EU policymakers just weeks before the key climate negotiations begin.

"We are here to represent the millions of youth across the EU... and to do our best to have an impact on behalf of them," said Sigurd Seindal Krabbe, Denmark's Youth Delegate to the UN for Climate and Environment.

The key takeaways from the Youth Dialogue are outlined below and will contribute to shaping future EU climate policy and negotiations, including at COP30.

Stronger climate leadership through more youth involvement

Young people around the table stressed the urgency of climate action, following legal rulings and research on the planetary boundaries that set a "safe operating space for humanity" by setting limits on human activities that could cause catastrophic environmental changes.

"The 1.5°C goal is a red line that we should not go over if we want to sustain a liveable life on earth," said Samira Ben Ali, Climate Pact Ambassador and Youth delegate to COP30 for the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)

They also emphasised that the gap between current climate policy and the action needed to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement demand urgent attention and more profound policy, such as clear domestic climate targets, new approaches such as innovative aviation taxes, and more empowered citizen engagement.

Putting youth at the centre of political decision-making can safeguard the climate demands of the younger generation and steer the course to stronger climate action.

"Youth involvement is crucial and really important, and we are the future generation that in 30 years will be bearing the consequences of the decisions made today," said Rūdolfs Podzis, Latvia's Advisor on Climate Action at the United Nations Youth Delegate Program.

More adaptation with a focus on vulnerable communities

Participants highlighted the need to go beyond mitigation - reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere - and increase efforts on adapting to the effects of climate change. Measurable indicators and the involvement of local authorities are important for successful adaptation.

Participants also stressed that climate adaptation needs to go hand-in-hand with protecting vulnerable groups, such as children and overseas territories of the EU, and financing should be more accessible, equitable and grant-based. In addition, policy should incorporate civic engagement and education-focused approaches and issues such as mental health.

Pull quote: "Children make up half of the population in the most climate affected countries, so they are really disproportionately impacted, not just because they are in a very vulnerable state of their development, but also because they will live the longest with the consequences of our actions and inactions," said Martina Bogado Duffner, Climate Policy and Advocacy Lead, Save the Children EU, European Climate Pact Partner.

Climate action in a European context

Commissioner Hoekstra acknowledged the call for stronger EU climate leadership on the global stage, emphasising that Europe must continue to lead by example in a way that balances climate ambition with economic competitiveness, energy independence and political feasibility.

While acknowledging that the EU can and must do more, Commissioner Hoekstra stressed that global climate progress depends on collective effort, urging other major emitters to match Europe's ambition.

He also reiterated that true and lasting climate ambition must stem from public engagement and democratic demand to ensure legitimacy and a broad base of support. Ultimately, climate action must be both bold and balanced, rooted in what is politically and economically sustainable for Europe and its citizens.

To this end, he encouraged the youth representatives around the table - and those working across Europe - to stay engaged with climate action. Young people are in a key position to boost climate action at the local, national and international level, both in civil society and the political realm. The EU will also continue to engage with the youth, including at the UN Climate Conference in Brazil, and take their perspectives to COP30.

More information

• COP30 - Climate Action

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