Existence of a national strategy to increase young people's political and civil society participation

Bulgaria does not have a stand-alone national strategy solely dedicated to increasing youth political and civic participation. Instead, measures to promote youth participation are embedded within the National Youth Strategy 2021-2030 (Национална стратегия за младежта 2021-2030), which is the principal national strategic document guiding youth-related policy across multiple domains. (See Section 1.3).

Contents and scope

The National Youth Strategy 2021-2030 sets out strategic priorities for Bulgarian youth policy. Participation and empowerment of young people is included as a cross-cutting principle and a central part of one of the priority areas. One of the strategic priorities is the “promotion of young people’s engagement, participation and empowerment”, which encompasses various forms of youth involvement in civic and public life, including mechanisms to strengthen their capacity and opportunities to participate in decision-making.

Although the strategy does not exclusively focus on political participation, this broader emphasis on engagement and empowerment covers aspects of civic society participation and encourages frameworks for youth involvement in governance, policy consultative processes and democratic life. (See Section 1.3)

Responsible authority for the implementation of the strategy

The body responsible for the implementation of the Youth Strategy is the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Revisions/updates

The National Youth Strategy 2021-2030 is the current main strategy. It updated and replaced the previous National Youth Strategy 2010-2020.

A mid-term review and assessment of the strategy’s progress and relevance is in process. (See Section 1.3)