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1st and 2nd Youth Policy Dialogues on Security and Defence

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4 March 2025 in Brussels, Belgium 

All 27 European Union Commissioners have been invited to organize Youth Policy Dialogues within the first 100 days of their tenure. This initiative aims to involve European youth in EU defence and security policies, ensuring that their perspectives contribute to shaping the future of European security in light of current geopolitical challenges. 

Considering the current geopolitical context and the various security threats to the EU – including but not limited to economic, strategic, cybersecurity, and hybrid threats from state and non-state actors – the topic of these Youth Policy Dialogues on Security and Defence are particularly important.

Defence and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, responsible for the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) will host the first Youth Policy Dialogues on Security and Defence, along with Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef, in Brussels, Belgium on 4 March 2025. The second Youth Policy Dialogue will be hosted by Commissioner Kubilius in Vilnius, Lithuania, from 27 to 29 March 2025. Young people from all over the EU will be invited to speak directly with Commissioner Kubilius during these two Dialogues. A delegation of Ukrainian youth will also participate remotely for the second Dialogue in Vilnius.

Topic of the 1st Youth Policy Dialogue: Young Voices in European Defence – Fostering Dialogue and Understanding

This dialogue will explore the role of young people in shaping Europe's peace and security landscape, and the importance of cooperation in addressing emerging challenges. It will focus on creating a platform for young people to engage with Commissioners on issues concerning security, defence, and the role of youth in promoting peace and stability.

The focus is on awareness and engagement.

Key topics of the first Youth Policy Dialogues on Security and Defence are:

  1. The EU as a peace project: Youth Perceptions of Geopolitical Threats 

The European Union has long been hailed as a project of peace, fostering cooperation and stability among its Member States. However, the current geopolitical landscape presents new challenges and uncertainties. The dialogue will explore how young people perceive the threat of war and their awareness of the evolving geopolitical dynamics, as well as the risk of taking peace for granted. We will discuss whether they view war as a real and imminent threat and how this shapes their perspectives on peace and security in Europe.

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  1. EU Defence Preparedness

In the face of potential security threats, it is crucial to assess the EU's defence preparedness and the role that young people can play in enhancing it. The dialogue will explore whether youth believe the EU is adequately equipped to respond to imminent threats and what measures they think should be taken to bolster security. We will explore the unique contributions that young people can make to EU defence and security, what being prepared means and the impact it has to young people, as well as the trade-offs they are willing to accept. This could include discussions on conscription, investment priorities, and the balance between security and other societal needs. 

  1. EU's Added Value 

Cooperation among EU Member States on defence is crucial. This dialogue will discuss how working together can enhance EU defence capabilities and readiness, surpassing what individual nations can achieve alone. We will explore the role of youth in advocating for and contributing to these collective defence strategies, emphasizing the importance of their engagement in shaping a secure future for Europe.

Youth Policy Dialogues

European Defence Industry factsheets

DG DEFIS has published a series of short factsheets to highlight and explain its activities and initiatives in the defence industry. They are available here:

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