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Youth Influence in EU-Policy: Real, symbolic or wishful thinking?

Ringby, Ellinor LU (2026) STVM23 20261
Department of Political Science
Abstract
This thesis analyses and evaluates youth participation within the EU and to what extent, and under what conditions the EU´s youth participation mechanisms provide young citizens with efficient tools for political influence. To research the link between the mechanisms aimed at their effectiveness, this thesis uses a deliberative democracy framework as well as three dimensions based on Archon Fung´s democratic cube: selection, communication and authrotiy. The empirical material consists of interviews, EU official documents, evaluation reports as well as previous research. To whether the mechanisms result in influence, the findings suggest that while the EU has developed tools that have the possibility to provide a pathway for influence, the... (More)
This thesis analyses and evaluates youth participation within the EU and to what extent, and under what conditions the EU´s youth participation mechanisms provide young citizens with efficient tools for political influence. To research the link between the mechanisms aimed at their effectiveness, this thesis uses a deliberative democracy framework as well as three dimensions based on Archon Fung´s democratic cube: selection, communication and authrotiy. The empirical material consists of interviews, EU official documents, evaluation reports as well as previous research. To whether the mechanisms result in influence, the findings suggest that while the EU has developed tools that have the possibility to provide a pathway for influence, the consultative and advisory roles, become limited by conditions in the ability to fulfill its aim. While elements of deliberation are at times present in dialogue, young people´s possibility to influence the agenda as well as result remains low. Overall, this thesis suggests that EU youth participation mechanisms are ineffective in reaching the goal of offering young citizens a platform for influence in the decision-making process, and highlights the connection to mainly result in perceived inclusion. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Ringby, Ellinor LU
supervisor
organization
course
STVM23 20261
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
EU Youth Participation, EU Youth Dialogue, EU Youth Strategy, President's Youth Advisory Board, Youthwashing, Youth Influence
language
English
id
9226739
date added to LUP
2026-06-16 14:53:22
date last changed
2026-06-16 14:53:22
@misc{9226739,
  abstract     = {{This thesis analyses and evaluates youth participation within the EU and to what extent, and under what conditions the EU´s youth participation mechanisms provide young citizens with efficient tools for political influence. To research the link between the mechanisms aimed at their effectiveness, this thesis uses a deliberative democracy framework as well as three dimensions based on Archon Fung´s democratic cube: selection, communication and authrotiy. The empirical material consists of interviews, EU official documents, evaluation reports as well as previous research. To whether the mechanisms result in influence, the findings suggest that while the EU has developed tools that have the possibility to provide a pathway for influence, the consultative and advisory roles, become limited by conditions in the ability to fulfill its aim. While elements of deliberation are at times present in dialogue, young people´s possibility to influence the agenda as well as result remains low. Overall, this thesis suggests that EU youth participation mechanisms are ineffective in reaching the goal of offering young citizens a platform for influence in the decision-making process, and highlights the connection to mainly result in perceived inclusion.}},
  author       = {{Ringby, Ellinor}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Youth Influence in EU-Policy: Real, symbolic or wishful thinking?}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}