During the EU Youth Dialogue, young people and policymakers from across Europe come together every six months to work on new ideas and recommendations in the field of a specific theme in European youth policy. The goal is to develop youth policy at the European, national, and local levels not just for young people but with their active involvement.

Every year and a half, a different theme takes center stage. During cycle 9 (January 2022 – June 2023), European Youth Goals 3 and 10 were the focus: 'Engaging for a green and inclusive Europe.' Questions discussed during this cycle included:

• How do the themes of climate and inclusion intersect, and how are young people engaging with them in their daily lives?
• How can we facilitate conversations that involve different generations discussing these themes?

To ensure that the opinions of as many diverse young people as possible are considered during the European Youth Conferences, in our feedback on (European) policy documents, and in our reports, the youth representatives for European Affairs engage in discussions with various young people as much as possible. The youth representatives for European Affairs, along with the Young in Europe working group, conduct guest lectures that align with the central themes. NJR also organizes meetings and activities to further discuss these themes with different groups of young people and policymakers.

Here is the factsheet with the results of cycle 9.

Here is the factsheet with the results of cycle 8.

previous cycles

Cycle 8: Space for Democracy and Participation

During cycle 8 (July 2020 – December 2021), the theme was 'Europe for YOUth – YOUth for Europe: Space for Democracy and Participation.'

• What is needed for meaningful youth participation?
• How can policymakers engage in meaningful conversations with young people?

Cycle 7: Creating Opportunities for Youth

The theme of cycle 7 (January 2019 - July 2020) was 'Creating opportunities for youth.' Given the broad theme, the countries organizing the conferences chose three sub-themes:

• Quality work for everyone
• Quality youth work for everyone
• Opportunities for youth in rural areas
  

Cycle 6: European Youth Goals

During cycle 6 (July 2017 - December 2018), young people worked on a comprehensive overview of topics that youth policy should focus on. In all participating European member states, including the Netherlands, young people were surveyed about what they find important and what needs to change to improve their lives. The outcomes were processed at the European Youth Dialogue conferences into 11 European Youth Goals, covering a wide spectrum from climate to gender equality to quality education and employment (view all goals here!). With the accompanying recommendations, policymakers know precisely what can advance youth.

want to know more?

• If you are enthusiastic and want to learn more about this topic, visit the webpage of the youth representatives.
• If you are interested in this project and would like to participate in activities organized for this project, leave your details in this typeform.
• If you are a policymaker and would like to participate in dialog sessions as part of the European Youth Dialogue, contact Shareena or Rozemarijn (youth representatives for European Affairs).

In the Netherlands, NJR is responsible for the EU Youth Dialogue, together with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), and the NJi (Netherlands Youth Institute). The EU Youth Dialogue is made possible in part by the Erasmus+ program of the European Commission.