Politics for young people
If you would like to get involved in democracy, various structures have been set up – at Brussels, Belgium and even EU level – to encourage the participation of young people in political life.
For French speakers
The 'Conseil de la Jeunesse' is the official youth advisory and representation organ for French-speaking Belgium in Wallonia and Brussels. Its main remit is to give young people a voice at national and international level and to defend their interests by negotiating directly with politicians. The Conseil de la Jeunesse gathers the opinions of regular young people throughout the French Community and gives them a platform at community, national and international level. It is regularly consulted by the various political bodies, especially the French Community’s Minister for Youth Affairs, with regard to all questions that affect young people. The Conseil de la Jeunesse generally works in partnership with its German- and Dutch-speaking counterparts.
The General Assembly comprises 50 members directly elected by young people aged 16 to 30 years old living in the French Community. They sit for two years (and can be re-elected twice) and are aged 18 to 30 years old.
The 'Parlement Jeunesse' of the French Community in Belgium
Once a year, eighty young people between 17 and 26 years of age visit the Parliament of the French Community in Brussels to experience first hand the work of a parliamentarian, within the context of the Youth Parliament. In this role-playing game in real conditions these young people debate strong> four draft decrees on topical matters affecting society, amend them and ultimately vote on them.
www.parlementjeunesse.be (FR)
Learn, understand, get informed
The Federation of 'Centres d'Information et de Documentation pour Jeunes' in the French Community of Belgium has lots of useful information, including projects, info sheets and a library. Check out its website at www.cidj.be (FR).
For Dutch speakers
The 'Vlaamse Jeugdraad' (Flemish Youth Council) is the official advisory body of the Flemish Government on all matters concerning children and young people, as well as their organisations in the Flemish Community. It sees to it that young people are able to present their opinions to policymakers and defends the interests of youth organisations in the Flemish Community and Europe.
The Flemish minsters are obliged to ask the opinion of the Flemish Youth Council on every decision affecting children or young people.
The Council also makes recommendations and proposals on its own initiative in areas that affect the blossoming and needs of young people, to drive more favourable youth policy in Belgium.
The Flemish Youth Council is supported by the non-profit association De Ambrassade, the Flemish office for youth affairs.
De Ambrassade aims to promote youth, youth work, youth information and youth policy, and to improve the position of children and youngsters in society.
In the Brussels-Capital Region the 'Brusselse Jeugdraad' (Brussels Youth Council )prepares recommendations on youth affairs for the Flemish Community Commission (NL)External link.