Engaged, informed and empowered young citizens and the organizations that advocate for their interests are the best guarantee for the sustainability of a democratic society.

This is stated in an analysis of the Economic and Social Council (ESC) on the participation of young people in the decision-making processes in Bulgaria and the European Union (EU), sent by the press center of the council.

The ISS notes that targeted actions are needed in terms of working with young people and the opportunities for their participation both on the part of local and regional authorities, and on the part of the state with its priorities, national initiatives and legislation.

The ISS adopted an opinion on an updated partnership option for the 2021-2027 program period.

The analysis states that the COVID-19 pandemic and its socio-economic consequences have had a negative impact on human rights, democracy and the rule of law, including civic space and youth policies.

This necessitates not only the active involvement of young people in the decision-making processes, but also the application of digitalization in the possibilities of hybrid participation tools, writes the ISS.

Another major problem identified by the Economic and Social Council is the lack of interest and motivation among young people to work on the problems that concern them.

The ISS also considers that an active commitment of the central, regional and local authorities is needed for the creation of youth organizations, youth councils and youth parliaments and their encouragement to participate in discussions and activities at the local, regional and national level.

The Council also emphasizes the need to establish local youth academies, the activities of which will help to include youth organizations and young people in the processes of policy formulation and decision-making together with the institutions.

The organization also states that it is necessary to promote and support appropriately the creation or improvement of sustainable governance structures at various levels to facilitate the participation of young people in decision-making processes, while also using a variety of informal options for participation.

To build knowledge and build capacity on the participation of young people in decision-making processes, use the possibilities of modern digital technologies, including interactive sites, social networks, cloud tools, etc., and apply them in even more to a large extent EU programs such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, the ISS calls for.  

young people

The Economic and Social Council