Young Voices for the Atlantic Consultation

Committed to laying the foundations for the possible establishment of an Atlantic Youth Platform – a space for young people to share ideas, collaborate, and propose projects to support the development of European Atlantic Regions –, the Programme and its partners aim to listen directly to young people’s perspectives and ideas.

From 23 March to 24 April, young people aged 18 to 30 living in one of the four participating Member States - France, Ireland, Portugal, and Spain - are invited to take part in an online survey. The form is available here.

The consultation will prioritise outreach to university students, early-career researchers, and young NGO volunteers, while remaining open to a broader spectrum of young people engaged in civic, environmental, social, and entrepreneurial initiatives. Particular attention will be given to ensuring geographical balance across the four participating Member States.

The survey focuses on challenges that are widely recognised across Atlantic territories and closely aligned with European strategic priorities: 

•    Climate change adaptation and mitigation, sustainability, and green infrastructure, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal.

•    Governance, citizen participation, and knowledge sharing, contributing to stronger multi-level governance, territorial cohesion, and the development of an integrated Atlantic identity.

•    Emerging and enabling technologies, including digital innovation, consistent with Europe’s digital transition ambitions, and exploring how digital skills development, innovation ecosystems, and transnational cooperation can enhance youth employability and entrepreneurship.

•    Youth employment, skills development, and economic resilience, addressing structural challenges such as regional disparities, brain drain, and limited access to quality employment opportunities in Atlantic territories.

•    Ocean literacy, marine environmental awareness, and coastal resilience, reflecting the specificities of the Atlantic basin and the pressing need to engage young coastal citizens in addressing challenges related to ocean pollution, biodiversity loss, and the sustainable use of marine resources  

The initial results of the consultation will be discussed during interactive sessions to be held around Europe Day in May. The insights gathered will help move beyond identifying priorities towards co-creation, exploring how these can be translated into concrete actions, cooperation projects, and territorial initiatives across the Atlantic Region.