Youth Agenda: New EU Platform to Amplify Youth Voices

A new pan-European youth advocacy organization, Youth Agenda, launched yesterday in Brussels, bringing together 1,100 young people and several Members of the European Parliament. The platform aims to influence policy decisions related to key issues like housing, employment, and healthcare, building on the success of the Barcelona-based talent incubator, Lideremos.

A New Voice for European Youth

Youth Agenda operates as a non-profit association structured around thematic committees comprised of professionals and experts. An “impact team” will translate the committees’ input into actionable proposals for policymakers, while a dedicated “makers” team will focus on the project’s operational growth and expansion. This structure is designed to ensure both strategic direction and effective implementation.

Did You Know? The organization convened 1,100 young people and multiple Eurodeputies at its launch event in Brussels.

Expanding Reach and Influence

The organization is already planning expansion into Portugal, Italy, and France, signaling an ambition to become a significant force across the European Union. President Tomás Güell emphasized the organization’s commitment to European unity, stating, “We are proud to be Europeans and to be part of a great Union.”

Güell also highlighted the urgency of addressing Europe’s competitive challenges, noting the need for efficiency and a long-term strategy in the face of global competition from China and the United States. Youth Agenda intends to contribute a “young, independent, and constructive voice” to the European debate.

Expert Insight: The emergence of Youth Agenda reflects a growing recognition of the need to incorporate diverse perspectives into European policymaking, particularly as the continent navigates complex challenges related to technological disruption and economic stagnation.

Vice President and Founder Julieta Rueff underscored the organization’s ability to unite individuals with diverse ideologies, stating, “We have demonstrated that young people of different ideologies and sensitivities can come together for a common good and drive concrete proposals, bringing a young perspective to lead Europe more strongly.”

High-Level Support

The launch event was attended by prominent figures from the European Commission and the Spanish government, including Beatriz Yordi, Director of Climate Action at the European Commission, and Juan Hernández, representing Spain at the EU. Numerous Eurodeputies also participated, including Oihane Agirregoitia, Adrián Vázquez, María Guzenina, Tomáš Zdechovský, Elena Nevado, Kai Tegethof, Borja Giménez, and José Cepeda.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of Youth Agenda?

The primary goal of Youth Agenda is to influence policy decisions within the European Union on issues such as housing, employment, and health, by providing a platform for young people’s concerns and proposals.

What is the connection between Youth Agenda and Lideremos?

Youth Agenda was inspired by and builds upon the success of Lideremos, a youth talent incubator founded four years ago in Barcelona.

Which countries are targeted for expansion beyond the initial launch?

Youth Agenda is already planning to expand its operations to Portugal, Italy, and France.

As Youth Agenda establishes itself, will it be able to effectively navigate the complexities of EU policymaking and translate youth concerns into tangible results?