Youth and the Future of Democracy
A Canada-EU Research Initiative
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Youth and the Future of Democracy
Youth and the Future of Democracy is a Canada–EU research initiative implemented by the Parliamentary Centre in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to Canada.
The initiative brings together youth organizations from across Canada and the European Union to explore how young people engage with democratic institutions and formal decision-making processes. It examines the barriers to meaningful youth participation, the changes young people believe are needed to make democratic processes more inclusive, accessible, and responsive, and opportunities for Canada–EU cooperation to strengthen youth participation in democracy.
By bringing together perspectives from both sides of the Atlantic, the initiative seeks to identify shared challenges, exchange promising practices, and develop concrete opportunities for continued collaboration.
Step 1. Mapping and Outreach
Identify and engage youth-led organizations working on democratic participation, civic engagement, policy, advocacy, inclusion, and related issues across Canada and the European Union.
Step 2. Survey
Gather perspectives from youth organizations on youth priorities, trust in institutions, barriers to democratic participation, and experiences with formal engagement mechanisms.
Step 3. Reimagining Democracy: EU–Canada Youth Forum
Bring together youth leaders for the inaugural Reimagining Democracy: EU–Canada Youth Forum, creating opportunities for transatlantic exchange among youth organizations as well as direct dialogue and engagement with policymakers.
Participants discuss key challenges facing youth democratic participation, identify shared priorities, exchange perspectives and experiences, and explore opportunities for continued Canada–EU youth collaboration.
Step 4. From Dialogue to Action
Build on the research and Forum discussions to develop calls to action and identify concrete priorities for future Canada–EU youth cooperation. Share these recommendations with the Delegation of the European Union to Canada, relevant EU institutions, Canadian federal stakeholders, policymakers, and civil society organizations to help inform youth policy, democratic participation initiatives, and future Canada–EU collaboration.
Project Outputs
Project outputs, including the initiative’s findings and recommendations, will be published here as they become available.
The project aims to:
Research Outputs
Statement Paper and Policy Brief documenting comparative Canada–EU survey findings, with intersectional analysis across gender, race, disability, and other identities.
Policy Engagement
Findings shared with the EU Delegation to Canada, other EU institutions, and Canadian federal stakeholders to inform youth engagement policy and democratic participation programs.
Youth Dialogue
Forum bringing together youth organizations from Canada and the EU to discuss findings, generate recommendations, and build transatlantic connections.
Institutional Capacity
Baseline understanding of youth perceptions of Canada–EU relations, supporting the EU Youth Advisory Board and future bilateral programming