On 11 May 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted a resolution to strengthen ties between young people and European institutions. This resolution, the result of the 11th cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue , marks a key step in building a more inclusive, resilient, and youth-connected Europe. Led by the Polish, Danish, and Cypriot Presidencies, this initiative aligns with EU Youth Goal 1: “Connecting the EU with youth . ”
The 11th cycle of the dialogue involved nearly 40,000 young people across Europe. Conferences held in Lublin, Copenhagen, and Nicosia enabled young people to formulate concrete recommendations to strengthen their participation in European decision-making, improve their resilience to digital challenges, and promote democratic values.
These discussions highlighted major issues for young Europeans:
- Disinformation and polarization which erode trust in institutions and affect the mental health of young people
- The need for digital skills to navigate a world increasingly marked by artificial intelligence (AI) and social media
- The importance of civic education and inclusion to strengthen the sense of belonging to the EU
The Council resolution underlines the urgent need to act to prepare young people for the challenges of the digital age. These ambitions are part of a broader commitment to strengthening young people's resilience to digital challenges , while protecting the EU's democratic values. Key measures include:
- The development of digital learning frameworks (Formal, non-formal, and informal) frameworks co-created with young people. These frameworks will cover essential topics such as understanding algorithms, media literacy, cybersecurity, fact-checking, and the ethical use of AI.
- Promoting responsible digital behavior, through transparent verification processes for social media and the creation of a media quality label
- Support for young entrepreneurs in the fields of social media and AI, to encourage innovation and autonomy
The 12th cycle is already being prepared, with a central theme: European Youth Goal No. 4, "Information and Constructive Dialogue" . This new cycle, led by the trio of presidencies of Ireland, Lithuania and Greece, aims to deepen reflection on young people's access to reliable information and their active participation in public debates.
The recommendations from the 11th cycle, particularly those on digital literacy, media education, and AI ethics , will serve as a basis for future discussions. They underscore the importance of:
- Simplify access to European funding for youth-related projects, particularly those that strengthen digital resilience and civic participation.
- Create transparent feedback mechanisms to ensure effective follow-up on proposals from young people.
- Integrate youth issues into all European policies, using tools such as the EU Youth Dialogue and the European Youth Goals.
The European roadmap for young people in digital technology and AI is clear: train, protect, and include . Member States and the Commission are invited to implement these recommendations, in collaboration with youth organizations and local stakeholders.
Photo by Igor Omilaev on Unsplash
