Young people across Europe now have a rare opportunity to directly influence the future of youth policies in the European Union through the “Young Voices for Europe” Youth Policy Dialogue with Commissioner Glenn Micallef. Organized under the European Youth Portal, this fully funded youth engagement initiative will bring together 30 young participants in Lyon, France, from 15 to 17 July 2026 to contribute to discussions that will shape the next EU Youth Strategy.
This exciting opportunity is designed for young people who are passionate about creating meaningful change in society, improving youth participation, and ensuring that the voices of young Europeans are heard at the highest policy-making levels.
The initiative is led by Commissioner Glenn Micallef, the European Commissioner responsible for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport. Participants will engage in high-level discussions on some of the most pressing challenges affecting young people today and help propose ideas that could influence future European youth policies.
Importantly, no prior policy experience is required, making this opportunity accessible to a broad range of young people from different educational, professional, and social backgrounds.
Why the “Young Voices for Europe” Dialogue Matters
The European Union is currently preparing its next Youth Strategy, and this dialogue aims to ensure that young people themselves contribute to shaping it.
Rather than developing policies without youth input, the EU wants young people to actively participate in conversations about:
- Inclusion in youth participation
- Challenges facing young Europeans
- Policy reforms needed to support youth development
- Ways the EU can better respond to young people’s needs
This initiative represents an important step toward strengthening democratic participation among young people and promoting inclusive governance across Europe.
Key Discussion Topics
Selected participants will engage in conversations around several important themes, including:
1. Making Youth Participation More Inclusive
Participants will discuss how youth engagement can become more accessible and inclusive regardless of:
- Social background
- Economic status
- Ethnicity
- Disability
- Educational level
- Geographic location
The discussions will focus on ensuring that every young person has a chance to participate in shaping policies that affect their future.
2. Addressing the Biggest Challenges Young People Face
The dialogue will also explore critical issues affecting youth today, such as:
- Employment and career opportunities
- Mental health
- Education access
- Social inclusion
- Housing challenges
- Digital transformation
- Climate concerns
- Youth representation in governance
Participants will have the opportunity to share personal experiences and propose practical solutions.
3. Building a Youth-Centered EU Strategy
Another important objective of the event is to understand how the European Union can better meet the real needs of young people.
Young participants will help policymakers identify:
- Existing gaps in youth support systems
- Areas where policies are ineffective
- New ideas for future youth-focused initiatives
- Strategies for stronger youth engagement across Europe
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the “Young Voices for Europe” Youth Policy Dialogue, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18 and 30 years old
- Currently reside in geographical Europe
- Have a good command of English
- Be available to attend the in-person event in Lyon from 15 to 17 July 2026
- Have never participated in a Youth Policy Dialogue before
The organizers encourage applications from young people of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
What Is Covered?
Selected participants will receive full support to attend the event in Lyon, France.
The opportunity includes:
Fully Funded Benefits
- Travel expenses to Lyon
- Accommodation for 15 and 16 July 2026
- Meals during the event
- Local transportation and transfers
- Participation in organized side activities
- Networking opportunities with other young leaders across Europe
This financial support ensures that young people can participate regardless of their economic background.
Experience Beyond Policy Discussions
In addition to the policy dialogue sessions, participants will also get the chance to explore the beautiful city of Lyon through organized cultural and social activities.
This creates an opportunity for:
- Cross-cultural exchange
- Networking
- Collaboration with peers from different countries
- Building long-term international connections
The event is expected to create a vibrant and engaging environment where young people can learn from one another while contributing to meaningful policy discussions.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the official EU Survey application form.
The application process requires:
- Full name
- Nationality
- Occupation
- Contact details
- Responses to general questions about youth participation in policymaking
- A short written response (maximum 200 words) related to the selected discussion topic
Applicants will also indicate their preferred discussion topic during the application process.
Important Requirement Before the Event
Selected participants must attend at least one online preparatory meeting before the in-person dialogue in Lyon.
This preparatory session will help participants:
- Understand the event objectives
- Prepare discussion contributions
- Familiarize themselves with key themes
- Connect with organizers and fellow participants
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit applications is:
13 May 2026 at 23:59 CET
Late applications are unlikely to be considered, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Why You Should Apply
This opportunity offers much more than a trip to France. It provides young people with a direct platform to:
- Influence European youth policies
- Share ideas with EU decision-makers
- Develop leadership and communication skills
- Gain international exposure
- Expand professional and social networks
- Contribute to shaping the future of Europe
For many participants, this could become a life-changing experience that opens doors to future international opportunities in policy, advocacy, leadership, and youth development.
Final Thoughts
The “Young Voices for Europe” Youth Policy Dialogue is an outstanding opportunity for young people who want their voices heard and wish to actively contribute to shaping Europe’s future.
With all major expenses covered, no prior policy experience required, and direct interaction with EU leadership, this initiative provides a unique platform for young Europeans to influence decisions that affect their generation.
Young people who are passionate about inclusion, youth empowerment, and policymaking should strongly consider applying before the deadline.
For more information about this opportunity, visit here.
Discover more Global Fellowship Opportunities on OFY here.
And do not forget to share your thoughts also via the public consultation on the EU Youth Strategy via EU Youth Strategy post 2027
Your seat at the table is waiting.
Submit your application by 13 May (23:59 CET) via this EU Survey
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