Present-day European children have been through a lot: a global pandemic, a global financial crisis and wars in the EU's neighbouring regions. In just a few years, once they become adults, they will have to face the consequences of the decisions taken today. Therefore whether these decisions have to do with the protection of the environment, public health policies or demographics, governments should seek to ensure that children are sufficiently empowered to contribute to responsible choices for their generation's future. According to EU and international instruments, children have the right to be heard and to have a say in all decisions that may affect them and their well-being, whether in their home, community, school, or in legal and administrative matters. Ensuring children's right to express their views on matters relevant to them is a key objective of the European Union. Children's participation can take many forms, in ways that are adapted to their age and maturity; for instance they can express their views through writing and speech but also through painting and drawing. The upcoming European elections in June 2024 further highlight the importance of engaging children in the EU's democratic processes. Four Member States (Belgium, Germany, Malta and Austria) allow their 16-year-old citizens to vote. Stakeholders call for more extensive consultations with children while stressing the need to make policy and decision making in areas concerning children both accessible and child-friendly. An open and inclusive consultation would provide children with the opportunity to contribute to the definition of new policy priorities and to the evaluation and revision of existing measures. This briefing looks at the international and EU policy framework relevant to children's participation in democratic life. It also gives practical examples of how this participation is enabled through local youth parliaments, municipal children's councils and ad hoc consultations.
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- Belgium
