Policy & Advocacy

Young people across Europe must be heard, trusted, and empowered to shape the societies they are inheriting. Their voices are essential to advancing sustainable development, environmental action, peace, social justice, recognition of volunteering, and safeguarding and well-being.

For us, advocacy means turning youth voices into meaningful influence. Scouts develop leadership through hands-on action in their local communities, and we ensure those experiences are represented at European decision-making tables. From grassroots initiatives to high-level policy forums, we amplify young people's perspectives and champion their role as partners in change.

A young person wearing a Scout scarf is speaking on a stage.

Sanad Latifa

External Representatives

Our External Representatives advocate on behalf of young people across Europe, ensuring that their perspectives are heard in key institutions, platforms, and policy spaces, including the EU Youth Dialogue, the Council of Europe’s Advisory Council on Youth, the European Youth Forum, and the LifeLong Learning Platform, among others.

They engage with decision-makers, youth networks, and strategic partners to influence conversations on peace, human rights, sustainability, education, and youth participation, amplifying real experiences from Scout groups into real policy impact.

Our priorities

By working alongside partners, policymakers, and youth organisations, we aim to create tangible and lasting impact on the issues that matter most to young people in Europe.

Volunteers are the backbone of Scouting and of civil society across Europe. Yet their contributions are too often undervalued in public policy and decision-making.

We advocate for:

Promoting recognition of volunteer contributions at local, national, and European levels
Formal acknowledgment of volunteering as a key driver of social cohesion and community development
Policies that validate volunteering as a meaningful pathway for personal development and active citizenship

As a Region powered by volunteers, we lead by example in championing their value and visibility.

Peace education fosters understanding, challenges stereotypes, and strengthens inclusion. Since 2022 especially, the importance of intercultural dialogue and solidarity in Europe has been undeniable.

We work to:

Mainstream peace education across programmes, communications, advocacy, partnerships, and strategy
Support initiatives that bring together Scouts from diverse backgrounds
Promote campaigns and exchanges that strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding

Through shared experiences and learning, we contribute to more peaceful and inclusive European societies.

A facilitator points at a flipchart while participants look at it.

Karina Popescu

The safety, health, and well-being of young people are central to our mission. Safeguarding is a requirement and a commitment to creating environments where everyone can thrive.

Through the Regional Scout Plan and WOSM Services, we support Member Organizations in upholding Safe from Harm standards by:

Supporting compliance assessments and follow-up actions
Building capacity for strong safeguarding policies and practices
Creating networking spaces to share expertise and strengthen regional standards

Every young person deserves a safe and supportive Scouting experience.

Scouts collect litter from a beach in Portugal.

Escutimo

Climate change and environmental degradation demand long-term advocacy and action. Environmental education is a core part of Scouting’s identity in Europe.

We advocate for:

Environmentally responsible policies that address climate change and protect ecosystems
Stronger youth participation in climate decision-making
Equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and tools to drive sustainable change

Scouts of different ages intertwin arms in a circle.

©Sebastian Humbek

Non-formal education empowers young people with the competencies needed for active citizenship, employability, and lifelong learning.

We promote:

Accessible, high-quality non-formal education systems
Recognition of the 17 key competencies developed through Scouting
Stronger links between youth work, employment opportunities, and personal development
Awareness and support for youth mental health and well-being

Young people stand in line making the same movements.

World Scout Bureau - Kamil Jasinski

Youth organisations need stable, predictable funding to create long-term impact. Without it, their ability to support young people and influence policy is limited.

We advocate for:

Sustainable financial support for Member Organizations
Increased funding and resource mobilisation for youth-led initiatives
Active participation in European youth funding mechanisms

Escutimo

3 February 2026

2 minutes

Two girls, wearing Scout scarves, smile at the camera.

Scouts of North Macedonia

9 December 2025

4 minutes

Karina Popescu

12 November 2025

3 minutes

World Scout Bureau - Kamil Jasinski

22 October 2025

3 minutes

Scouts walk towards a train in Portugal.

Sílvia Maurício

30 September 2025

5 minutes

Participants from The Academy during a workshop on Peace Education.

Sara Ejsmont ZHP

2 July 2025

3 minutes

KISC100 - Kander 100 was a once-in-a-lifetime Jamboree for young people from around the world and was the highlight of the KISC Centenary celebrations; a Jamboree bringing together Scouts and Guides from many countries and regions in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

3 June 2024

5 minutes

24 February 2023

3 minutes

WOSM Secretary General Ahmad Alhendawi visits Poland, where Scouts & Guides are welcoming and helping refugees arriving from Ukraine.

10 November 2022

4 minutes

Learn more about our advocacy work

The European Scout Region actively engages with institutions, partners, and youth stakeholders to advance its advocacy priorities at the European level.

If you would like further information about our representation work, policy engagement, or strategic partnerships, please reach out to Emma Plagiarusco, Officer, External Relations & Institutional Fundraising.