It is palpable. This sensation of exhaustion goes far beyond the recent heatwaves. Instead, a deep-seated disillusionment on the effectiveness of democratic participation has been lingering in the minds of young adults for a very long time.
Disappointing electoral turnouts and indifference toward politics are just symptoms of a broader sentiment: it often appears that the youth simply do not care. But is that the whole truth? Are they genuinely uninterested? Or have they simply lost faith in the representatives and institutions whose primary purpose is to safeguard their wellbeing? When the housing and cost-of-living crises seem unstoppable and progress on social rights has come to an abrupt halt, how can we expect them to keep supporting a system that feels like it is failing them?
At the core of this disruptive mindset lies a systemic issue: the perceived distance between young people and governing institutions. It is no accident that the European Union is frequently described as a “bubble”: all-encompassing for those inside, yet entirely out of reach for those on the outside.
But democracy is like a muscle that requires daily exercise, not just a vote cast every few years. The current rise in political apathy and frustration must serve as an urgent wake-up call. We need to flip the script and show young adults that their opinions do matter, that they are being heard, and that they can play an active role in shaping their communities.
Fortunately, there are ways to bridge the gap between everyday life and the high-level meeting rooms of political power. And this is exactly where NGOs come into play.
Beyond the Buzzwords: the New Democratic Pact
While “youth participation” is a popular buzzword, in practice, it rarely amounts to more than passive listening. Young people routinely feel overlooked and locked out of political institutions. Generation Z faces unprecedented challenges: skyrocketing living costs and a daunting job market have fueled profound frustration.
The consequences of this neglect are already visible. In the last European elections, voter turnout dropped by 6% among 15- to 25-year-olds, and by 1% among those aged 25 to 39. This growing resentment is actively exploited by populist forces across Europe targeting this exact demographic. To counter this, we must move beyond token gestures; we must act to provide genuine opportunities, and above all, we must listen to understand.
The Council of Europe’s New Democratic Pact is a vital effort to connect these dots, aiming to build a more resilient and robust democracy. However, its success hinges on civil society: NGOs serve as the eyes and ears of political institutions. Empowering the youth must be considered a democratic necessity, as they form the very foundation of our future.
Bridging the Gap: NGOs in Action
As NGOs, we embrace our unique social responsibility to act as vital conduits between governing bodies and the public. With a dedicated focus on youth work, we at ASSEDEL aim to spotlight the challenges young people face and dismantle the barriers preventing them from accessing these institutions.
To truly connect with the younger generation, NGOs must find innovative, effective ways to engage them, creating spaces where they can freely share both their doubts and their ideas. ASSEDEL has already begun taking concrete steps to bring young people closer to European institutions.
On May 10th, ASSEDEL opened its doors to 20 students from across Europe for an “Open Library” event. By inviting officials from the Council of Europe’s communication and legal departments, we gave participants a firsthand look at the inner workings of these institutions. They learned about the decision-making processes that ultimately shape their daily lives. It was a simple yet profound experience that demystified the mechanisms of democracy.
From Bystanders to Builders
Whether it is the grand halls of the European Parliament or the local city council, young people deserve to be in control: they must become the makers of their own future and thus be enabled to shape the society they have inherited.
In this sense, NGOs have the unique power to hand over the keys. By organizing dynamic discussion groups, interactive workshops, and grassroots “Democracy Cafés,” civil society can transform political frustration into civic fuel. It is time to move young people from the sidelines to the center stage, turning everyday bystanders into the very builders of tomorrow’s democracy.