Convinced that it is at local and regional levels that a culture of youth participation - decisive in guaranteeing the legitimacy, credibility and functioning of democratic systems - can most effectively take root and thrive, the Congress launched its “Rejuvenating Politics” initiative as early as 2014.

Since then, this initiative, which aims to promote young people’s participation in public life and decision-making processes at local and regional levels, has mobilised young people from across the 46 member States of the Council of Europe each year.

With demand growing stronger every year, the Rejuvenating Politics initiative has already enabled more than 400 youth delegates to participate in the debates of the Congress and its committees and to carry out grassroots projects aimed at promoting youth participation in local and regional democratic life in their country.

The initiative forms part of the Congress’s longstanding commitment to promoting youth participation, as a means of both overcoming the gap between political institutions’ and young people’s understanding of youth participation and of anchoring democratic principles in a society based on respect for human rights. This approach was borne out by the Congress’s adoption in 1992 and revision in 2003 of the European Charter on the participation of young people in municipal and regional life.

Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life

Young people must be included in democratic structures and processes, have their voices heard and make decisions on issues that impact on them and their lives. Their active participation is essential if we are to build more democratic, caring and prosperous societies.

The revised Charter contains principles, best practices and guidelines to enhance youth participation at local and regional levels. It also sets out the basic requirements for this participation to be meaningful, i.e. young people must have the necessary rights, means, space, opportunity and support.