On July 15, 2025, 50 young people from 20 cities across Bulgaria gathered in Sofia for a bold experiment in participatory democracy: the country’s first-ever Youth Citizens’ Assembly. Organized by the Center for Information, Democracy, and Citizenship (CIDC) at the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG), in partnership with the U.S. Ambassador’s Youth Council, the event was part of the You(TH) Participate: Innovating Civic Engagement Through Deliberative Democracy project. Its goal? To give young people the opportunity to take part in the policymaking process by developing concrete recommendations for institutions through dialogue, reasoned debate, and teamwork.
At the heart of the Assembly was a powerful question: “How can we create more and better opportunities for youth employment in Bulgaria, and what role does entrepreneurship play in this process?”
The participants – aged 18 to 25 and selected through a nationally representative process – gathered for a full day of structured deliberation rooted in the principles of deliberative democracy. Divided into five small groups, each moderated by a trained Democracy Youth Ambassador (DYA), they worked collaboratively to explore the Assembly’s central question and craft actionable policy proposals. The discussions were enriched by guest speakers from the civic and entrepreneurial sectors, who offered practical perspectives and expert guidance.
The day culminated in a plenary session, where each group presented its proposals and contributed to shaping a shared set of recommendations – forming the foundation of this communiqué.
From this collaborative process emerged five concrete proposals, four of which received majority support, including:
Tax and social security incentives for young workers and entrepreneurs under 25, to ease the transition into the job market
The implementation of this recommendation is expected to have a significant impact by creating incentives for youth employment and entrepreneurship. It can contribute to reducing the shadow economy and encourage young people to remain in Bulgaria and establish businesses locally. On the positive side, the measure would act as an economic stimulus for both employers and aspiring young entrepreneurs. However, there are also concerns, particularly regarding the fiscal sustainability of such incentives and the need for adequate regulatory frameworks to ensure balanced and responsible implementation.
Specialized training and internship centers for youth with special educational needs, paired with university mentorship
This recommendation is expected to lead to increased employment and improved social integration, particularly for vulnerable or underrepresented groups. By supporting hands-on pedagogical practices that have a tangible impact, it promotes more open hiring approaches and workplace culture. A key advantage is that it addresses a systemic need by combining practical training with mentorship support, offering participants both skills and guidance. However, there are potential drawbacks, including the risk of participant isolation if the initiative is not well integrated into existing structures, as well as concerns about the long-term financial sustainability of the program.
A national coordination platform linking youth centers with labor offices to better reach underserved groups
The proposed recommendation is likely to improve access to and awareness of opportunities for young people, particularly by strengthening the connection between education and the labor market. It aims to ease the transition from education to employment, especially for vulnerable youth and those living in rural areas. A major advantage is the creation of a unified point of coordination and information, which can streamline support services and guidance. However, the impact may be limited by the current reach of existing youth centers and concerns about the long-term sustainability of such initiatives.
Additional university quotas for young people raised in residential care, to expand access to higher education
This recommendation has the potential to increase educational and social mobility among vulnerable youth by providing them with greater opportunities to access and succeed in higher education. It also addresses workforce shortages in key sectors, contributing to a more balanced and open labor market. A major strength of the approach is its provision of structured support aimed at overcoming systemic educational inequalities. However, its success depends on the establishment of clear and fair criteria, as there is a risk of placing individuals into fields that may not align with their interests or abilities, which could undermine the program’s effectiveness.
One proposal – creating a centralized system for internships – sparked intense debate. Although the recommendation was ultimately rejected, it aimed to improve the visibility and accessibility of internship opportunities for students, thereby creating a more structured link between education and practical experience. By facilitating earlier hands-on learning, the initiative sought to enhance the overall quality of the workforce. It addressed a genuine need, particularly in smaller towns where career services are limited or absent. However, concerns were raised regarding its financial sustainability, the mechanisms for ensuring the quality of internships, and the level of engagement from the business sector – all of which contributed to its rejection.
The Assembly didn’t just give young people a seat at the table – it gave them the tools to shape the agenda. By formulating and debating five concrete policy proposals, Bulgaria’s young people proved they are ready not only to participate in democracy, but to lead it. With structure, support, and trust, they showed that open, youth-driven ideas can shape national conversations.
