EU Youth Conference in Cyprus Highlights Young People’s Role in Shaping Europe’s Future

2026

EU Youth Conference in Cyprus Highlights Young People’s Role in Shaping Europe’s Future

The first EU Youth Conference of 2026 took place from 18 to 20 March in Nicosia and online under the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The event formed part of the 11th Cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue, focusing on European Youth Goal 1: Connecting the EU with Youth.

Organised in cooperation with the Youth Board of Cyprus, the Conference brought together hundreds of young people, representatives of Member States, EU institutions, and youth organisations. Despite being held in a hybrid format, it reaffirmed the importance of meaningful youth participation in democratic life.

Under the theme “Making the EU Youth-Friendly – Ensuring the Youth Friendliness of Policies,” participants explored ways to strengthen trust in the EU and increase youth participation in decision-making. The Conference also aimed to ensure that policies better reflect young people’s needs.

As the final event of the 11th Cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue, its outcomes will feed into the upcoming Council Resolution and help shape the post-2027 EU Youth Strategy.

Representatives of the European Commission and the European Parliament stressed that young people should not only participate in policymaking but also co-create the decisions that affect their future.

Working in eight thematic groups, participants developed recommendations on key issues. These included housing and student accommodation through Erasmus+, youth participation standards in policymaking, accessible information on EU policies, stronger links between formal and non-formal education, greater transparency in EU institutions, and increased support for local youth work.

The Conference demonstrated the strong commitment and capacity of young people to actively shape Europe’s future, marking an important step towards a more democratic, inclusive, and resilient European Union.