President’s Youth Advisory Board

Young people have a key role in shaping Europe’s future. The European Commission is committed to consulting young people on issues that affect them and integrating their perspective in new initiatives. Initiated by President von der Leyen through the Political Guidelines 2024-2029, the President’s Youth Advisory Board was set up as an expert group by  Commission Decision on 25 June 2025. The establishment of the Board marks a milestone for youth participation at the highest political level.

 

What is the purpose of the President’s Youth Advisory Board?

The aim of the Board is to advise the European Commission on issues that matter most to young people across Europe, and to act as a sounding board for ideas developed by the Commission. Key tasks include:

• Identifying challenges faced by young people from diverse backgrounds;
• Providing advice to the Commission, based on insights gathered from young people;
• Offering feedback on existing and proposed Union policies and initiatives to better align them with young people's needs;
• Facilitating communication between the Commission and young people in all EU Member States;
• Ensuring all young people's rights and needs are considered in Commission policies and initiatives;
• Raising awareness of the Board's work by sharing key messages within the networks of young representatives.

 

Who is part of the President’s Youth Advisory Board? 

The Board brings together young people aged between 18 and 28 years from National Youth Councils of EU Member States and from the European Youth Forum. Bringing together several youth organisations and individuals, National Youth Councils gather feedback from various young people and play a key role in shaping youth policies at national and EU levels. In line with the Commission´s initiatives to prepare candidate countries and potential candidates for accession to the Union, youth-led organisations from those countries may be invited to join as observers. 

The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen chairs the meetings of the President’s Youth Advisory Board. 

First meeting of the President’s Youth Advisory Board – 3 December 2025, Brussels 
Topic: Social media and young people
 

The relevant documents of the President’s Youth Advisory Board are available on the Register of Commission expert groups.