A bridge between education and civic engagement: the role of universities in supporting youth pathways in European democracies

Résumé

This contribution explores the role of universities in shaping young people’s pathways toward participation in European public decision-making. Against the backdrop of declining traditional political engagement across European democracies, it reflects on the critical challenges and opportunities higher education presents for fostering democratic citizenship. The study draws on phenomenological research involving in-depth interviews with 26 young representatives from prominent European youth organisations, such as the Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe and the European Youth Forum. While the research identifies various contexts as pivotal to youth engagement, this contribution focuses specifically on the university experience, exploring how it can serve as both a catalyst and a barrier to civic participation. The youth participants highlighted universities as spaces where supportive mentorship, participatory practices, and opportunities to engage in student bodies fostered political participation. Conversely, institutional rigidity and limited recognition of extracurricular activities were seen as hindrances to engagement. This paper argues that universities, while not solely responsible for fostering democratic citizenship, hold a vital role in bridging academic education and societal challenges. By enhancing their role, universities can empower young people to contribute meaningfully to democratic life, positioning themselves as bridges between education and civic action.