We must ensure an inclusive process that does not allow for discrimination on the grounds of young people’s sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

This can be done by improving a structured dialogue with young people, ensuring that children and young people are involved when forming policies that concern them so that they can become main stakeholders; funding the creation of youth facilities; or developing civic education and other programmes to promote active citizenship in the formal education system. We must support and widen participation of young people from all countries, regions and social backgrounds in initiatives such as the European Solidarity Corps. To further inspire youth participation and representation in political forums and allow them a direct say in the decision-making process, we support ways to increase the number of young people active in political and public life, with a strong focus on women’s participation. The proposed position of the EU Youth Coordinator must be backed with real powers ensuring that youth policies are mainstreamed in all EU policies.

Youth participation is also fundamental when it comes to voting. Data from the last European elections demonstrates a sharp decrease in the turnout of young people, though this does not mean that the younger generations is not willing to engage. On top of that, the gap between the participation of the oldest generation and the youngest one is widening. We need to address this issue by working to increase the turnout and democratic involvement of young voters. This is why we want more young candidates in electable positions on parties’ electoral lists. We also want to encourage the organisation of civil and political debates in schools and other discussion platforms in order to promote media and digital literacy, allowing young people to develop critical thinking skills and enabling them to protect themselves against fake news. 

We want to make youth policies a true priority for Europe. Our political family, together with the full participation of social partners, civil society and youth organisations, will spare no effort to deliver concrete action so that young people become key actors À ghting for greater democratic participation and equitable economic and social progress for all. 

As the Party of European Socialists, we are fighting for equal societies. In this resolution we have focused particularly on our priorities for empowering youth. It goes hand-in-hand with the other resolutions for this PES Congress, that reaffirm our commitment and plan for a social Europe, progressive economy, a healthy environment and modern industries, true gender equality, a fair world, progressive asylum and migration policies, and a stronger democracy in Europe.