Institutional Relations Horizontal Programme
Projects
Youth Climate Dialogues
Young people are at the forefront of the climate crisis. Although they will bear the brunt of the negative impacts of climate change, and are amongst the most vocal advocates of meaningful climate action, their voices continue to be underrepresented in EU climate and environmental decision-making processes. Opportunities for young people and youth organisations to engage with the EU institutions in particular have been growing with the European Year of Youth, yet many of those platforms have been irregular and scattered, and will be discontinued in 2023.
The Youth Climate Dialogues aim to bring together young people from diverse backgrounds with various European decision makers and stakeholders. The Council Presidency Youth Dialogues discuss the priorities and opportunities for youth engagement before and during each Presidency. The European Parliament Youth Dialogues offer opportunities for youth to engage with Members of the European Parliament on a specified topic. Similarly, the Youth Climate and Sustainability Roundtables, organised in collaboration with the European Youth Forum and the European Economic and Social Committee bring together young people and a European Commissioner to discuss concrete policy measures on a given sustainability-related topic.
Aims:
- Spread awareness about the Youth Climate Dialogue formats amongst European stakeholders and European youth as a flagship project of European youth engagement on climate and environmental issues.
- Strengthen the impact and reach of the Youth Climate Dialogues to engage more people from non-environmental backgrounds.
- Enhance the follow-up mechanisms of the Dialogues to ensure and measure the impact of youth policy proposals.
Deliverables:
- Organise at least 2 Council Presidency Youth Dialogues
- Organise at least 2 European Parliament Youth Dialogues
- Organise at least 2 Youth Climate and Sustainability Roundtables on new economic thinking and energy
Youth Climate and Sustainability Roundtables
What are the Youth Climate and Sustainability Roundtables?
The Youth Climate and Sustainability Roundtables (YCSR) regularly bring together young people and European Commissioners to discuss and address crucial sustainability issues. These gatherings facilitate constructive dialogues, enabling youth to articulate their perspectives and formulate well-defined policy proposals to the European Commission. Held biannually, the YCSRs are organized by the European Economic and Social Committee in collaboration with the European Youth Forum and Generation Climate Europe. Each Roundtable centers on a specific climate and sustainability theme, with approximately ten youth representatives engaging directly with the relevant Commissioner.
A distinctive aspect of these roundtables is the follow-up mechanism designed to ensure that the voices of young people are effectively integrated into policymaking processes. Following each session, youth representatives submit an outcome document outlining key policy demands to the involved Commissioner. Subsequently, the Commissioner, supported by relevant Directorate-Generals, commits to delivering a comprehensive written response within the following months. Both documents are then made publicly accessible on the event’s website, fostering transparency and accountability. A follow-up meeting can be organized with the European Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, Generation Climate Europe, and the European Youth Forum to further discuss the response and next steps.
Stay updated on our social media channels for opportunities to participate as a youth representative in upcoming Roundtables! No registration is necessary to follow these events, as they are always live-streamed on our website. Join the debate! #EUYouthRoundTables
Past Roundtables
YCSR 1: Kick-off event – With Executive Vice-President Timmermans (07/2021)
recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScH2nQZl9pw
YCSR 2: Protecting ecosystems and restoring biodiversity – With Commissioner Sinkevičius (11/2021)
recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xNnW2pSjIY
YCSR 3: Food security and sustainable food systems – With Commissioner Wojciechowski (11/2022)
recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTd5zBNTB4w
YCSR 4: The sustainable economy we need – With Executive Vice-President Timmermans (07/2023)
website: https://www.eesc.europa.eu/en/agenda/our-events/events/youth-climate-and-sustainability-round-table-4
recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCJNsTUvRgw
Why are such Roundtables necessary?
The Youth Climate and Sustainability Roundtables are a crucial component of the efforts to tackle the pressing environmental issues facing Europe and the world. They provide a space for young people to have a voice in shaping the future of our planet and ensure that the perspectives and concerns of the next generation are taken into account. With the European Green Deal being a key initiative aimed at transforming Europe into a climate-neutral continent, it is essential that young people have a say in its implementation. The Roundtables allow youth to engage directly with European Commissioners and have a direct impact on policy-making.
Furthermore, the Roundtables offer an opportunity for the European Commission to receive feedback from young people and understand the impact of its policies on future generations. The outcome documents and the European Commission’s responses ensure accountability and transparency and foster alignment of EU policies with the needs and aspirations of young people. By participating in these Roundtables, young people can play an active role in shaping the future of our planet and creating a sustainable and equitable Europe for all.
Contact
e-mail: ycsroundtables@gceurope.org
