As previously mentioned, multilevel governance, participatory youth policymaking and the involvement of civil society are key youth policymaking issues in Portugal.

Fostering participatory policy-making practices in the field of youth policy is one of the current Government’s priorities. Far from only listening and considering youth needs and expectations, the government is committed to deepening multilevel governance in youth policy, as exemplified by the consultation carried out in the context of developing the National Youth Agenda, which brings together, among other contributions, the “State of the Nation Youth Report".

The 2024 State of the Nation Youth Report, published by the National Youth Council (CNJ), presents a comprehensive overview of the key challenges facing young people in Portugal, focusing on four critical areas: Education, Health, Employment, and Housing.

In the field of education, the report highlights a concerning rise in higher education dropout rates. It calls for urgent reforms, including the creation of academic support offices and the elimination of tuition fees and administrative charges. CNJ also advocates for a broader transformation of the education system, to better align with contemporary realities.

Regarding health, the report stresses the need to prioritise both physical and mental well-being. It recommends increased investment in psychological support services, and the promotion of university sports as essential measures to improve students’ overall health.

In terms of employment, the report identifies youth unemployment, job insecurity, and low wages as the most pressing issues. It proposes stronger labour inspections to combat precarious work, the promotion of stable employment contracts, and increases to both the minimum and average wages.

On housing, the report notes that young people in Portugal are leaving their parental homes later than ever, with access to affordable housing being the main barrier to independence. It calls for a substantial expansion of public housing and the implementation of policies to curb real estate speculation.

Overall, CNJ urges policymakers to take immediate and concrete action to address these structural challenges and to ensure that youth policies are truly responsive to the needs and aspirations of Portugal’s younger generations.

Commitment to establishing guiding principles for youth public policies at local level

Proximity to the beneficiaries and the ability to network are commonly seen as determining factors for public policies success. Indeed, many of the problems and challenges experienced by young people find answers in local, targeted and customised interventions, without losing sight of the macro youth policies that affect young people.

Recognising this reality, the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union led the adoption of a Council Conclusions document establishing the importance of articulating the different policy levels (local, regional, national and European) in promoting youth participation in decision-making processes.

In this context, municipalities and inter-municipal communities position themselves as key players in the definition and implementation of youth policies suited to local contexts, and as essential partners in the collective effort to improve youth life prospects.

National Plans for Youth

The National Plan for Youth (PNJ) has served as a strategic political instrument to mainstream youth across public policy domains in Portugal. It was designed to define a sustainable, rights-based approach to youth policy, ensuring the active youth involvement throughout its planning, implementation, and evaluation phases. Coordinated by the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ), PNJ brought together various public administration bodies and civil society organisations.

The second PNJ (2022–2024), approved by Resolution of the Council of Ministers No. 77/2022, built upon the foundations of the first plan and expanded its scope significantly, comprising 425 measures across five strategic pillars: Emancipation and Autonomy, Education and Science, Citizenship and Participation, Healthy Lifestyles, and Culture and Creative Expression. With a budget of €3 billion, 44% of which came from European funds, the plan was the result of a broad participatory process involving youth organisations and the Youth Advisory Council.

PNJ included a Monitoring Commission, composed of representatives from the National Youth Council (CNJ), the National Federation of Youth Associations (FNAJ), a person of recognised merit in the youth sector, and chaired by a representative of the IPDJ. This structure ensured the gradual and meaningful participation of youth platforms in the plan’s follow-up process.

Monitoring was conducted through semi-annual and annual evaluations, producing reports that assessed the implementation status of the action plans and identified any deviations from the defined goals. These reports, based on data provided by focal points across governmental bodies, were reviewed by the Monitoring Commission, which issued non-binding opinions.

Based on the available data and outcomes, PNJ has proven to be an effective strategic tool, reinforcing the central role of youth participation in public policy.

With the second PNJ now concluded, IPDJ is currently leading the development of the National Youth Agenda (ANJ), a new strategic framework that will consolidate and guide youth policy in the coming years. ANJ is being shaped through a dynamic and participatory process, including public consultations and youth engagement via the participa.gov.pt platform. It aims to respond to youth’s real needs and aspirations, focusing on ten key areas: Health and Well-being, Education and Skills, Civic Participation, Digitalisation, Housing, Demographics and Intergenerational Solidarity, Sustainability and Territorial Cohesion, Employment and Innovation, Culture and Creativity, and Equality and Inclusion.