Why youth political participation matters in Europe
Young people are often described as the future of Europe. But should they have to wait for the future to influence political decisions? For MEP Benedetta Scuderi, young people need to be involved in politics today, not simply discussed by policymakers.
In an interview on the United Citizens of Europe podcast, the Italian Member of the European Parliament reflected on her journey from grassroots activism to European politics, explaining why political participation requires more than voting in elections.
Her message is clear: young people need opportunities to organise, express their views and participate directly in decision-making.
From activism to the European Parliament
Scuderi’s political engagement began with student groups and campaigns for students’ rights. She also became involved in organisations working on migration and the fight against organised crime.
Initially, she struggled to find a political party that represented her views. Her experience in sustainability consulting eventually reinforced her belief that meaningful change also requires political decisions and public institutions. Her involvement in the Young European Greens helped her find a political community and build a path towards European politics. This journey illustrates an important point: youth political participation does not follow a single path. It can begin in student associations, civil society organisations, environmental movements or informal community groups before developing into more formal political engagement.
According to Scuderi, youth organisations can provide a space where young people develop their own political priorities, learn through experience and participate without feeling pressured to follow established political traditions. She also stresses that representation matters. If political institutions want to address young people’s concerns, young people must have opportunities to stand for elected positions and take part in decision-making.
However, several barriers make this difficult. Financial insecurity, unstable employment, housing costs and limited free time can all restrict young people’s ability to participate in political life.
These challenges mean that encouraging participation is not simply about asking young people to become more involved. It is also about making political engagement more accessible.
Beyond elections: building a European civic community
Political participation can take many forms: joining an association, supporting a campaign, organising a local initiative, contacting elected representatives or taking part in public debate. Scuderi’s advice to young people who feel unheard is straightforward: find your community, support one another and become part of collective action.
This approach reflects a broader understanding of European citizenship, in which democratic engagement extends beyond national elections and formal institutions. For more on the opportunities available to young people, read UCoE’s article on European Youth Week and youth participation. You can also explore how young citizens can shape Europe’s future. Both perspectives underline the importance of creating opportunities for young people to learn, exchange ideas and contribute to public life.
Making young voices count
Young Europeans do not need to wait until they are older, wealthier or more established to participate in democracy. They need accessible spaces, meaningful representation and communities that support their engagement.
As Scuderi’s experience suggests, political participation often begins with a simple decision: finding people who share your concerns and working together to address them. A democratic Europe cannot be built by institutions alone. It also depends on citizens who are willing and able to take part in shaping it.
Discover more conversations about European affairs, democracy and citizenship on the United Citizens of Europe website.