What is the EU Youth Dialogue?
The EU Youth Dialogue (formerly known as “Structured Dialogue”) is an EU mechanism that gives the opportunity to young people and decision makers to discuss youth related issues. The dialogue is taking place in the framework of the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 which which focuses on three main core areas ‘connect, engage and empower’ and encourages cooperation between the EU countries in respect to all issues concerning young people.
How does it happen?
The dialogue with policy makers and other dialogue activities happen in 18-month work cycles. Each cycle focuses on a different thematic priority (such as participation, inclusion, employment), set by the Council of Youth Ministers.
The Trio Presidency takes the leading role with regard to steering the implementation of the EU Youth Dialogue, in close cooperation with the European Commission, the National Youth Councils, the European Youth Forum and other youth civil society representatives.
What is the outcome?
Once national and european consultations with youth are over, the results are compiled, analysed and further discussed at the EU Youth Conferences. During the conferences, youth representatives and policy makers have the opportunity to exchange views and work together for formulating policy recommendations on the topic under discussion. The EU Youth Conferences take place twice a year and are hosted by the country that holds the EU Presidency.
The conclusions of the EU Youth dialogue activities are presented to the Council of the European Union which then proceeds to the adoption of a policy document on the EU Youth Dialogue outcomes.
National Working Group
As the coordinator of the EU Youth Dialogue in Cyprus, the Cyprus Youth Council (CYC), together with the Youth Board of Cyprus and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth constitute the EU Youth Dialogue National Working Group.
During every cycle of the Dialogue, consultations are taking place in various towns and communities, several activities are carried out for further promotion of the Dialogue, and meetings are held between the representatives of the National Working Group, for action planning and analysing the outcomes of the Consultations.