Erasmus+ supports youth-driven local, national, transnational and international participation projects run by informal groups of young people and/or youth organisations encouraging youth participation in Europe's democratic life and following one or more of the following objectives: Show
Policy contextThe European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027 sets out a Framework for European cooperation in the youth field, based on the Commission’s Communication of 22 May 2018 on ‘Engaging, Connecting and Empowering young people’. Under the core area ‘Engage’, the EU Youth Strategy aims for a meaningful civic, economic, social, cultural and political participation of young people. The Strategy fosters youth participation in democratic life, supports social and civic engagement and aims to ensure that all young people have the necessary resources to take part in society. The EU Youth Strategy also includes a Youth dialogue process and in that context, 11 European Youth Goals were developed in 2018, identifying a range of cross-sectoral areas that affect young people’s lives and point out challenges to be tackled in each of them. Based on the input of young stakeholders, each 18-month cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue identifies specific thematic priorities, designated to become the focus of implementing the EU Youth Strategy over the given period. Thematic strategies in the youth fieldThe Erasmus+ Programme seeks to promote youth participation, reinforcement of the quality of informal and non-formal learning processes and development of quality youth work. Further support in these areas is available through specific thematic strategies, such as Youth Participation Strategy, Youthpass and the European Training Strategy (ETS) . Description of the activitiesYouth participation activities are non-formal learning activities revolving around active participation of young people. Such activities aim to enable young people to experience exchanges, cooperation, cultural and civic action. Supported activities should help the participants strengthen their personal, social, citizenship and digital competences and become active European citizens. This Action supports the use of alternative, innovative, smart and digital forms of youth participation, including the extension of youth participation into a variety of sectors and spaces (healthcare services, sports facilities etc., regardless of whether these are operated by the public or private sector), opening pathways to active participation for young people from all backgrounds. Youth participation activities can be actively used to conduct dialogues and discussions between young people and decision-makers to promote the active participation of young people in democratic life in Europe. As a concrete result, young people are able to make their voices heard (through the formulation of positions, proposals and recommendations), especially on how youth policies should be shaped and implemented in Europe. Youth participation activities can also take the form of civic action and youth activism, allowing young people to engage in various ways to raise awareness of issues that matter to them. Youth participation activities can be either transnational (implemented in one or more participating countries and involving informal group(s) of young people and/or organisations from several participating countries) or national (implemented at local, regional or national level and involving informal group(s) of young people and/or organisations from a single participating country). National youth participation Activities are particularly suited to testing ideas at the local level and as a tool for following-up previous initiatives to help upscale and further develop successful ideas. All Youth participation activities, regardless of the level at which they are implemented, need to have a demonstrated European dimension and/or added value and each individual supported activity must clearly contribute to reaching one or more of the Action’s objectives listed above. Supported activities can take the form of (or a combination of): workshops, debates, role-plays, simulations, use of digital tools (e.g. digital democracy tools), awareness raising campaigns, trainings, meetings and other forms of online or offline interaction between young people and decision-makers, consultations, information and/or cultural events etc. Some examples of activities that could be implemented within a project are:
Projects may or may not include a mobility element and/or events involving physical presence of participants at a specific location. Specific financial support is foreseen for such activities (mobilities and physical events). Wherever relevant, it is highly encouraged to integrate digital activity formats (e.g. webinars, hackathons, various e-participation tools etc.) and/or training regarding the use of digital democracy tools in activities to be implemented within a Youth participation activities project. A project should consist of different activities that together contribute to achieving the planned objectives. These activities should be financed primarily through the budget category “project management”, which is a monthly unit contribution. These project activities will typically include project management meetings and ongoing, regular activities of the project. The project may also include one or more Youth participation events. The term “physical events” covers events that are central to achieving the objectives of the project; they could mark milestones in the project and should stand clearly out from ongoing project activities, by either their content, their size or the profile of their participants. Furthermore, a Youth participation event is a physical event, involving the physical presence of young people and, where relevant, also other participants. A physical event will be attended not only by the members of the informal group or young people in the beneficiary organisations that are directly involved in the overall project activities, but also by a wider audience of young people and/or decision-makers. The duration of the event should be appropriate to the planned activities and expected achievements, and events can be both very short (hours) or have a longer duration. Specific support for the organisation of physical events is available on a “per participant per event” basis, regardless of the event’s duration. Youth participation projects that have project activities or physical events that require participants to travel to a venue different from where they reside, can apply for additional funding for mobilities, which is composed of travel and subsistence support. Mobility in Youth participation projects can be both national and international, but should always support a project activity funded through project management costs or a youth participation event (funded through Youth participation events support). The following types of activities may not be supported under this Action: statutory meetings of organisations or networks of organisations, organisation of partisan political events, physical infrastructure (e.g. the cost of construction/acquisition of buildings and their permanent equipment). Examples of projects with a strong participation element (not limited to the format of Youth participation activities) and relevant best practices can be found in the Youth Participation Toolkit . Setting up a projectA project supported by this Action should include one or more of the elements described above. These elements may be combined in a flexible manner, depending on the objectives of the project and the needs of the participating organisation(s) and participants. A project is implemented by one or more informal groups of young people, one or more organisations, or a combination thereof. The informal group(s) of young people and/or participating organisations must be identified at application stage. Other young people may be involved in the project as participants in some of the activities or as part of the target group for activities. If only an informal group of young people is involved, one of the group members applies on behalf of the group. If several groups or organisations are involved, one of them takes the role of coordinator and applies for the whole project on behalf of the partnership. A project consists of four stages: planning, preparation, implementation and follow-up. Participating organisations and young people involved in the activities should take an active role in all those stages enhancing thus their learning experience ("activities conceived by young people for young people"). The Youth Participation Toolkit can provide practical ideas and guidance to enhance youth participation.
EU Youth DialogueThe topics and priorities identified in the context of the EU Youth Dialogue may serve as inspiration for Youth participation activities at all levels. A similar source of inspiration might be found in the EU Youth Goals developed in the EU Youth Dialogue and which identify cross-sectoral areas affecting young people’s lives and pointing out challenges. Furthermore, results of successful Youth participation activities may be used as input for further stages of the EU Youth Dialogue. Learning ProcessA Youth participation activities project needs to envisage support for the reflection process, identification and documentation of individual learning outcomes of all participants [i.e. also participants beyond the informal group(s) of young people implementing the project and/or beyond the young people actively involved in the preparation and implementation of the project], in particular through Youthpass. Protection and Safety of participantsDuring the planning and preparation of a project, the issue of protection and safety of the participants should be addressed and all necessary measures to prevent/reduce risks should be foreseen. Community BuildingInclusion of community-building activities in Youth participation activities projects is strongly encouraged. Wherever possible, such activities should strive to survive beyond the duration of supported projects and become self-sustainable. Erasmus Youth Quality StandardsThe implementation of all activities supported under this Action must follow the Erasmus Youth Quality Standards for organising high quality learning mobility activities. The Erasmus Youth Quality Standards cover the basic principles of the Action, as well as concrete implementation practices for project tasks such as selection and preparation of participants, definition, evaluation and recognition of learning outcomes, sharing of project results, etc. The Erasmus Youth Quality Standards are available here https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/document/erasmus-quality-standards-mobility-projects-youth Horizontal dimensionsInclusion and diversityThe Erasmus+ Programme seeks to promote equal opportunities and access, inclusion and fairness across all its actions. Applicants should design accessible and inclusive project activities, taking into account the views of participants with fewer opportunities and involving them in the decision-making process. Youth participation activities are particularly suitable for inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities:
Youth participation activities are also particularly suitable to work thematically on inclusion and diversity in society, for example to support fight against stereotypes, foster understanding, tolerance and non-discrimination. Environmental SustainabilityA project should promote environmentally sustainable and responsible behaviour among participants, raising the awareness about the importance of acting to reduce or compensate for the environmental footprint of mobility activities. It should be designed and implemented with environmental consciousness by e.g. integrating sustainable practices such as opting for reusable or eco-friendly materials, reducing waste and recycling, sustainable means of transportation. Digital transition in the field of youthThe Erasmus+ Programme supports all participating organisations in incorporating the use of digital tools and learning methods to complement their physical activities, to improve the cooperation between partner organisations, and to improve the quality of the activities. The introduction of digital and online elements to lower the threshold for participation of young people with fewer opportunities is encouraged. Through projects and activities that aim to boost digital skills, foster digital literacy and/or develop an understanding of the risks and opportunities of digital technology, the programme can change mindsets and contribute to developing digital and blended approaches in youth activities. Depending on the design and objectives of the activities, the development of competences and awareness on digital issues, and the use of new technologies can be introduced in physical events or learning mobilities, whereas purely virtual components should be financed from the project management costs. Duly justified expenses for including young people with fewer opportunities can be applied for under inclusion support for participants. The National Agencies offer a range of training opportunities for youth workers and youth leaders through their Training and Cooperation Activities, including on supporting the digital transformation in the youth field. These offers are published in the European Training Calendar https://www.salto-youth.net/tools/european-training-calendar/ . Inspiration can also be found under the SALTO Tools https://www.salto-youth.net/tools/. ParticipationThe Erasmus+ Programme supports all participating organisations in improving the quality of their projects by integrating a participatory dimension, offering young people relevant opportunities to actively engage and participate in the conception and implementation of project activities as a pathway to discovering the benefits of active citizenship and participation in democratic life. Resources for enhancing the participatory dimension of supported projects can be accessed i.a. via the website participationpool.eu. Links with and involvement in existing national, international or (other) EU initiatives and platforms revolving around participation and civic engagement are also encouraged. Criteria used to assess this projectWho can apply?Any eligible participating organisation established in an EU Member State or third country associated to the Programme can be the applicant. This organisation applies on behalf of all participating organisations involved in the project. Eligible participating organisationsA participating organisation can be:
established in an EU Member State or third country associated to the Programme or a third country not associated to the Programme neighbouring the EU (regions 1 to 4; see section “Eligible countries” in part A of this Guide). Number and profile of participating organisations
Duration of projectFrom 3 to 24 months. Venue(s) of the activitiesThe ctivities must take place in the country of one or more participating organisations. Activities can also take place at the seat of an Institution of the European Union , even if in the project there are no participating organisations from the country that hosts the Institution. Eligible participantsYoung people aged between 13 and 30 residing in the country of the participating organisations and decision-makers relevant to the topics addressed by the project. Where to apply?To the National Agency of the country in which the applicant organisation is established. When to apply?Applicants have to submit their grant applications by the following dates: 23 February at 12:00:00 (midday Brussels time) for projects starting between 1 June and 31 December of the same year 4 October at 12:00:00 (midday Brussels time) for projects starting between 1 January and 31 May of the following year Possible additional round: National Agencies may decide to open an additional round. The National Agencies will inform the applicants about the opening of the additional round through their website. If an additional round is organised, applicants have to submit their applications by 4 May at 12:00:00 (midday Brussels time), for projects starting between 1 August and 31 December of the same year. How to apply?Please see part C of this Guide for details on how to apply. AnnexesA declaration of honour of the legal representative must be annexed to the application form. If the project plans to implement mobility activities and/or physical events: A timetable of the planned mobility activities and/or physical events must be annexed to the application form. Award criteriaRelevance, rationale and impact (maximum score 30 points)
Quality of project design (maximum score 40 points)
Quality of project management (maximum score 30 points)
Funding rulesThe budget of the project must be drafted according to the following funding rules (in euro): Maximum grant awarded per project for Youth participation activities: 60.000 EUR Budget category - Project managementEligible costs and applicable rulesCosts linked to the management and implementation of the project (e.g. preparation and implementation of project meetings and activities, cooperation and communication between partners, evaluation, dissemination and follow-up). Financing mechanism: contribution to unit costs. Rule of allocation: based on the duration of the project. AmountEUR 500 per month Budget category - Coaching costsEligible costs and applicable rulesCosts linked to the involvement of a coach in the project. Coaching costs are only applicable if the project is implemented by an informal group of young people. Financing mechanism: contribution to unit costs. Rule of allocation: based on the venue country and the working days. The request for financial support to cover coach costs must be motivated in the application form. The duration of coaching is not linked to the project duration. AmountTable B3 (below) per day of work. Maximum 12 days. Budget category - Inclusion support for participantsEligible costs and applicable rulesAdditional costs directly linked to participants with fewer opportunities and their accompanying persons, facilitators and decision makers in project activities and events (including justified costs related to travel and subsistence if a grant for these participants is not requested through budget categories "Travel" and "Individual support"). Financing mechanism: real costs. Rule of allocation: the request must be justified by the applicant and approved by the National Agency. Amount100% of eligible costs Budget category - Exceptional costsEligible costs and applicable rulesCosts for providing a financial guarantee, if the National Agency asks for it. Financing mechanism: real costs. Rule of allocation: the request must be justified by the applicant and approved by the National Agency. AmountFinancial guarantee: 80% of eligible costs
Table B3 Coaching costsCountry GroupTeacher/Trainer/Researcher/ Youth worker Unit contribution per day Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Liechtenstein, Norway241Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Finland, Iceland214Czech Republic, Greece, Spain, Cyprus, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia137Bulgaria, Estonia, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, North Macedonia, Türkiye74 Additional funding for physical events carried out in the frame of the projectBudget category - Youth participation events supportEligible costs and applicable rulesCosts linked to the implementation of national and transnational and international physical events central to achieving the objectives of the Youth participation activities project. This budget category is not intended to cover the participation of staff of the participating organisation(s)/ members of the informal group(s) of young people and facilitators, as attendance to such events by these participants should be covered by the budget category “project management”. When relevant, Youth participation events support can be combined with funding for mobilities within Youth participation activities according to the applicable rules below. Financing mechanism: contribution to unit costs. Rule of allocation: based on the number of participants at the event, including decision makers, excluding staff of the participating organisation(s)/ members of the informal group(s) of young people and facilitators. AmountEUR 100 per participant Additional funding for mobilities carried out in the framework of the projectBudget category - TravelEligible costs and applicable rulesContribution to the travel costs of participants, including their accompanying persons, facilitators and decision makers , from their place of origin to the venue of the project activity or the physical event and return, regardless of whether the travel is national or transnational. Financing mechanism: contribution to unit costs. Rule of allocation: based on the travel distance and number of persons. The applicant must indicate the distance between the place of origin and the venue of the activity by using the distance calculator supported by the European Commission . For itinerant activities, the applicant should add up the distances between individual venues and choose the distance band corresponding to the total. AmountTravel distanceStandard travelGreen travel10 – 99 km23 EUR 100 – 499 km180 EUR210 EUR500 – 1999 km275 EUR320 EUR2000 – 2999 km360 EUR410 EUR3000 – 3999 km530 EUR610 EUR4000 – 7999 km820 EUR 8000 km or more1500 EURBudget category - Individual SupportEligible costs and applicable rulesCosts linked to subsistence. Financing mechanism: contribution to unit costs. Rule of allocation: based on the duration of the stay per participant, their accompanying persons, facilitators and decision-makers (if necessary), including also one travel day before the activity and one travel day following the activity (if necessary), and up to four additional days for participants receiving a green travel grant AmountTable A2.1 (below) per participant per day Budget category - Inclusion support for organisationsEligible costs and applicable rulesCosts related to the organisation of mobility activities involving participants with fewer opportunities. Financing mechanism: contribution to unit costs. Rule of allocation: based on the number of participants with fewer opportunities, excluding accompanying persons, facilitators and decision makers. Amount100 EUR per participant Budget category - Exceptional costsEligible costs and applicable rulesVisa and visa-related costs, residence permits, vaccinations, medical certifications. Expensive travel costs of participants, including members of the informal group(s), accompanying persons, facilitators and decision makers that cannot be supported with the standard "Travel" category due to geographical remoteness or other barriers (i.e. where the use of cleaner, lower carbon emission means of transport results in expensive travel costs). Financing mechanism: real costs. Rule of allocation: the request must be justified by the applicant and approved by the National Agency. Expensive travel applies in cases where the travel support based on unit cost does not cover 70% of the travel costs of participants. If awarded, the exceptional costs for expensive travel replace the standard travel grant. AmountVisa and visa-related costs, residence permits, vaccinations, medical certifications: 100% of eligible costs Expensive travel: 80% of eligible travel costs Table A2.1 Individual support for youth exchangesYouth Participation Activities (euro per day) Austria51Belgium 47Bulgaria 36Croatia39Cyprus36Czech Republic36Denmark51Estonia37Finland51North Macedonia31France43Germany46Greece43Hungary37Iceland51Ireland55Italy44Latvia38Liechtenstein51Lithuania38Luxembourg51Malta 44Netherlands51Norway56Poland38Portugal42Romania36Serbia33Slovakia39Slovenia38Spain38Sweden51Türkiye36Neighbouring third countries not associated to the Programme33
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