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.

Step 3: Public Consultation

We propose to be publicly consulted on ocean-related matters prior to decisions being finalized. We see this as an opportunity to contribute to better outcomes by bringing in the perspective of future generations.

Step 4: Conditional Right to Delay (Limited Veto Mechanism)

In rare and clearly defined cases, we propose the right to delay the implementation of a proposed policy — specifically, when that policy contradicts the EU’s own national or international commitments.

This mechanism is not intended to disrupt but to serve as a safeguard for coherence and integrity. The Young Citizens’ Council for the Ocean would act as a guaranteeing body, helping to ensure that Europe adheres to its own stated principles and agreements.

Where appropriate, it could be discussed, whether such a delay mechanism could remain confidential to avoid unnecessary public pressure or politicization, while still enabling internal course correction.

Step 5: Institutionalized Participation

In the long term, we hope to be recognized as a legislative institution with the following rights:

  • A vote on ocean-related EU decision-making
  • The right of initiative to propose relevant policy ideas

Structure and Development of the Young Citizens’ Council for the Ocean

We are committed to building a council that is representative, well-informed, and capable of engaging meaningfully with democratic institutions. To ensure this, we propose a two-tier structure:

1. Core Council

  • Composed of approximately 15 members, aged 16–27
  • Holds the institutional rights outlined in the five-step proposal
  • Responsible for representing youth in official EU ocean-related processes

2. General Council

  • Open to young people aged 14–30
  • Functions as a space for education, engagement, and empowerment
  • Members participate in Ocean Literacy Workshops and elect the Core Council at regular intervals (to be discussed and agreed upon)
  • Only individuals aged 16 to 27 may be elected to the Core Council

To ensure a broad and inclusive perspective, participation in both councils is open to all young Europeans, including those from countries outside the European Union — such as potential EU candidate countries or landlocked states with a stake in ocean-related matters.

We believe this pan-European approach enriches the conversation and strengthens solidarity across the continent.

Should the European Commission consider it necessary, the Council is open to discussing a defined minimum share of EU citizens within the Core Council to ensure adequate representation in line with the Council’s formal relationship to EU institutions.