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1. Legal/policy framework for the functioning and development of youth organisations

2. Public financial support

3. Initiatives to increase the diversity of participants

Legal/policy framework for the functioning and development of youth organisations

The Spanish Youth Council (Consejo de la Juventud de España, CJE) continues to serve as the institutional platform promoting youth participation in Spain´s political, social, economic and cultural development. Established in 1983, it also facilitates intergovernmental cooperation between the central government and the Autonomous Communities to support youth associations.

The right to associationism is a fundamental right, enshrined in Article 22 of the Spanish Constitution (Constitución Española). This right is further regulated in the Organic Law 1/2002, of 22 March, (Ley Orgánica 1/2002, de 22 de marzo, reguladora del Derecho de Asociación) which establishes the general legal framework for associations in Spain.  For youth organisations, Royal Decree 397/1988, of April 22 (Real Decreto 397/1988, de 22 de abril, por el que se regula la inscripción registral de Asociaciones juveniles) provides additional rules on their registration and formal recognition.

While this legal framework ensures the right to freely associate, the Youth Strategy 2030 serves as the top-level policy framework guiding the development, support, and promotion of youth organisations. Within this strategy, particularly Strategic Axis 6, the Spanish government commits to strengthening youth associationism by adapting it to digital environments, promoting youth-led initiatives, and reinforcing the role of youth organisations in democratic life and social transformation.

Given Spain's decentralized structure, each autonomous community has the authority to adopt additional regulations and support mechanisms for youth associations within its jurisdiction. This multilevel approach enables policies to be tailored to regional realities while aligning with shared national objectives outlined in the Youth Strategy 2030.

Public financial support

At national level

The Youth Strategy 2030 (Estrategia Juventud 2030), particularly Strategic Axis 6 on Participation, Volunteering and Global Transformation, emphasises promoting youth associations and participation, especially in the digital realm. The Action Plan 2022-2024allocated 7,835,264€ to these objectives.

The Youth Institute (INJUVE) regularly announces grants to support the maintenance, operation and equipment of youth associations and organisations at state level. 

For example, in January 2025, the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (Federación Española de Municipios y Provincias - FEMP), in collaboration with INJUVE, opened a call for aid to local entities for youth programmes aimed at promoting youth participation at the local level. 

At regional level

Autonomous regions have their youth agencies that provide financial support to youth entities. 

For example, in February 2025, the Andalusian Institute of Youth announced grants for youth associations, federations, and other youth entities to carry out activities in areas such as healthy living, environmental awareness, and innovation.

At local level

Similarly to regional level, municipalities offer grants to support youth initiatives. 

For example: in January 2025, the City Council of San Sebastián de los Reyes approved a call for grants aimed at youth associations and informal groups, with a total budget of €12,000 for projects of youth interest.

Initiatives to increase the diversity of participants

The Spanish Youth Council (Consejo de la Juventud de España, CJE) continues to provide spaces for reflection, collaboration, training, and dialogue with public authorities and state institutions. It systematises the experiences of the organised youth movement and opens new channels for action.

A general objective of any youth association is the construction of citizenship, linked to the desire for change and social transformation that has accompanied the associative movement from since its inception. 

In recent years, significant efforts have been made to support and coordinate activities carried out by associations focused on achieving the social inclusion of marginalised groups.