The Commission’s political guidelines for 2024-2029 open a new era of dialogue with citizens and aim to make sure that young people can use their voice and help shape our future.
The engagement of young people is also key for the clean energy transition. A just transition needs the support, acceptance, and skills of EU citizens, including the younger ones, to succeed.
Several instruments are already in place to facilitate such cooperation and engagement. This page will be regularly updated with more actions and information as the Commission expands efforts to increase youth participation in energy policy.
Young Energy Ambassadors
The Young Energy Ambassadors initiative was launched at the European Commission’s annual European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) in 2023. It aims at engaging more young people in the clean energy transition and actively involving them in the EU policy-making process.
Each year, a new cohort of Energy Ambassadors is selected. It is composed of 30 young people between 18 and 35 years old from around Europe, who work, study, or are otherwise engaged in the energy sector and are passionate about using their experience and knowledge to influence change and advocate for the clean energy transition.
Their mandate as Ambassadors covers 12 months, starting in June.
The 2025 edition of the programme will open its call for application on 28 January, with EUSEW taking place on 10-12 June 2025.
The Young Energy Ambassadors’ main task is to promote EUSEW and EU energy policy, particularly among their peers. They represent and share young people’s vision of the future of clean energy in Europe at the annual EUSEW conference. Throughout their mandate, they also participate in other workshops and conferences.
Young Energy Ambassador Programme
Mentorship
Starting in 2025, as a pilot project aiming to better involve youth and increase their understanding of EU policy making, the Young Energy Ambassadors will have the opportunity to join a mentorship programme with energy experts in the Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy.
Through personal contact and meetings, the mentors will help the Ambassadors to learn more about the policy process, develop skills in the field of energy and expand their network.
European Youth Energy Day
The European Youth Energy Day has been part of the EUSEW Policy Conference since 2020 and aims at giving young participants the chance to get involved in debates on Europe’s sustainable energy transition.
Activities have had different formats each year, such as dialogues, workshops, hackathons, and roundtables. Recordings and examples of previous Youth Energy Day sessions is available on EUSEW’s website.
Youth Policy Dialogues on energy
Youth Policy Dialogues provide a platform for young people to contribute to the EU's policymaking processes by engaging in constructive discussions with Commissioners. This is part of a wider commitment to giving young people greater freedom and responsibility within our societies and democracies.
All the Commissioners will during their mandate 2024-2029 organise yearly Youth Policy Dialogues. Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, in charge of Energy and Housing, will hold his first Youth Policy Dialogue in February 2025.
Energy and Youth
These resources and initiatives help young people to learn about EU policy and promote civic engagement.
