Youth engagement initiatives in Belgium and France

Local governments in Belgium and France are implementing various programs to foster civic engagement and community involvement among young people.

In Belgium, municipalities in Flanders and Brussels have scheduled celebrations for the Day of the Youth Movement on October 23 to honor volunteers and youth organizations. In 2026, organizations including Chiro, FOS Open Scouting, Kamino, KLJ, and Scouts en Gidsen Vlaanderen are coordinating hundreds of events across Flanders and Brussels to showcase the value of youth movements and encourage new memberships. Activities include community breakfasts, such as one in Leuven’s Bruulpark, and various festivities designed to foster solidarity and thank members, leaders, and volunteers.

Simultaneously, new youth municipal councils have been established to encourage student participation in local democracy. In France, a newly elected youth council will manage a municipal budget for projects like community gardens and school improvements. In Marche, Belgium, primary school students were sworn into a student council designed to teach democratic processes and project implementation.