Local and regional leaders call for stronger EU action on youth participation and protection

In a debate with Commissioner Micallef, regions and cities stressed the need to enhance EU measures on youth participation, online safety and culture

Young people's voices were at the centre of a debate on the future of EU youth policy, cyber-bullying and culture with Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, at the commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC) on 2 February.

Youth dialogue with European Commissioner Micallef

European Commissioner Glenn Micallef took part in a Youth Dialogue with youth representatives and local and regional leaders at the SEDEC Commission meeting, exchanging views on key priorities for Europe's youth policy and cultural sectors. The discussion focused on enhancing measures to combat cyberbullying, the new Culture Compass initiative, and the youth dimension of Erasmus+, and the cultural aspects of the AgoraEU proposal for 2028-34.

Local and regional leaders highlighted the importance of intergenerational fairness, youth participation and culture as drivers of social cohesion and for a more inclusive, fairer and stronger EU. They urged the EU and all levels of government to systematically consider the long-term impacts of current policies to improve the quality of policymaking and to ensure that also the future generations can thrive and called for stronger enforcement of the existing regulation to promote online safety for children and young people. They also reaffirmed the commitment of the European Committee of the Regions to ensuring that young people's voices are heard in EU policymaking.

Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, said: "Young people are shaping Europe's future every day - online, offline, and in their communities. Our responsibility is to ensure they can do so safely, creatively and with confidence. By protecting young people online and expanding access to culture, we are investing in their wellbeing and in a more inclusive Europe that truly listens to its regions."

Youth and Culture in the EU long-term budget 2028-34

SEDEC members adopted a draft opinion on the next Erasmus+ programme, part of the EU's new long-term budget proposal, calling for access for all EU students, a dedicated sport sector, and the full involvement of local and regional authorities (LRAs).

Rapporteur Roberto Pella (IT/EPP), mayor of Valdengo, said: "Erasmus+ is not only one of the most widely recognised programmes by European citizens; it is a cornerstone of our shared European identity. Continuing to invest in Erasmus+ means investing in Europe's future and building a Union that is more competitive, inclusive, and closer to its young people. The European Committee of the Regions will conclude its listening and dialogue process and submit concrete proposals to EU legislative bodies to strengthen Erasmus+ for territories and communities, in tribute to the legacy of Sofia Corradi," a formative influence on the Erasmus programme.

In a draft opinion adopted at the meeting, local and regional leaders supported the AgoraEU programme, which will be created under the new long-term EU budget, as a key pillar for protecting culture, media independence, democratic resilience, and citizens' participation, and called for the recognition of LRAs as vital partners.

Rapporteur Csaba Borboly (RO/EPP), vice-president of the Harghita County, said: "The agora used to be the heart of the community - and AgoraEU must be present in every community, not only in big cities. That means territorial indicators to ensure fair geographical access, simplified small grants with local support, and strong protection for minority languages and cultures. Local authorities must be partners, not just beneficiaries."

The two draft opinions are scheduled to be adopted during the CoR plenary session in May.

The protection of youth and minors in the digital sphere

SEDEC members called for stronger protection of children and young people in the digital sphere through coordinated action at EU, national, regional and local level in a draft opinion adopted at the meeting following a referral from the Cypriot Presidency. They urged for stricter platform responsibility, effective age-verification and parent consent, and clearer rules for advertising and influencers, but rejecting blanket bans.

Rapporteur Heike Raab (DE/PES) State Secretary, Rhineland Palatinate State Government, said: "Children and young people deserve to grow up in a digital environment that is safe, fair and empowering. This opinion shows how local and regional authorities can protect minors online while strengthening digital literacy, resilience and inclusion. The digital transition must work for children - not against them."

The draft opinion is scheduled for adoption at the CoR plenary session in May.

Also during the meeting

Members of the SEDEC commission held an exchange of views on the opinion on the Horizon Europe - the 10th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, by rapporteur Anne Besnier (FR/PES), vice-President of the Region of Centre-Val de Loire. The programme is part of the EU's new long-term budget proposal. The opinion is scheduled to be adopted during the CoR's plenary session in May.

The SEDEC commission also held an exploratory debate on the opinion on Child Wellbeing and Child Benefits - mapping child benefit systems across EU Member States, a referral from the CY Presidency, by rapporteur Fauzaya Talhaoui (BE/PES), president of the Council of the Province of Antwerp. The opinion is scheduled to be adopted during the CoR's Plenary in March

Finally, SEDEC members appointed Tsvetelina Simeonova-Zarkin (BG/Renew), member of Sofia Municipal Council, as rapporteur for the opinion on the New European Bauhaus, which is part of the Housing Package published by the European Commission in December 2025.

Background

• Video from the meeting.
• In November 2025, the European Commission launched the Culture Compass for Europe to place culture at the heart of efforts to foster European identity, celebrate diversity and promote excellence
• The European Commission is set to publish the Intergenerational Fairness strategy on 4 March.
• Opinion on Intergenerational Fairness: A Local and Regional Approach to Building Inclusive and Sustainable Societies (2025).
• As part of the MFF proposal, the European Commission presented in July 2025:
  • The Erasmus+ programme for the period 2028-2034, to support learning mobility and capacity building in education, training, youth and sport.
  • The AgoraEU programme to promote culture, safeguard artistic and media freedom and promote equality, active citizenship.
• SEDEC study on Youth protection in the digital sphere, (January 2026).
• The European Commission is set to adopt a communication on "Enhancing the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities up to 2030", during the second quarter of the 2026.

Contact:

Ângela Machado

Tel: +32 475 41 31 58

[email protected]