Youth Advocacy in the Committee of the Regions

The idea of a united Europe has brought peace and prosperity to the continent in the past seven decades. To keep the momentum and secure a future for the Union, more efforts have to be made to win the support of citizens for the European project. The book argues that if young citizens are more involved in decision making processes while following a structure in which national boarders play a decreasing role, then not only do we bring 'Brussels' closer to the people, but also increase the political voice and general political trust of European youth. After giving the background of the practice and positive attitude towards youth representation and introducing the European Committee of the Regions showing its appropriateness for promoting youth advocacy among its walls, a possible practical way of youth involvement is described, which could serve as a small but important part of (re)building trust in the European Union.

Autorentext

Agnes Leyrer setzte sich für die Interessenvertretung von Jugendlichen und die Mobilität von Studierenden ein, nachdem sie in fünf europäischen Ländern gelebt und mit den Hauptakteuren bei der Gestaltung der Bildungs- und Jugendpolitik der EU zusammengearbeitet hatte. Ebenso verfügt sie über eine zehnjährige Erfahrung in der Unterstützung europäischer Universitäten bei der Stärkung ihrer internationalen Präsenz und ihres Rufs.