The JCP has a political relationship with the Portuguese Communist Party; however, it is an independent organization.

Composed of students and working-class youth, the JCP's main political concerns and interventions are on the subject of the promotion of a free and public education in all degrees, employment, access to sports and culture, peace, and housing.

JCP also promotes international brigades for countries like Cuba, Palestine, and Venezuela, both alone and with other European communist youth organizations like KNE and SDAJ.

Between the congresses, the main organ is the National Committee, which assures that the political guidelines are being implemented, schedules and carries out the national activities of the JCP, manages the property and funds, and also assures the JCP's international relations.

Each member of the JCP belongs to a local group, in his or her school, town, or work place.