Do Young People in Bulgaria Have the Necessary Competences to Participate in the Development of Public Policies at the Local and National Level?

Abstract

This article explores issues related to the minimum level of competencies required for sustainable participation of youth representatives in the development of public policies at local and national level. The main topics that are exposed in the article are: understanding of the young of the role of institutions in the provision of public policies, the trust that both sides share in the process, the engagement of young people in youth organizations or youth political parties as a form of direct participation in policy-making. In focus are also the competencies needed for civic empowerment and political participation. The Article pays attention to the direct participation of youth in the development of public policies through different forms of participation. The main goal of the article is description of the necessary knowledge and skills, opportunities for their procurement, the role of different educational institutions and providers and the links between them. In this regard, a review of recent documents and studies concerning the topic is made.