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1. Information providers / counselling structures

2. Youth-targeted information campaigns about democratic rights and democratic values

3. Promoting the intercultural dialogue among young people

4. Promoting transparent and youth-tailored public communication

Information providers / counselling structures

The Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (Ministerio de Educación y Formación Profesional) is the primary public authority responsible for promoting political awareness and participation among Spanish youth. This role is fulfilled through the Organic Law 3/2020 (LOMLOE), which aligns with the Recommendation (2002) 12 of the Committee of Ministers of the Europe Council to Member States on Education for Democratic Citizenship. This recommendation urges governments to prioritise education for democratic citizenship , fostering active participation in democratic processes.

In this sense, the preparation of students for the exercise of citizenship and for active participation in economic, social and cultural life, with a critical and responsible attitude and adaptability to the changing situations of the information society is considered one of the objectives of the Spanish Educational System. Mechanism have been developed guaranteeing the participation of parents, teachers and students in the control and management of educational centres through the school councils.

In Spain, the Youth Institute (Instituto de la Juventud - INJUVE), under the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumers and 2030 Agenda (Ministerio de Derechos Sociales, Consumo y Agenda 2030), serves as the central body for youth policy. INJUVE collaborates with various organizations to promote youth participation in political, social, economic, and cultural development. While there is no formalized national youth information structure, various institutions and organizations provide resources and services for youth, many of which are accessible online.

For example, INJUVE provides guidance on democratic participation, youth rights, and opportunities for engagement. The Spanish Youth Council (CJE) also offers information related to youth policies and democratic engagement. Additionally, many municipal and regional governments provide information tailored to youth through dedicated websites and platforms, making these resources accessible to young people nationwide.).

Youth-targeted information campaigns about democratic rights and democratic values

Spanish Youth Council (CJE) Initiatives

In April 2023 the Spanish Youth Council (Consejo de la Juventud de España, CJE, in collaboration with the Women's Institute and INJUVE, organised dialogues focusing on youth, anti-racism and feminism. These aimed to raise awareness of the importance of intersectionality as a tool to address forms of oppressions and marginalisation.

European Youth Dialogue programme

Additionally, in August 2023, the Europe Youth Dialogue programme initiated the 10^th cycle with the 1st Embassy Meeting, bringing together representatives from all territories to work on the European Youth Goal #3: Inclusive Societies. his initiative emphasizes the importance of involving institutional actors to enhance youth political participation.

Erasmus+ Projects

Available data on the most recent Erasmus+ calls provides some insights into Spanish youth-targeted information campaigns about democratic rights and democratic values under this fund:

Source: Erasmus+ Projects Results Platform. Filtered by projects coordinated by Spanish organizations in the field of youth.

European Solidarity Corps Projects

Available data on the most recent European Solidarity Corps (ESC) calls provides some insights into Spanish youth-targeted information campaigns about democratic rights and democratic values under this fund:

Source: ESC Project Results Platform. Filtered by projects hosted by Spanish organizations.

No Hate Speech Movement

The No Hate Speech Movement, launched in 2014 by the Council of Europe, the campaign aims to tackle hate speech and promote human rights. In Spain, the Campaign is in led by the Institute of Youth (Instituto de la Juventud - INJUVE) and encourages young people to take a stand against discrimination and intolerance on the internet. The campaign uses social media and webinars as platforms for raising awareness and educating youth on the importance of respectful online communication. The initiative has successfully increased youth participation in online debates and advocacy efforts related to human rights.

Promoting the intercultural dialogue among young people

Both the Youth Institute (INJUVE) and the Youth Council (CJE) have launched initiatives to promote the political participation of young people, with a focus on the associative sector, a cornerstone of social participation among Spanish youth. These efforts particularly address challenges faced by young migrants in engaging with associations, aiming to promote inclusivity and active participation.

Numerous projects exist in Spain [SB1] that foster intercultural dialogue among young people from different cultural backgrounds. Notable initiatives include:

Erasmus+ Projects

Available data on the most recent Erasmus+ calls provides some insights into Spanish initiatives promoting the intercultural dialogue among young people under this fund:

Source: Erasmus+ Projects Results Platform. Filtered by projects coordinated by Spanish organizations in the field of youth.

For example, Young Embassadors for Peace (Embajadores juveniles de la paz) is an Erasmus+ funded initiative coordinated by the Pedrajas de San Esteban Local Council and implemented in Spain, France and Italy from 2024 to 2026. It aims to engage young people from diverse cultural backgrounds in volunteering and social inclusion activities. By facilitating youth exchanges, the project promotes intercultural dialogue by encouraging young people to collaborate across cultures, fostering mutual understanding, and developing skills in intercultural communication. It seeks to bridge cultural gaps and contribute to social cohesion in their communities.

European Solidarity Corps Projects

Available data on the most recent European Solidarity Corps (ESC) calls also provides insights into Spanish initiatives promoting intercultural dialogue among young people:

Source: ESC Project Results Platform. Filtered by projects hosted by Spanish organizations

Promoting transparent and youth-tailored public communication

Policy frameworks or guidelines

Spain’s commitment to transparency is enshrined in Law 19/2013 (Ley 19/2013), which mandates public administrations to disclose information and adhere to principles of good governance. It specifies what information they must publish for public knowledge, how citizens can ask for information and what the rules of good governance are that must be respected by public officials.

The Spanish Government Transparency Portal (Portal de la Transparencia del Gobierno de España) serves as a central platform, offering citizens access to governmental data and fostering transparency in public actions. The platform is dependent on the Ministry of the Presidency, Parliamentary Relations and Democratic Memory (Ministerio de Presidencia, Relaciones con las Cortes y Memoria Democrática).

However, these frameworks are general and do not specifically address communication strategies tailored for youth.

Youth-Focused Communication Initiatives 

While there may not be specific national guidelines for youth-targeted public communication, several initiatives aim to bridge this gap:​

1. Youth Councils and Participation Platforms (Spanish Youth Council - CJE): As a platform for 60 youth organizations, CJE facilitates training, dialogue with public authorities, and initiatives that promote youth participation in political, social, economic, and cultural development.
2. Communication Toolkits and Resources: The  Youth Communication Toolkit, developed by the European Commission, aids stakeholders in informing young people about opportunities like Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, promoting engagement through tailored communication strategies. ​
3. Training Programs for Public Officials: The “Communication for EU Projects course” offered by the Official Spanish Chamber (E-Cámara) , a course on trains professionals in communication strategies for European programs, enhancing their ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences, including youth.