How Members of Youth Network in Europe Perceive Their Influence

Young people participate less in institutionalized forms of political engagement than older citizens do and there has even been worries about young generations’ lesser attachment to democracy and their undemocratic attitudes. In order to provide young people the opportunity to influence decision-making, youth councils have been established in many countries around Europe. Youth councils are national representative bodies that exist to provide young people an outlet for institutionalized political participation. In addition to youth councils, other kinds of networks on youth issues, consisting mostly of adults that represent organizations and actors promoting youth welfare, have been established around Europe. The chapter examines different kinds of youth networks in Europe and examines how the members of youth networks perceive their influence. The following research questions are explored in the chapter: a) How politically influential are the youth networks in different parts of Europe according to the perception of their members? and b) Can differences in the perceived level of influence be explained by the members’ personal attributes or by varying institutional arrangements?