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Spain

5. Participation

5.4 Young people's participation in policy-making

Last update: 12 February 2026
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
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

In Spain, formal consultation with young people at national level primarily takes place through the Spanish Youth Council (CJE), which issues opinions and recommendations on draft laws, strategies and public policies affecting young people.

At the regional and local levels, youth institutes and youth councils regularly organise consultations, forums, hearings and participatory processes linked to youth plans, local strategies or specific policy reforms.

A recent example is the participatory process for the new Youth Law (Ley de Juventud). The Ministry of Social Rights, Consumers and 2030 launched this participatory process  in 2023, 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. The process included territorial meetings, online participation channels and contributions from youth organisations, coordinated together with the CJE. (Detailed information on participation channels is provided in the below subsection “Information on the extent of youth participation”.)

 

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.