On this page

1. Formal Mechanisms of Consultation

2. Actors

3. Information on the extent of youth participation

4. Outcomes

5. Large-scale initiatives for dialogue or debate between public institutions and young people

Formal Mechanisms of Consultation

Youth Dialogue

In Spain, the primary formal mechanism for youth consultation in policy-making is the European Union Youth Dialogue (Diálogo de la UE con la Juventud). This initiative, previously known as Structured Dialogue, was rebranded in 2019 under the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027.  The Dialogue serves as a platform connecting young individuals with policymakers to collaboratively shape youth-related policies across local, regional, national, and European levels. 

The Ministry of Social Rights, Consumers and 2030 Agenda (Ministerio de Derechos Sociales, Consumo y Agenda 2030, in collaboration with the Spanish Youth Council (Consejo de la Juventud de España, CJE), oversees the implementation of the EU Youth Dialogue in Spain. They coordinate the National Working Group (Grupo Nacional de Trabajo, NWG), which includes:

• Representatives from the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumers and 2030 Agenda
• Representatives from INJUVE
• Members of the Spanish Youth Council (Consejo de la Juventud de España)
• Regional and local youth councils
• Youth organizations and associations
• Young individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Youth researchers and academics 

The NWG ensures that the consultation process is inclusive and reflective of Spain's youth diversity.

A notable initiative within this framework is the establishment of Youth Dialogue Embassies (Embajadas del Diálogo con la Juventud). These embassies are composed of young volunteers aged 13 to 29 who facilitate dialogue between youth and policymakers at local and regional levels. Their responsibilities include organizing events, promoting active participation, and ensuring that young people's voices are heard in decision-making processes.

In regards to the possibility of participation of youth volunteers in the process of elaboration and design of the strategy or the public policies referred to volunteering, one single process was opened in year 2012 making collaboration with NGOs of social action possible through a questionnaire designed ad hoc.

Participation in the new Youth Law

In addition to ongoing youth participation frameworks, a notable recent development is the participatory process surrounding the new Youth Law (Ley de Juventud). 

Launched in 2023, the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumers and 2030 Agenda has initiated a participatory process where young people are directly involved in the construction of the new legislation. The goal is to ensure that the law, which aims to improve the legal, social, and economic conditions for youth, reflects the needs and aspirations of young people. 

This initiative offers an example of how youth voices are actively incorporated into policy-making, allowing them to contribute to legislative processes that will shape their future.

Participation in EU Youth Programmes

The RAY Network Report 2024 highlights the significant role of EU youth programs such as Erasmus+ in fostering youth political engagement. The report indicates that participation in these programs enhances civic participation and policy engagement among young people, demonstrating the effectiveness of international youth initiatives in shaping future democratic processes

Actors

The key actors in youth policy consultation in Spain include:

• Institute of Youth (INJUVE): An autonomous agency under the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumers and Agenda 2030, responsible for promoting youth participation, coordinating information and communication systems for youth, and fostering international cooperation in youth affairs.
• Spanish Youth Council (CJE): A private entity established by law in 1983, representing youth organizations and regional youth councils across Spain. The CJE aims to promote youth participation, represent Spanish youth, and convey their proposals and concerns to public authorities and the general public.
• Autonomous Communities and Local Entities: Regional and local governments play a crucial role in implementing youth policies and facilitating youth participation within their jurisdictions.

Information on the extent of youth participation

Participation in the EU Youth Dialogue is open to young people between the ages of 13 and residing in Spain. The process is designed to be inclusive, engaging a broad spectrum of youth through:

• Open Calls: Public invitations for young individuals to participate in consultations, events, and activities related to the Youth Dialogue.
• Youth Organizations: Collaboration with various youth associations and entities to reach a diverse and representative group of young people.
• Youth Dialogue Embassies: As of the 2025–2026 cycle, young volunteers are selected to act as ambassadors, organizing events and facilitating discussions between youth and policymakers at local and regional levels. 

While exact participation numbers vary per cycle and region, efforts are continually made to ensure broad and diverse youth engagement.

Outcomes

The outcomes of the EU Youth Dialogue in Spain include:

• Policy recommendations: Insights and proposals gathered from youth consultations are synthesized into recommendations presented at European Youth Conferences. These recommendations inform EU youth policies and initiatives.
• National Policy Influence: The feedback collected through the Dialogue is used by Spanish authorities to shape and adapt national youth policies, ensuring they align with the needs and aspirations of young people.

For instance, the 10th Cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue, initiated in July 2023, focuses on themes relevant to Spanish youth, with consultations and events organized nationwide to gather input and foster active participation.

Large-scale initiatives for dialogue or debate between public institutions and young people

In addition to the EU Youth Dialogue, Spain hosts various large-scale initiatives to promote dialogue between young people and public institutions:

• European Youth Conferences: Spain has hosted significant events, such as the European Youth Conference in Alicante in 2023, marking the start of the 10th Cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue. This conference brought together over 230 participants, including young delegates and policymakers from across Europe, to discuss and collaborate on youth-related issues.
• Youth Dialogue Embassies: These embassies, established during each cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue, organize events and activities that facilitate direct interaction between young people and decision-makers, fostering a culture of active participation and co-creation of policies.

These initiatives underscore Spain's commitment to fostering meaningful engagement between young people and policymakers, ensuring that youth perspectives are integral to the policy-making process.