Giving young people a stronger voice in EU policymaking As announced by President von der Leyen in her political guidelines, the Commission has set up the President’s Youth Advisory Board. It advises the President on issues that matter most to young people, shares their perspectives on policies developed by the Commission, and puts young people at the heart of EU policymaking. A look back at the first meetingOn 3 December 2025, young representatives from across the EU met the President to share their thoughts and help shape policies that affect their safety and well-being online. During the first meeting, members and observers of the Board expressed their views on how young people use social media and evolving trends the positive aspects and wide range of opportunities provided by social media the negative aspects of social media, potential risks and harmful effects, including on mental health the digital majority age The meeting will serve as key input to the panel of experts that will advise the President on the best approach for Europe when it comes to online safety. How does it work? The President’s Youth Advisory Board brings together more than 30 young representatives, one from each EU Member State’s National Youth Council, one from the European Youth Forum, and observers from candidate countries and potential candidates for EU accession. They meet with the President to exchange views on issues that significantly impact young people. Why does it matter? Supporting young people is at the centre of the Commission’s action. We want to empower them with greater freedom, more opportunities and responsibilities within our societies. It is essential that their voices are heard, so that their lived experience and perspective can inform our work. Through the Youth Advisory Board, young people are now in a direct dialogue with the Commission President. This puts young citizens at the centre of our democracy, and ensures that EU policies reflect their hopes and concerns. How we are making young voices count The President’s Youth Advisory Board builds on the work of previous initiatives aimed at actively involving young people in EU policymaking. Each Commissioner organises an annual Youth Policy Dialogue, where they meet young people across the EU to talk about a wide variety of topics, ranging from housing and climate to skills and health. These dialogues give young people a chance to talk directly to decision-makers and ensure that their voices are taken into account when policies are made. The Commission has also introduced a "youth check" to assess the impact of EU policies on young people during the design stage of policymaking, ensuring that youth needs and perspectives are integrated from the beginning. Upcoming initiatives The Commission is dedicated to ensuring that decisions taken today are adapted to future generations. As part of this, we plan to prepare a strategy on intergenerational fairness to strengthen communication between generations. The Commission also intends to address the challenge posed by social media and excessive screen time on young people by preparing an action plan against cyberbullying. Related links More information on the President’s Youth Advisory BoardMore information on the Youth Policy Dialogues
A look back at the first meetingOn 3 December 2025, young representatives from across the EU met the President to share their thoughts and help shape policies that affect their safety and well-being online. During the first meeting, members and observers of the Board expressed their views on how young people use social media and evolving trends the positive aspects and wide range of opportunities provided by social media the negative aspects of social media, potential risks and harmful effects, including on mental health the digital majority age The meeting will serve as key input to the panel of experts that will advise the President on the best approach for Europe when it comes to online safety.
