Analysis of Youth Participatory Budgeting in Romania

Purpose: This article analyses youth participatory budgeting in five Romanian cities: Cluj-Napoca, Sfântu Gheorghe, Timișoara, Bucharest and Satu Mare. It highlights similarities and differences between the processes. The analysis covers 2015–2024, with 2015 marking the first year in which youth participatory budgeting was implemented in Romania.Methodology: The study combined secondary data analysis with interviews with one person involved in implementing youth participatory budgeting in each city. We analysed participant numbers, the numbers of submitted and funded projects, and the budgets allocated in each city. The interviews explored organisers’ perceptions of how the design of youth participatory budgeting influenced young people’s interest in the process and of its benefits for young people.Findings: The results indicate variations between cities in the organisation of youth participatory budgeting, including the profiles of those eligible to participate in projects, budget allocations and the organisations responsible for running the process. The interviews showed that, despite the small budgets allocated to projects, young people were motivated by a desire to contribute to their communities. Prior engagement in community activities is a significant predictor of young people’s participation inyouth participatory budgeting processes. In line with other forms of civic engagement, youth participatory budgeting fosters continued involvement and promotes a culture of participation. Age and prior experience do not pose substantial barriers; when such challenges arise, facilitation and support from process organisers mitigate them.Academic contribution to the field: This research makes a significant contribution to the literature on youth participatory budgeting as the first analysis of the process in Romania. Its significance also lies in its comparative approach, which encompasses all Romanian cities that implemented the process. It therefore addresses a gap in the literature, where most research consists of single-case studies.