The European Union is a unique partnership between 27 European countries, known as Member States, or EU countries. Together they cover much of the European continent. The EU is home to around 447 million people, which is around 6% of the world’s population. As an Irish citizen, you are a citizen of the European Union.

As citizens we enjoy the right to dignity, respect and protection. But, for every right there is a responsibility on the part of someone to act out of awareness and care for the welfare of fellow citizens. Active Citizenship is about engagement and participation in our communities (local, national, European) and society. ref   Quick Guide to Active Citizenship

If you have any questions about Europe, you can chat online to a trained Youth Information Officer or leave us a message and we can get back to you.

There are many practical ways to become an Active Citizen of Europe!

The EU Youth Dialogue (previously called the Structured Dialogue) is a way of making the voices of young people heard in European policy-making processes. The aim is to create a dialogue between young people and youth organisations with policy- and decision-makers, as well as experts, researchers and other members of civil society. In Ireland, the EU Youth Dialogue is delivered by NYCI through the Young Voices programme.

Every five years, EU citizens choose who represents them in the European Parliament, the directly elected institution that defends their interests in the EU decision-making process. The next European elections will take place in May 2024. More information

Every Irish citizen and every resident citizen of another EU Member State who is aged 18 years or over and whose name appears on the register of electors is entitled to vote. Are you registered to vote? Check the register online here.

Check the Eurodesk Opportunity Finder to find out about current opportunities and programmes for young people.

Erasmus+  is an EU programme for education, training, youth and sport.

Youth Wiki  – Europe encyclopedia of National Youth Policies. It reports complex policy initiatives in accessible, plain English. Each policy area is subdivided into topics. The platform can be navigated with ease and ensures you find the information you need in the youth field. More information.

European Youth Forum – The vision of the European Youth Forum is to be the voice of young people in Europe, where young people are equal citizens and are encouraged and supported to achieve their fullest potential as global citizens.

Remember if you have any questions , you can chat online to a trained Youth Information Officer.