This report is part of the EUTeens4Green initiative, created by the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) to support young people in initiating and implementing their creative ideas on how to tackle challenges connected to the transformation process in their regions. These initiatives have not only contributed to youth empowerment but have also fostered sustainable and green transitions within youths’ local communities. The project has focused on regions designated as beneficiaries of the Just Transition Fund and identified as territories expected to face the most significant adverse impacts during the transition towards climate neutrality.

Introduction

As the project comes to an end after two years of implementation, it is crucial to reflect on it, assess its outcomes, and formulate recommendations for a more inclusive and youth-centric future for Cohesion Policy. This report will delve into the current extent of youth involvement in Cohesion Policy and broader decision-making processes at the European Union, national, regional, and local levels. It will explain existing barriers that hinder the effective engagement of the younger generation in policy-making, followed by recommendations for overcoming these obstacles. Finally, the identified barriers will also be combined with practical experience and lessons learned from EUTeens4Green projects, showing that they can serve as examples of good practices. In the final part of the publication, we will further reflect on the project and suggest what should be improved if similar initiatives are considered in the future.