Institutional Changes

Young people across Europe bring valuable insights, innovation, dedication, and a sense of urgency to ocean protection — yet they are still largely absent from institutional decision-making. Currently, there is no formal consultation, no speaking rights, and no structural representation for youth in ocean-related EU policy processes. We believe that greater youth participation can enhance the quality, legitimacy, and future-readiness of ocean governance.

To support this, we propose a clear, collaborative five-step framework that invites policymakers to gradually and meaningfully integrate young voices into existing structures.

Institutional Changes

Step 1: Recognition

We propose the formal recognition of a Young Citizens’ Council for the Ocean as a legitimate consultative body by the European Commission. This council would operate at the European level, bringing together young Europeans committed to protecting the ocean and supporting EU ocean objectives.

Step 2: Information Access

We ask to be informed throughout the decision-making process. We would like access to relevant protocols and working documents. We are ready to sign non-disclosure agreements where necessary, and propose jointly agreeing on a reasonable lead time that enables us to provide constructive input before decisions are made public.