EESC President

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) to the President of the European Economic and Social Committee is a pivotal initiative aimed at integrating young people into leadership roles within the EU.

The primary purpose of the Youth Advisory Council is to provide the President of the EESC with informed, youth-centric advice on issues they consider should be addressed and linked to the President's priorities. This body supports the President in identifying work priorities and making strategic recommendations, particularly on matters where the youth perspective is critical, ensuring a meaningful and effective participation of young people in the decision-making process at a European level.

In its advisory role, the Council amplifies the voice of the youth and ensures that the opinions and aspirations of young people are effectively incorporated into the President's political orientations. This initiative is a response to the growing recognition of the importance of youth participation in governance and aligns with broader European and global trends towards more inclusive policymaking.

Meet the members of the Youth Advisory Council  

Lukas SVANA

Slovakia - International representative at Slovak Youth Council

Employment, local youth

Fariha KHAN

Austria - European Youth Delegate of the Austrian National Youth Council

Economic equity, financial literacy

Szymon GORNY

Poland - M-Lab NGO and Youth Environment Europe RCP East

Climate, health

Hailey CIANTAR

Malta - European Youth Card Association

Rural youth, bioeconomy

Ozer SAHOGLU

Cyprus - UNICEF Student Team & Cypriot Youth Come Front in the Society

Rural youth, human rights, water

Astrid BEGENYEZA

Belgium - Youth Coalition & MolenYouth

Affordable housing, vulnerable youth

Gonzalo MARTIN FERNANDEZ

Spain - President of Equipo Europa

Enlargement

Alexiane TERROCHAIRE

France - JEF Europe

Enlargement, integration

Rodrigo CARDOSO

Portugal - Amnesty International Youth Network

Mental health, human rights

Karla LEPESIC

Croatia  - Secretary General at Bringing Europeans Together Association (BETA) Europe

Employment, women's rights

If you have questions or need further information, please contact us at PresidentYAC@eesc.europa.eu.