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1. Youth parliament

2. Youth councils and/or youth advisory boards

3. Higher education student union(s)

4. School student union(s)

5. Other bodies

Youth parliament

Structure
The Voulí ton Efívon (Youth Parliament) is an annual national programme organised by the Hellenic Parliament Foundation for Parliamentarism and Democracy in cooperation with the Greek Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs. It is not part of the constitutional order but is an officially recognised educational and civic engagement initiative overseen by the Hellenic Parliament Foundation. The Foundation’s mission includes enhancing young people’s understanding of democratic principles.

Composition
Each year, approximately 300 pupils from upper secondary education across Greece and Greek communities abroad are selected to participate. The selection process begins with written submissions and school‑level activities before final participation is confirmed. The Youth Parliament meets annually in Athens for plenary and committee sessions. Public outreach via schools and regional education authorities supports broader participation. 

Role and Responsibilities

The Youth Parliament’s objectives include facilitating the representation of young people’s views, promoting civic education, and developing participants’ skills in democratic debate and public discourse. Its activities cover youth‑related topics such as education, employment, social inclusion and the environment, as well as broader societal themes. While its resolutions are not legally binding, they are shared with policymakers and relevant institutions to inform discussion and decision‑making. 

Funding
The Youth Parliament is publicly funded through the budget of the Hellenic Parliament Foundation, with administrative support from the Ministry of Education. It is financially accountable to the Foundation’s governing board. 

Further information: https://foundation.parliament.gr/en/vouli‑ton‑efivon 

Youth councils and/or youth advisory boards

Structure
Greece does not have a single national youth council established by national law. However, Municipal Youth Councils are established under local regulations in many municipalities. These councils operate at the local level and are supported by municipal authorities, with oversight provided by the respective municipal youth services or departments. Their legal basis in many cases is aligned with broader youth policy frameworks supported by national authorities. 

Composition
Local Youth Councils typically include young people aged 15 to 28 who are registered in the municipal register and apply to participate. Membership and terms vary by municipality, with many councils organising annual terms and meetings. Municipal youth offices often facilitate outreach to increase inclusiveness and the participation of young people at risk of social exclusion. 

Role and Responsibilities

Youth councils help identify and communicate local youth needs, propose initiatives, and collaborate with municipal councils on issues such as culture, employment, education, ecology and social inclusion. While municipal youth councils do not have binding decision‑making authority over public policy, they may submit proposals and collaborate with local policymakers. 

Funding
Municipal Youth Councils are financially supported by their respective municipal authorities. The level of funding and financial accountability varies by municipality and is usually reported to municipal councils or departments responsible for youth services.

Higher education student union(s)

Structure
Higher education student unions (Φοιτητικοί Σύλλογοι) exist at Greek universities and technical institutions. These unions are governed under national education law and institutional statutes, and operate independently within their institutions. They are overseen by university authorities to ensure legal compliance. 

Composition
Membership comprises enrolled students at each institution. Elected executive committees (including positions such as president and secretary) typically serve annual terms, with elections conducted by secret ballot. Outreach measures to enhance diversity are shaped by individual university policies and union constitutions. 

Role and Responsibilities

Student unions represent members’ interests in academic quality, welfare, campus life and broader societal issues affecting students. They liaise with university governance bodies, engage in national student networks, and may participate in consultations on higher education policy. While not binding on national policy, their inputs are recognised in debates on student rights and reforms. 

Funding
Funding comes from institutional allowances, membership contributions (where applicable) and public resources allocated to student services. Unions are financially accountable to their membership and to university authorities. 

Information: https://pjp-eu.coe.int/documents/42128013/47261584/Greece.pdf/dba7b828-97a5-47ac-886d-34f2a8ceeaf7

School student union(s)

Structure
School student representation in Greece primarily takes place at the individual school level, regulated by the Ministry of Education framework for school governance. These bodies are supervised by school administrations and operate within that context. 

Composition
School student unions generally consist of elected representatives from secondary schools, with membership drawn from the student body. Terms and meeting frequency vary by school and academic year. 

Role and Responsibilities

Their role is to articulate student concerns within the school, promote participation in school life, and organise activities. They engage with school councils and may provide input on educational and welfare issues, but do not have binding powers over school or national policy. 

Funding
School student unions typically do not receive direct public funding; activities are supported through school resources and, in some cases, by local education authorities.

Information: https://pjp-eu.coe.int/documents/42128013/47261584/Greece.pdf/dba7b828-97a5-47ac-886d-34f2a8ceeaf7

Other bodies

Hellenic National Youth Council (H.N.Y.C.)

Structure
The Hellenic National Youth Council (H.N.Y.C. / Εθνικό Συμβούλιο Νεολαίας) is an independent federation of youth organisations in Greece, established in July 1998. It is not a statutory body within the constitutional structure of the Greek state but is formally recognised as a key actor in youth policy. H.N.Y.C. brings together a broad range of youth organisations, including non-governmental organisations, political youth wings, and local youth councils. While independent, it collaborates with public authorities on consultative youth initiatives and participates in national and international forums on youth policy. 

Composition
Membership consists of organised youth organisations rather than individual young people. Each member organisation appoints representatives to the council, ensuring a diverse and inclusive range of youth voices. H.N.Y.C. has mechanisms to encourage the participation of organisations representing underrepresented or marginalised youth. The council operates according to its statute, with a governing board and executive committee elected internally by member organisations.

Role and Responsibilities

H.N.Y.C. serves as a platform to represent young people collectively, communicate youth perspectives to policymakers, and promote civic engagement. Its objectives include:

• Facilitating youth participation in national and international policy discussions;

• Supporting youth organisations in advocacy, education, and training;

• Providing recommendations to public authorities on youth issues, including employment, education, social inclusion, and active citizenship.

Although H.N.Y.C. does not have binding policy-making powers, it engages with government bodies such as the Inter-ministerial Committee for Youth and the Youth Parliament to inform decision-making and contribute to policy consultations.

Funding
H.N.Y.C. is primarily funded through membership contributions, project grants, and partnerships with public or international bodies. It is financially accountable to its member organisations and operates under Greek non-profit law.

Further information: https://www.esyn.gr/en/ and https://linktr.ee/hnyc