Ireland to host EU Youth Conference during EU Presidency

Ireland will host the EU Youth Conference from 27 to 30 September 2026 as part of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Organised by the Department of Education and Youth in partnership with the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), the conference is a key event of the EU Youth Dialogue process and has been co-created with young people.

The event will bring together approximately 300 young people, policymakers and youth

sector representatives from across Europe to discuss issues affecting young people and to help shape the future direction of EU youth policy.

The conference will focus on EU Youth Goal 4, Information and Constructive Dialogue, a priority agreed by the Trio Presidencies of Ireland, Lithuania and Greece. Discussions will also make an important contribution to the development of the next EU Youth Strategy, which is due to be launched in 2027.

As part of the programme, Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton will welcome the European Commissioner responsible for youth, underlining the priority Ireland is placing on youth issues during its EU Presidency.

The event will include youth delegates from every EU Member State and candidate country, including three delegates representing Ireland. The Irish delegates have participated in EU Youth Dialogue consultations in Ireland and were selected through the Young Voices: EU Youth Dialogue programme coordinated by the National Youth Council of Ireland.

Through workshops, dialogue sessions and policy discussions, young people will engage directly with decision makers and contribute to recommendations that will help shape youth policy at European level for years to come.

Looking ahead to the conference, Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton said:

"I am delighted that Ireland will host the EU Youth Conference as part of our Presidency of the Council of the European Union and welcome young people and youth representatives from across Europe to Dublin.

“This conference reflects a core principle of our Presidency, that young people must have a genuine voice in decisions that share their futures. It provides and important opportunity for young people to engage directly with policy makers, share their experiences and perspectives, and help influence the development of policy at European level.

“The theme of Information and Constructive Dialogue is particularly relevant in today’s world. As young people navigate an increasingly complex digital and information landscape, it is more important than ever that they have access to reliable information, trusted and meaningful opportunities to participate in democratic life.

“The discussions taking place at this conference will help inform the next EU Youth Strategy to ensure that voices of young people are reflected in the policies that affect them. I also look forward to welcoming delegates from across Europe, including the European Commissioner responsible for youth, as we work together to strengthen youth participation and build a more inclusive, connected and resilient Europe for the next generation.”

Young people will play a central role throughout the conference and in shaping its outcomes. The conference forms part of the wider EU Youth Dialogue process, through which young people at local, national and European level can influence decisions that affect their lives.

In Ireland, this work is delivered through the Young Voices: EU Youth Dialogue programme coordinated by the National Youth Council of Ireland.

Leo Galvin, Irish EU Youth Delegate, said:

"The EU Presidency is an opportunity for young people to speak about the issues that affect us and to make sure our views are taken seriously. Events like this give me incredible hope for the EU Presidency, that young people are passionate, they care and when given the opportunity, can drive meaningful and powerful change. They give us the chance to meet other young people, discuss different perspectives from across Europe and contribute to decisions that will shape our future."

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.

“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 Dublin 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."

Ireland's Presidency places a strong emphasis on youth participation, dialogue and democratic engagement. The conference will showcase the role of the EU Youth Dialogue in turning young people's perspectives into practical policy recommendations, while highlighting Ireland's commitment to strengthening youth participation at national and European level.