THE EU&U COMPASS
a youth manifesto for the future of Europe
Europe’s future must be shaped with young people, not for them. In a time when democratic values are under pressure and misinformation clouds public debate, young citizens across the continent are demanding a stronger voice in defining what the European Union should stand for. This manifesto stands as a framework to reclaim the European project and reaffirm its core principles of democracy, freedom, and solidarity.
Developed through consultations with youth representatives, policymakers, and civil society experts, the EU&U Compass reflects a shared vision for a more inclusive and resilient Europe. It sets out seven strategic goals that guide how young people can turn their democratic ideals into concrete action.
Building our ideal European Union must start with a strong vision, and it must start now.
And we are not alone
Maria Walsh MEP (EPP, IE)
‘One of the most important things I know about being a politician is that it is not just about making policy. It's about responsibility, transparency and service. With the EU&U Compass, young people have a way to hold me and all of us here in the European Parliament and across other institutions, fully accountable. Together we can build a Europe that is resilient, that is fair and ready for the challenges that face us tomorrow.’
Brando Benifei MEP (S&D, IT)
‘Europe’s young generation is not asking for permission to shape the future, they are already doing it. Our duty, as representatives, is to listen, to trust, and to give them the tools to turn their vision into the next chapter of the European project, one built on democracy, justice, and solidarity.’
Kira Marie Peter-Hansen MEP (Greens, DK)
‘I believe that the thoughts put forth by the EU&U in this manifesto should not only be glanced at. They should be carefully considered by all politicians who are working within the EU institutions. I have seen firsthand how difficult policy-making has become in this new EU mandate. Instead of viewing the green agenda as a drawback, it is time to see it as what it is - our highest trump card in the fight for a more secure and competitive position in world politics. Let young voices be heard.’
Benedetta Scuderi MEP (Greens, IT)
‘This manifesto is an essential document because it confronts the heart of the democratic crisis we face today. The compass offers what our generation needs the most: a tool to restore hope. Our commitment must be unwavering in fighting for gender justice in the whole EU. On climate, the challenge is existential. We cannot push back on the Green Deal. We must improve it, not demolish it.’
Rasmus Nordqvist MEP
(Greens, DK)
‘I am happy to support putting young people in the centre of decisions, getting their voices to be heard so we can create a sustainable and more fair and equal Europe.’
Lena Schilling MEP (Greens, AT)
‘What the EU&U Compass gets right is what we actually need to do to protect nature, cut pollution, stop waste and make the clean choice the easy choice. In the Parliament, I fight for the science-based pathways to climate neutrality by 2050, and the strong 2040 target the Compass calls for.’
Anna Strolenberg MEP (Greens, NL)
‘There's no EU without you and the young people behind this project. Think so, and so do I. Europe needs more young, engaged people because they are the ones affected by today's policies. With the rise of fascism, it is more important than ever that we stand up for the values that Europe was built on.’
Reinier van Lanschot MEP (Greens, NL)
‘I want to invite you to think about what the future of our union should look like, because you, as future generations, will shape the future of our union. We believe in a new generation that will hold us accountable and lead the way in shaping our future.’
Lukas Sieper MEP (NI, DE)
‘Have you ever asked yourself what kind of view you want to live in ten, 20, or 50 years? That's the question the EU&U Compass: a youth manifesto for the Future of Europe sets out to answer, and it does so brilliantly. Written by young Europeans, it's a vision for a fairer, greener and more inclusive Union.’
Kai Tegethoff MEP (Greens, DE)
‘It's always great to see young people stepping up for our values. And we see European democracy is under threat. It's not only the whole European democratic approach, but also on topics like my topic of heart, transport, where the green transition and decarbonising transport are under threat, and there's just less and less support for those issues.’
Nela Riehl MEP (Greens, DE)
‘I personally do work a lot in the field of youth engagement and education here in the European Parliament, but I've also been a teacher before and a mother. So for me, these topics are very close to my heart. So keep going. It's so important that we have these loud voices, raised again and again for your issues.’
Marc Angel MEP (S&D, LU)
‘Allow me to congratulate you on the excellent work that you have done. I share your values and vision for a more democratic, green and inclusive Europe. Unity, solidarity and diversity define our European identity. In a world where the unthinkable is no longer unimaginable, preserving our European values is paramount.’