What the EU does
The EU and its Member States work together to support young people, as outlined in the EU Youth Strategy, which focuses on 3 core areas of action:
- Engaging – encouraging young people to be active in society and participate in decision-making
- Connecting – providing opportunities for young people and youth workers to participate in learning mobilities and volunteering, and facilitating cooperation and learning among youth organisations
- Empowering – supporting the development of quality youth work
Young people in the EU
Source: Eurobarometer on Youth and Democracy, 2024
Areas of action
A forum for reflection and consultation on the follow-up of the EU Youth Strategy
Youth Policy Dialogues bring together young people and Commissioners to exchange views on EU policy initiatives
Non-formal and informal learning experiences for young people and youth workers
Opportunities for young people to volunteer or work on projects that benefit communities and people around Europe
EU programme that helps provide European entrepreneurs with the skills necessary to start and run a small business
An initiative providing young people with the opportunity to meet the Commission President and share their thoughts on issues that matter to them
Key achievements
- Erasmus+, one of the EU's most successful initiatives, has provided millions of young people with opportunities to study, train, volunteer, and work abroad, fostering intercultural exchange and skills development.
- Through initiatives such as the European Year of Youth, European Youth Week and the European Youth Portal, the EU has encouraged young people to engage in civic activities, elections, and policymaking.
- With the 'Youth Check', the EU aims to ensure that EU policies consider the impact on young people during the policy design phase.
- The EU Youth Stakeholders Group includes youth organisations, national youth councils, youth researchers, representatives of Member States and EU institutions. The group helps to exchange knowledge and good practices, facilitate the ‘Youth Check’ process, convey young people's needs and serves as a sounding board for joint initiatives that benefit young people.
- Through Youth Dialogues, young people actively participate in shaping EU policies with decision-makers at national and EU levels.
In focus
DiscoverEU, part of the Erasmus+ programme, offers 18-year-olds free train travel across Europe. It’s a unique opportunity to explore Europe’s diversity, learn about its cultural heritage and history, and connect with people from all over the continent. Applications for this round are open until 22 April 2026 (midday, Brussels time). Successful applicants can travel anytime between 1 July 2026 and 30 September 2027 for up to 7 days within a one-month period.
Events
Companies, VET centres, universities and public authorities meet to discuss the sustainability of Eco-Digithon, an educational marathon where VET students co-design digital and technological solutions to environmental and local challenges.
JOB&Orienta has always been the leading exhibition dedicated to Guidance, Education, Training, and Work. With over thirty years of history and an ever-evolving approach, it is the most recognized national event on these topics.
This page was last updated on 8 April 2026