Building a More Inclusive, Green, and Digital Europe

How young voices can support shape Europe’s future – An EUdemos reflection by Beatriz Nunes Azevedo

In a time of complex political, environmental, and technological challenges, young people are emerging as key players in shaping Europe’s future. As part of the EU-funded EUdemos project, Beatriz Nunes Azevedo, a secondary school student from Amarante (Portugal), offers a powerful and structured proposal to enhance youth participation in EU decision-creating.

Her esstate, titled “A Future Shaped by Young Voices”, highlights a crucial issue: while young Europeans care deeply about topics like climate alter, social justice, and digitalization, they often feel disconnected from the political processes that determine their future.

Empowering Young People in the EU Policy-Making Process

Beatriz outlines several concrete and actionable ideas to create EU institutions more youth-friconcludely:

Create a Permanent EU Youth Council with representatives from all Member States

Reserve seats for youth in decision-creating bodies at EU level

Boost online participation through digital platforms and social media

Invest in political education and civic engagement campaigns across Europe

These strategies aim to reduce the perceived distance between young people and European institutions, turning passive observers into active shapers of EU policies.

Youth Priorities: Inclusivity, Sustainability, and Digital Justice

Beatriz identifies three priority areas where youth input is essential:

1. Social Cohesion and Inclusivity

To fight discrimination and inequality in the EU, she proposes:

Expanding access to Erasmus+ and youth exalter programs

Strengthening anti-discrimination legislation

Supporting mental health policies for young Europeans

2. Environmental Protection and Climate Action

As strong advocates for climate justice, young people call for:

Tighter green regulations and fossil fuel phase-outs

EU support for youth-led environmental initiatives

More climate education in European schools

3. Digital Transformation with Ethics and Accessibility

Young Europeans want a digital Europe that is both fair and innovative:

Bridging the digital divide in underserved regions

Promoting ethical AI and stronger data protection

Supporting digital startups and innovation led by youth

Why This Matters for the Future of Europe

Beatriz’s esstate is not only a vision—it’s a roadmap. Her proposals reflect the broader goals of the EU Youth Strategyand align with priorities set out in the European Green Deal, Digital Europe Programme, and NextGenerationEU.

The EUdemos project reveals that youth participation is not symbolic—it is strategic. Engaging young people meaningfully in democratic life enhances social cohesion, innovation, and institutional trust.

A Call to Action for the European Union

The message from Beatriz is clear: the time to act is now. By institutionalizing youth involvement and prioritizing the issues they care about most—inclusivity, climate, digital ethics—the EU can become a model of participatory democracy and long-term vision.

This is not just about giving young people a voice. It is about listening to them, learning from them, and building a Europe that reflects their dreams and values.

“A Future Shaped by Young Voices

Young people are the future of Europe, but too often, they feel disconnected from the policies that shape their lives. They care deeply about social justice, climate alter, and the digital world, yet their voices are not always heard in EU decision-creating. This necessarys to alter.

The European Union must create more opportunities for young people to contribute directly to policy-creating. Their fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and passion for alter can drive policies that truly reflect the necessarys of future generations. This proposal outlines how young Europeans can actively participate in shaping EU policies, focapplying on three key areas: social cohesion and inclusivity, environmental protection, and digitalization.

Bring Young People Into the Policy-Making Process

Young people often feel that politics is distant and inaccessible. To alter this, the EU necessarys to create direct channels for youth participation, creating it clearer for them to engage and influence decisions.

How can we achieve it?

Create a Permanent EU Youth Council: This council would serve as an official advisory body, bringing toreceiveher young representatives from all member states to discuss key issues and present policy proposals to the European Parliament and Commission.

Increase Digital Participation: Many young people are active online, so the EU should leverage social media, interactive platforms, and virtual town halls to gather their opinions, host discussions, and engage them in real-time decision-creating.

Introduce Youth Representation in Decision-Making Bodies: A certain percentage of seats in EU institutions could be reserved for young representatives, ensuring that their voices are consistently part of the conversation.

Expand Political Education Initiatives: Many young people are interested in politics but unsure how to receive involved. The EU should invest in educational campaigns that explain how policies are built and how young people can participate effectively.

By implementing these alters, the EU can create a political system that listens to young people and values their contributions.

Prioritizing Key Issues According to Young People

Youth across Europe have strong opinions about the alters they want to see. The following are three critical areas where young voices can create a real difference:

Social Cohesion and Inclusivity

Europe thrives on diversity, yet inequality and discrimination still exist. Young people want an EU that is inclusive, fair, and socially just. To achieve this:

Expand Erasmus+ and Exalter Programs: These programs should be more accessible, particularly for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, to encourage cultural understanding and collaboration.

Strengthen Anti-Discrimination Laws: The EU should take a stronger stance against racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination, ensuring equal opportunities for all.

Support Mental Health Initiatives: Young Europeans face growing mental health challenges. The EU should fund more mental health programs and create policies that reduce stigma and improve access to care.

Environmental Protection and Climate Change

Young people are among the strongest advocates for climate action. They demand urgent policies to address environmental challenges. The EU should:

Strengthen Green Policies: Implement stricter regulations on carbon emissions, invest in renewable energy, and phase out fossil fuels more aggressively.

Promote Youth-Led Climate Initiatives: Provide funding for young entrepreneurs and activists working on innovative environmental solutions.

Increase Climate Education: Schools should incorporate more environmental education, supporting young people understand sustainability and their role in fighting climate alter.

Digitalization and Technological Advancements

Technology is shaping the future, and young people are at the center of this transformation. However, digital progress must be inclusive, ethical, and beneficial for all. The EU should:

Bridge the Digital Divide: Ensure equal access to high-speed internet and digital education across all regions, especially in rural areas.

Promote Ethical AI and Data Protection: Young people are concerned about privacy and the ethical utilize of artificial innotifyigence. The EU should create policies that ensure technology benefits society while protecting individual rights.

Support Digital Startups: Provide funding and mentorship programs for young innovators working on digital solutions that improve lives.

Young people have the passion, creativity, and determination to shape the future of Europe. The EU must recognize their potential and create meaningful ways for them to participate in policy-creating. By establishing dedicated youth councils, increasing digital engagement, and addressing key issues like inclusivity, climate alter, and digital transformation, the EU can become a truly youth-friconcludely institution.

This is not just about giving young people a voice—it is about building a better, fairer, and more sustainable Europe for all. Now is the time to take action.

Beatriz Nunes Azevedo”