The second international Youth4Values meeting focused on the national realities that shape youth participation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Greece and Spain. Each group presented the main findings from its local discussions and reflected on how political, social and institutional conditions influence the willingness of young people to become active citizens.
Participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina highlighted low trust in institutions, limited consultation of young people and the absence of consistent mechanisms through which youth proposals can enter formal decision-making. The Montenegrin group discussed the gap between existing legal frameworks and the practical influence of youth councils and other advisory bodies. Participants from Spain reflected on the decentralised character of youth policy and the need for stronger coordination, while the Greek group spoke about the limited systematic measurement of youth participation and the importance of making existing participation structures more accessible.
The discussion did not focus only on barriers. National teams also shared examples of practices that can encourage participation, including local youth councils, volunteering programmes, petitions, public consultations, school-based civic initiatives, youth parliaments and cooperation between municipalities and civil society organisations. Participants examined which of these mechanisms create genuine influence and which risk becoming symbolic activities without a clear follow-up process.
A key conclusion was that participation must be meaningful, continuous and connected to decisions that affect young people’s lives. The groups agreed that one-off consultations are not enough. Young people need understandable information, safe spaces for dialogue, feedback from institutions and clear evidence that their contribution has been considered. The meeting also underlined that digital participation can expand access, but it should complement rather than replace face-to-face civic engagement.
The national perspectives gave the participants a stronger evidence base for their Action Plans. They also showed that, despite different systems and levels of democratic development, the partner countries share a common need: stronger bridges between young people, youth organisations and decision-makers
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Youth4Values – Youth for Democracy and Values project was created to support young people in becoming more active, informed, and engaged citizens in their local communities. The project focused on strengthening democratic values, active citizenship, youth participation, human rights, inclusion, and the connection between young people and decision-making processes.
In many European communities, young people still do not have enough space to express their opinions, participate in public life, or influence decisions that affect their everyday lives. This is especially visible among young people with fewer opportunities, who often face additional barriers such as limited access to information, lack of support, social exclusion, economic difficulties, or low trust in institutions.
Youth4Values responded to these needs by creating practical opportunities for young people to learn, discuss, act, and connect. The project did not focus only on theory. It encouraged young people to understand democracy through real experiences, local engagement, peer learning, dialogue, workshops, campaigns, and direct participation in community activities.
The project was implemented by partners from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Montenegro, and Spain, bringing together different realities, experiences, and approaches to youth participation. This international cooperation helped partners exchange good practices, compare challenges in their countries, and develop local activities that were adapted to the real needs of young people in each community.
A strong part of the project was its focus on non-formal education. Through interactive activities, participants had the opportunity to develop critical thinking, communication, teamwork, civic awareness, and a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens. The project also promoted the importance of youth organisations as spaces where young people can practice democracy, build confidence, and take active roles in society.
According to the project application, Youth4Values aimed to enhance democratic governance and the rule of law by promoting civic education, active citizenship, and youth empowerment. It also focused on connecting democracy with human rights, inclusion, and meaningful participation in decision-making processes.