YMCA Youth Advocates at the European Commission: Direct Engagement with Policy Power
Between the 8th and 14th of September 2025, 30 young advocates from across Europe convened in Brussels, the heart of European policymaking, for the “Community Solutions Hub: from Issues to Impact” International Activity co-funded by the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe.
This landmark initiative allowed European Youth Representative Network (EYRN) members to fully immerse themselves in the world of community-driven advocacy, learning how to leverage local and regional insights in the development of actionable policy.
EYRN engagement at the European Commission during their September 2025 International Activity represented a remarkable institutional experience, empowering young advocates to participate directly within the heart of European governance. The structured institutional visit offered participants not only a guided introduction to the Commission’s policy-making ecosystem but also authentic dialogue with policymakers responsible for youth, civic participation, and democratic innovation.
Through a mix of presentations, Q&A sessions, and discussions, EYRN delegates navigated the organizational structures governing youth policy across the EU, exploring strategic policy priorities, funding opportunities, and avenues for multilateral advocacy.
What set this visit apart was its focus on mutual exchange: Commission representatives actively engaged participants in conversations about contemporary challenges facing European youth, inviting input on topics ranging from digital participation to the implementation of inclusive governance frameworks.
This access underscored the credibility and growing influence of the YMCA Europe advocacy network within European decision-making circles, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based youth advocacy and long-term stakeholder relationship-building.
The visit’s experiential element, rooted in the programme’s broader methodology, provided EYRN members with essential insights into how European policy cycles operate, and how youth organizations can contribute substantively to shaping them.
