Council Presidency Youth Dialogue

What is the Council Presidency Youth Dialogue?

Organised by Generation Climate Europe (GCE), the Council Presidency Youth Dialogue (CPYD) is a virtual event which gives young people the opportunity to share their ideas, questions and priorities on environmental issues with EU decision-makers from the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. 

The project ensures youth representation in European climate policy decision-making and boosts youth engagement with climate issues and the EU institutions. 

Each dialogue discusses a different topic in consideration of the most recent challenges relevant to young people and climate change. The first ever dialogue took place in July 2020 with Ms. Svenja Schulze, the then German Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. It  explored the following topic: ‘For a Green Recovery’, pertaining to the need for Europe to build a more resilient and sustainable economy following the Covid Pandemic. It gathered over 240 participants and reached over 2,500 people from all over the world online.

Since then, GCE has successfully held more dialogues, which you can find through the links at the bottom of this page.

Past Dialogue Details

GERMANY

2020 CPYD

13 July 2020 — 1st Council Presidency Youth Dialogue — ‘For a Green Recovery’ with Ms Svenja Schulze, German Minister of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. 

10 December 2020 — ‘Are we on the right track?’ with Ms Svenja Schulze, German Minister of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. 

 

SWEDEN

2023 CPYD

17 May 2023 — ‘Climate education’ in light of the European Year of Skills 2023. For the first time, we combined representatives from 2 presidencies: Stina Söderqvist (Swedish Delegation for the UNFCCC and National Focal Point for ACE) for the Swedish Presidency and Dr Jan Dusík (Director General for Climate Protection at the Czech Ministry of Environment) for the previous Czech Presidency. They were joined by three youth panellists, representing the Swedish National Youth Council (LSU), the Climate Students Sweden (Klimatstudenterna Sverige), and Generation Climate Europe.

 

SLOVENIA

2021 CPYD


23 September 2021 — ‘For a green and just Transition I’ with Ms Metka Gorisek, Slovenian State Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning in partnership with the National Youth Council of Slovenia (MSS). 

8 December 2021 — ‘For a green and just Transition II’ with Jože Podgoršek, Slovenian Agriculture Minister, in order to confront both the environmental and agricultural priorities of the Presidency.

 

CZECH REPUBLIC

2022 CPYD

14 September 2022 — ‘Achieving a Just Transition in a time of energy insecurity?’with the Czech Republic.  Dr Jan Dusík, the Czech Deputy Environment Minister, and three panellists representing the European Youth Energy Network (EYEN), the Czech National Youth Council, and Youth and Environment Europe (YEE) discussed. 

 

SPAIN

2023 CPYD

9 November 2023 —‘Youth Voices for Nature Restoration’ with the Spanish Council Presidency represented by Fernando Magdaleno Mas (Deputy Director General of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity, Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge of Spain) and joined by Karin Nutti Pilflykt (Advisor of the EU Unit, Saami Council), Xabier Triana Gomez (Youth Representative, Consejo de la Juventud de España (Spanish Youth Council); and Noah Stommel (Nature Restoration Project Lead, GCE).

 

Keep an eye on our social media channels to be informed about our upcoming dialogue!

Previous events can be viewed below

How you can get involved?

If you wish to know more about the Council Presidency Youth Dialogues, you can watch our past dialogues at the links below and follow Generation Climate Europe on social media to take part in our next event and bring your concerns to EU policy-makers.

WHY IS SUCH A DIALOGUE NECESSARY?

Young people are at the forefront of the climate crisis, but their voices are under-represented in EU climate and environmental decision-making processes. Although individuals under 35 constitute about 30% of the European Union’s population, their representation in policy-making remains disproportionately low. For example, in the European Parliament, only about 9% of MEPs are under the age of 35, which highlights a substantial gap in representation.

 

Through the Youth Climate Dialogues, Generation Climate Europe aims to create an opportunity for young people to engage with the EU institutions on climate and environmental topics in an inclusive and youth-led way especially since surveys suggest that over 75% of European youth consider climate change to be the most pressing issue facing their generation. Genuine dialogue is a two-way process: young people are invited not just to listen, but to voice their opinions and share their fresh ideas with European policy makers.  This may inspire future policy-making and create a culture of youth participation among the EU institutions where currently less than 10% of decision-makers are under the age of 30.

The Council is a crucial institution in the EU decision-making process, and yet one that is less visible. By putting a spotlight on the Council in the Council Presidency Youth Dialogues, we provide young people a better understanding of its role and working, and an opportunity to have their say on important issues that are discussed in the Council, directly engaging with those presiding the Council meetings.

WHO ATTENDS THE COUNCIL PRESIDENCY YOUTH DIALOGUE?

The Council Presidency Youth Dialogue brings together environmental ministers from the country holding the Council Presidency of the European Union and selected young people who represent youth perspectives on environmental issues. 

 

The Presidency is a six month position which chairs the meetings at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU’s work in the Council. It is the EU institution that defines the general political direction and priorities of the European Union. You can learn more about the Council Presidency and the Council of the European Union here.  

In addition to the Council Presidency and selected youth speakers, Generation Climate Europe invites other young people to attend the event, offering young people the opportunity to express their views and ask questions about the EU’s climate policy with EU decision-makers.   

FAQ Section

Q1: What is the Council Presidency Youth Dialogue?

A1: The Council Presidency Youth Dialogue is an event organised by Generation Climate Europe (GCE) that brings together young people and EU decision-makers to discuss pressing environmental issues. It is held in conjunction with the country that holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Q2: Who can participate in the Council Presidency Youth Dialogue?

A2: The dialogue is open to young people who are interested in environmental issues and EU policies. Participants typically include representatives from national youth councils, young members of climate organisations, and young citizens.

Q3: How are panellists selected for the dialogue?

A3: Participants are selected based on their involvement and experience in climate and environmental activism, as well as their potential to contribute constructively to discussions. Applications may be required, especially for youth speakers roles.

Q4: What topics are discussed during the dialogues?

A4: Each dialogue focuses on a different topic, usually relevant to current environmental challenges and the EU’s policy agenda. Topics are chosen in consideration of the most recent and pressing issues facing young people and the climate.

Q5: How often are the Council Presidency Youth Dialogues held?

A5: The dialogues are organized to coincide with the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which changes every six months. Therefore, at least two dialogues are held each year.

Q6: How can the input from young people during the dialogues influence EU policy?

A6: The dialogues are designed to provide direct communication channels between young people and EU policymakers. The insights and recommendations from these discussions are compiled and can influence ongoing policy reviews and the development of new legislation.

Q7: Are the dialogues held in person or online?

A7: Depending on the current health guidelines and logistical considerations, the dialogues can be held virtually or in person. Initially, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many dialogues were conducted online but may transition to in-person events as circumstances allow.

 

Q8: How can someone outside of Europe participate or contribute?

A8: International participants are welcome to join virtually. They can contribute by submitting questions or comments online during the live-streamed events or by participating in pre-event surveys and discussions on social media.

Q9: Is there a way to watch the dialogues if I cannot participate live?

A9: Yes, all dialogues are recorded and made available on the Generation Climate Europe website and social media channels for later viewing. This ensures that anyone interested can access the discussions at their convenience.

Q10: How can I stay updated about upcoming dialogues and other related events?

A10: To stay updated, follow Generation Climate Europe on social media platforms and subscribe to our newsletter. Updates about upcoming dialogues, application deadlines, and other opportunities are regularly posted there.