European Elections, Democracy and Youth

In a landmark decision, Belgium opened the doors of democracy wider than ever before by making it possible for citizens aged 16 and above to participate in the European Elections (EE24).  

Engaging youth through the electoral process can knock down the gap in descriptive representations and promote issues of particular interest and concern. Furthermore, as the previous legislation allowed only those above 18 to vote and the most recent election was held in 2019, a great majority of students in university and secondary school third cycle will vote for the first time. 

Against this backdrop and in line with Ignite Votes of Youth (IVY) Project, Beyond the Horizon organises a hybrid event on 23 May 2024 at the premises of UCLouvain, site of Saint-Louis Bruxelles, that will also allow online participants to join discussions, including through together.eu. The event with special focus on youth will feature distinguished speakers elaborating on: 

• The role and democratic values of the EU, 
• The role EP plays in sustaining EU, especially as regards oversight and accountability, democratic representation and promotion of European identity. 
• The importance of voting in EE24 and how this voting will impact citizens’ everyday life, 
• Importance of the together.eu platform and how to register and use this tool to maintain an ongoing dialogue between the EP and themselves as EU citizens, to foster European identity and democratic engagement, and to receive information.