This policy brief, titled “Youth Participation Structures as a Pathway to Youth Entrepreneurship” isdeveloped within the framework of the “Stronger Voices for Better Choices – Youth Hub for the Western Balkans and Turkey” project. It is based on the Youth Participation Index for Albania 2024 and examines whether Albania’s youth participation structures, the National Youth Council and Local Youth Councils, function as effective channels connecting young people, particularly young women, to entrepreneurship policy and support.

The document draws on national data, the legal framework and consultations with young people, youth organisations and municipal youth workers, offering concrete policy recommendations to close the gender gap in youth self-employment and strengthen the link between youth participation and entrepreneurship support.