Discussions with the staff of Roxana Mînzatu, Vice-President of the European Commission

One of the items on the programme on 24 June was a discussion with Max Uebe and Raphaëlle Bolognini. Both work in the cabinet of Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Social Rights and Skills.

The discussion centred on the question of how young people’s perspectives can be incorporated more systematically into European policy-making processes. The participants made it clear that youth policy must not be limited to individual programmes or policy areas. Rather, the interests, needs and potential impacts of political decisions on young people must be taken into account from the outset across all relevant policy areas. Consistent youth mainstreaming can help to shape European policy in a way that is fairer to all generations and to strengthen young people’s participation in political decision-making processes in the long term.

Furthermore, the working groups discussed the consequences of the massive cuts to, or interruptions in, funding from the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Partner youth networks and their member organisations in the Eastern Partnership countries and the Western Balkans are consequently facing considerable financial and structural challenges. In some cases, established projects, full-time structures and networks built up over the long term are under immediate threat. The cuts are therefore affecting organisations that provide young people with opportunities for engagement, democratic participation and cross-border cooperation.

During the discussions, it became clear that a vibrant democracy depends on strong and independent civil society structures. Youth organisations need long-term and reliable support, particularly in countries where the scope for democratic action is increasingly being restricted. The Bundesjugendring therefore emphasised the European Union’s responsibility to address existing funding gaps and to strengthen civil society youth structures as key partners in democratic and European development.

The discussion offered participants the opportunity to share their experiences from youth organisations and from working with international partner organisations directly with the European Commission. At the same time, it became clear how important ongoing dialogue is between European institutions, youth federations and young activists, so that youth policy perspectives can be incorporated into European decision-making at an early stage and effectively.