Young people put their priorities at heart of Ireland’s EU Presidency

First youth event of Ireland’s Presidency brings young people together in Cork to help shape the next cycle of EU Youth Dialoguelink

Young people are gathering in Cork today, Wednesday 1 July, for the first youth consultation event of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. 

The Young Voices EU Youth Dialogue Presidency Launch Event, hosted by the National

Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), is taking place on the day Ireland formally assumes the six-month Presidency. 

Young people aged 15 to 30, including participants from various youth work organisations and youth participation initiatives, will explore the theme of Information and Constructive Dialogue, consider proposed revisions to the European Youth Goals and identify actions they want prioritised during the new cycle of EU Youth Dialogue. 

Through discussions and creative activities, participants will consider how young people can access reliable information, engage in constructive dialogue and meaningfully influence decisions at national and European levels. 

Young Voices is an ongoing programme implemented by NYCI in partnership with the Department of Education and Youth and the National Working Group on EU Youth Dialogue.  This event is the first of many EU Youth Dialogue youth consultation events that will take place throughout the Irish EU Presidency, including the EU Youth Conference, a large-scale youth participation event and a key feature of the EU youth dialogue (EUYD), bringing young people together with decision makers to develop recommendations on issue important to young people.  

Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton TD said: 

"As Ireland begins its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, it is vital that young people are involved from the outset and have meaningful opportunities to help shape the work ahead. 

“The Young Voices event will enable young people to share their priorities, consider the future of the European Youth Goals and contribute directly to the next cycle of EU Youth Dialogue. 

“Young people need access to trustworthy information and opportunities to participate in open and constructive discussion. I look forward to seeing the ideas and recommendations that emerge from today’s event.” 

Mick Ferron, CEO of the National Youth Council of Ireland, said: 

“Ireland’s EU Presidency is an important opportunity to demonstrate what meaningful youth participation looks like. It is fitting that the first youth event of the Presidency is taking place on its opening day and begins by listening directly to young people. 

“Young people should not be invited into the conversation only after priorities have been decided. They need genuine opportunities to shape the policies and decisions that affect their lives from the outset. 

“Access to reliable and understandable information is essential if young people are to participate fully in democracy. They also need inclusive spaces where different views can be heard, discussed and challenged respectfully. 

“Through our partnership with the Department of Education and Youth and the National Working Group on EU Youth Dialogue, the priorities identified by young people in Cork will feed into the wider EU Youth Dialogue process. This will help ensure young people’s experiences and ideas are represented in national and European discussions.”