The fifth international meeting was dedicated to comparing concrete participation mechanisms used in the four partner countries. National groups presented examples of youth councils, local forums, volunteering schemes, civic education activities, petitions, advisory bodies and cooperation between young people and public institutions.
Participants evaluated these examples by asking several practical questions: Who is able to participate? How are young people selected or invited? Do decision-makers attend? Is there a formal obligation to respond? Are the outcomes published? Can young people see what changed after their involvement? This analysis helped distinguish meaningful participation from activities that provide visibility without real influence.
The meeting identified several elements of good practice. Successful mechanisms usually have a clear mandate, regular meetings, accessible communication, diverse membership and direct contact with responsible institutions
They also provide feedback and allow young people to follow the progress of their proposals. Participants noted that youth structures are more credible when they are connected with schools, universities, municipalities, civil society organisations and informal youth groups rather than operating in isolation.
The groups also discussed how volunteering and community initiatives can serve as entry points into active citizenship. For many young people, participation begins with solving a local problem, supporting a social cause or organising an activity, rather than joining a formal political structure. The National Action Plans should therefore recognise different paths to engagement and support young people as they move from local action towards policy dialogue.
The exchange gave every national team practical models that could be adapted to its own context. More importantly, it encouraged participants to assess not only whether a structure exists, but whether it gives young people a genuine voice, appropriate support and a realistic possibility to influence decisions.
