Harnessing the potential of digital tools to strengthen youth participation in EU democratic life – YouEU

#YouEU aims to reinvigorate the relationship of European youth with the EU and promote active youth participation in the EU democratic life.

Grant Agreement Number: 2020-3-EL02-KA205-006730

Funded by: Erasmus+        Duration: 10/02/2021 – 09/02/2023   

Challenge

How to strengthen participation is a question that permeates the substance of democracy at all levels – from local to European. Encouraging youth participation has been high on the EU scholarly and policy agendas over the recent decades, especially after the end of what was coined ‘the permissive consensus’ in the EU affairs and as the EU democratic deficit was beginning to be key issue on the agenda. The encouragement of youth participation in the democratic life constitutes a fundamental aim of the EU enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty.

Amidst the rise of populism and a return to nationalist discourses there is a need to nurture youth engagement and to strengthen their connection to the EU project giving EU democracy a youth revamping. The 2019 EP Elections Turnout marked a positive turn to youth participation and interest of young people. In addition, the participation of youth in global movements (climate change, MeToo and others) manifests young people’s passion and enthusiasm to make a stand and have a say in their future and contradict the often-mentioned generalisation of youth apathy.

Innovation

#YouEU aims to reinvigorate the relationship of European youth with the EU and promote active youth participation in the EU democratic life by harnessing the potential of digital tools and promoting e-participation. 

Action

European Commission’s support for the production of this content does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Project Partners