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1. Main concepts

2. Institutions of representative democracy

This section outlines the context of youth participation in Greece, providing (i) key concepts that help to understand the national situation, and (ii) a concise overview of the country’s main institutions of representative democracy.

Main concepts

Youth participation in Greece extends beyond formal political engagement to include a broad range of civic and social activities. While traditional involvement in political parties and institutional structures is modest among young people, many engage in sports, cultural and other community organisations, which serve as important avenues for civic engagement. For example, in 2022 around 24 % of young people participated in a sports club and some 11 % in leisure or youth organisations, while 8 % reported involvement with political organisations or parties — broadly comparable with the EU average. Notably, 41 % of young people reported no participation in eight key activities linked with social and civic engagement in the preceding 12 months.

Alongside formal channels, alternative forms of political engagement are evident. Research suggests that many young Greeks express their political interests through social movements, digital platforms and other non‑institutional channels, reflecting a broader understanding of participation among youth beyond electoral politics. 

Moreover, Greece participates in broader European youth dialogues and strategic frameworks that emphasise the activation, connection and empowerment of young people, including through decision‑making processes and learning opportunities.

Institutions of representative democracy

Greece is a Parliamentary Representative Democratic Republic, in which political authority is exercised through institutions established by the Constitution. Sovereignty lies with the people, and all powers derive from them, exercised in accordance with constitutional provisions. 

Constitutional Structure: The Greek political system centres on the principle of the separation of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary. At the national level, governance is based on a parliamentary framework in which the Prime Minister is the head of government and holds the primary executive role, while the President of the Republic serves as head of state with largely ceremonial functions. Executive power is shared between the President and the Government, with most practical authority resting with the Cabinet led by the Prime Minister. 

Representative Institutions:

• The Hellenic Parliament is the principal legislative institution and the supreme representative body of the Greek people. It is unicameral and composed of Members of Parliament (MPs) elected by universal suffrage, typically serving four‑year terms. Parliament debates and passes legislation, approves the state budget, scrutinises government actions, and plays a central role in appointing key state officials. 

• The Government of Greece (Council of Ministers) comprises the Prime Minister, Ministers and Deputy Ministers. It is responsible for setting and implementing national policy and administering public affairs. The Government must retain the confidence of Parliament to remain in office. 

• The President of the Republic, elected by Parliament for a fixed term, performs formal duties including appointing the Prime Minister (usually the leader of the largest parliamentary party), signing laws into effect and representing the state in certain official capacities. Although the role is mainly ceremonial, it remains an important constitutional office. 

Judicial Power: Judicial authority is vested in a system of independent courts. These courts interpret and apply the law, ensuring that both public and private actions are consistent with the Constitution and statutory provisions. The judiciary is separate from the legislative and executive branches and operates independently. 

Together, these institutions form the framework of representative democracy in Greece, providing the structures through which political participation, accountability and the rule of law are applied.