Why do our democratic systems struggle to connect with young voices? Despite having opinions on the issues that shape their lives, young people’s voices go unheard in traditional decision-making processes. For many, especially those from underrepresented communities, politics feels distant and inaccessible or simply not for them. This exclusion isn’t just about voting – it’s about a lack of opportunities to influence policies, lead conversations, and feel truly heard.

When young people are left out, we all lose. Democracies miss out on fresh ideas, new perspectives, and the energy needed to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow. It’s time to change this.

That’s the vision behind YOUROPE, a Horizon Europe project bringing together 17 partners from across Europe to tackle this challenge head-on. Human rights groups, higher education institutions, youth-led organisations and educational experts have joined forces to reimagine how young people and their communities engage with democracy. Using innovative Community-Led Research and Action (CLRA), YOUROPE will aim to empower youth, especially those often left out, to lead change in their communities and neighbourhoods and all the way up to policy-making circles.

From 26 to 28 November, we launched our journey with a Kick-Off Meeting at Coventry University‘s Brussels Hub. This gathering marked the start of a three-year collaboration where partners met face-to-face, set plans for the first deliverables, and engaged with our European Commission project officers to ensure a seamless start.

YOUROPE envisions a Europe where young people don’t just have a seat at the table but are leading the conversation. Together, we’re hoping to support building a democracy that is inclusive, fair, and responsive to real-life challenges.

When young people are left out, we all lose. Democracies miss out on fresh ideas, new perspectives, and the energy needed to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow. It’s time to change this.