Promoting youth civic and political participation has been a key focus of national youth policy. This has been achieved through initiatives in formal, non-formal, and informal education, with a cross-sectoral approach in education, citizenship, equality, youth, and sport. Youth involvement in their communities, the responsibilities they can undertake, the decisions they can influence, and the skills they can develop are seen as vital to strengthening democracy. 

Law no. 81/2017, of 18 August, amending Law no. 108/91, of 17 August, included representatives from the National Youth Council (CNJ) and the National Federation of Youth Associations (FNAJ) in the Economic and Social Council (CES). The Government and the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ, I.P.) have implemented measures to promote youth participation, such as support programmes for youth organisations (e.g., PAJ, PAE, PAI, and the Formar+ training programme), volunteering programmes, the Youth Parliament, the Euroschool competition, the 70 NOW! Campaign, long-term volunteering on youth rights, the Youth Participatory Budgeting Portugal, the Schools' Participatory Budget, and regular consultations on legislation and issues relevant to young people in Portugal.

Youth involvement in national and local political processes is crucial in fostering a sense of belonging, shared responsibility, and youth policies ownership. Through representative structures (e.g., CNJ, FNAJ), advisory bodies (such as the Youth Advisory Council), and local Youth Municipal Councils, young people are consulted on matters affecting them. The Government is committed to involving young people in youth policy decision-making, co-creation, and co-management.

The National Strategy for Citizenship Education aims to ensure that Portuguese children and youth are educated on their rights and duties.