THE COUNCIL AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL

DECLARE that in building a prosperous, inclusive, secure and sustainable future, the creativity, energy and diverse talents of all citizens, especially young people, are needed to sustain democracy, secure peace, stand firm on European values and make the most of the green and digital transitions. The European Year of Youth (‘the Year’) (1) recalled that Europe needs all its young people and emphasised how the European Union (EU) adds value to young people’s lives, supports their personal development and equips them with the key resources and skills to become active citizens and agents for solidarity and positive change. The Year also demonstrated young people’s expectations that there should be a youth perspective in relevant Union policy fields, in particular through youth mainstreaming. (2)

STRESS that the Year proved to be a pinnacle of European cooperation, and that its legacy must live on to leave the world a better place for the coming generations. Every action that the EU takes should be inspired by solidarity between generations. To sustain the European Union’s commitment to Europe’s young people, with special attention given to young people with fewer opportunities, European Youth Policy cooperation, as embodied in the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027, must be adjusted to the new developments and needs identified during the Year. Further steps forward must be taken to deliver tangible results for and with young people.

EMPHASISE the important role played by youth councils, youth organisations and youth work organisations and youth workers at all levels, as well as national authorities, amongst others, in mobilising and advocating for young people, as witnessed during the Year.

REAFFIRM that youth mainstreaming and anchoring a strong youth perspective across all relevant Union policies are important areas of work for the European Union.

WELCOME the various initiatives aimed at addressing the legacy of the Year, (3) as well as the ambition of the Communication on the European Year of Youth (4) to take action forward in two key areas: giving young people a stronger voice in EU policymaking and addressing youth concerns across policy areas.

TAKE NOTE of the key actions proposed in the Communication in response to young people’s concerns in five key policy fields relevant to them: health and well-being, environment and climate, education and training, international cooperation and European values, employment and inclusion.

CALLS UPON the Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, within their respective competences, to work with and for youth to:

(1)  As envisaged in Decision (EU) 2021/2316 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 December 2021 on a European Year of Youth (2022), OJ L 462, 28.12.2021.

(2)  Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on promoting youth mainstreaming in policy decision-making processes in the European Union (C/2023/1342), and in particular paragraphs 30 and 32.

(3)  These initiatives include the Claim the Future Conference held on 6 December 2022 as the closing event of the European Year of Youth, the policy event organised on 26 April 2023 on an EU Youth test/check, and the mainstreaming youth policy event addressing the legacy of the Year, held on 19 June 2023, which took place in Brussels.

(4)  Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the European Year of Youth 2022, COM(2024)1.

(5)   ‘Mutual learning between Member States, the European Commission and relevant stakeholders should be a tool for the advancement of youth policy with regard to both core and cross-sectoral areas. Expert groups will continue to develop policy guidance, practical tools and share good practices; this strategy will offer new tools for mutual learning, such as peer reviews and peer counselling, high-level forums, analysis and studies, following the priorities of the EU Youth Strategy at large, and within the triennial Work Plans. It will pursue a more systematic approach to quality youth information, outreach and dissemination, building on its existing networks.’ Resolution of the Council of the European Union and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on a framework for European cooperation in the youth field: The European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027 (2018/C 456/01).

(6)  See paragraph 35 of the Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on the outcomes of the 9th Cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue (2023/C 185/04), paragraph 34 of the Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on the outcomes of the 8th cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue (2021/C 504/01) and paragraph 14 of the Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the overview of the structured dialogue process including social inclusion of young people (2014/C 183/01).