Portugal keeps promoting youth participation with a new model of co-management

2026

Portugal keeps promoting youth participation with a new model of co-management

Following consultations with young people conducted last year, Portugal has published Regulation No. 422/2026, of 24 April, which approves a new co-management model for the IPDJ Youth Information Spaces. Developed by the Portuguese Institute for Sport and Youth, I.P. (IPDJ), in partnership with the National Youth Council (CNJ) and the National Federation of Youth Associations (FNAJ), the model is part of a broader renewal of public youth information services in Portugal, aiming at making them more participatory, accessible and connected to young people’s daily realities.

By introducing shared management structures at the national and local levels, the regulation brings young people and youth organisations closer to the planning, programming, and development of these spaces. It recognises youth participation not only as a democratic principle, but also as a key element of quality youth information: services become more relevant when young people help shape them.

In line with the values promoted by ERYICA and the European Youth Information Charter, the new model also highlights shared responsibility, inclusion, transparency, and innovation as central principles for strengthening local youth information services.