Communist Youth Movement (Netherlands)

The Communist Youth Movement (Netherlands) (Dutch: Kommunistische Jongeren Beweging (Nederland) or KJB) was a communist youth organization in the Netherlands. It existed in various forms throughout the 20th century, often linked to or affiliated with the Communist Party of the Netherlands (CPN).

The KJB served as a training ground for young communists, offering political education, ideological development, and practical experience in activism and organization. It organized activities such as demonstrations, meetings, and campaigns on issues relevant to youth and the working class. Common concerns included unemployment, education, peace, and international solidarity.

The organization's history is marked by periods of growth and decline, often mirroring the fortunes of the CPN itself. It experienced significant activity during the interwar period and the Cold War, when communist ideology held more sway in certain segments of Dutch society. Internal debates and shifts in political alignments within the broader communist movement also impacted the KJB's trajectory.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the decline of communist parties in Western Europe, the KJB experienced significant weakening. Different groups claiming the KJB legacy have emerged at various times, but none have achieved the prominence of the original organization. The term may also be used more generally to describe contemporary communist youth groups in the Netherlands.