Escaldes-Engordany Launches €12,000 Youth Participatory Budgeting Scheme

Escaldes-Engordany parish council has launched its inaugural youth participatory budgeting scheme, setting aside €12,000 to support three projects devised and driven by residents or students aged 12 to 29. Each selected initiative can claim up to €4,000—80% of its total budget—with proponents tasked to raise the remaining 20% from sources such as local businesses to promote wider community engagement.

Councillor for Youth and Citizenship Ramon Tena unveiled the plan at a press conference alongside Youth Services head Belén Ibáñez and Citizenship technician Natàlia Torralba. Tena described it as a mechanism for direct democracy, targeting youth as an often-neglected group. He highlighted the chosen approach, which empowers participants to propose and vote on ideas, backed by technical support to confirm feasibility and fit within parish responsibilities. The allocation equals about 10% of the Youth Department's project funds.

The timeline kicks off on 20 April at 6pm with an information session at the Espai Jovent, which is undergoing renovations. From that date, individuals or groups can register initial concepts through an online form on the parish website until 6 May. A guidance period follows until 27 May, featuring workshops and advice. Final entries, due by 5 June via joventut@e-e.ad, require a detailed report, visual materials, and a short social media reel.

A technical committee will review submissions for practicality, publishing approved ones on 19 June. Voting—restricted to parish youth aged 12-29, via in-person or online nominal ballots—will occur from mid-June to early July. Winners get announced on 8 July, with implementation planned for the latter half of the year.

Ibáñez expects proposals in areas like leisure, culture, sports, or environment, based on feedback from previous youth forums, and aims to engage beyond Espai Jovent's regular visitors. Torralba noted options for individual or collective submissions across varied themes. Tena referenced European models and prior parish efforts, such as the Sant Miquel festival poll, while leaving room for future expansions pending this pilot's review.

In related youth measures, the council approved an Espai Jovent usage regulation on Thursday, introducing sanctions for uncivil conduct—from dialogue for minor issues to expulsion for aggression, insults, or discrimination. Tena linked it partly to last summer's gang incidents, supplemented by cameras and patrols, stressing a safe space rooted in civility and inclusion. They also greenlit a Youth Council with eight initial reps from Sagrada Família school, selected by student vote. Opposition councillor Anna Garcia welcomed it but urged broader representation for students elsewhere.