REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS on the implementation of the EU Youth Strategy (2022-2024)
Date: 2025-03-24
Institutions: Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, European Commission
Subjects: EU strategy, education policy, gender equality, social integration, social participation, student mobility, young person, youth employment, youth movement, youth policy

EN 

  EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 24.3.2025  COM(2025) 117 final  REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS on the implementation of the EU Youth Strategy (2022-2024) {SWD(2025) 72 final} - {SWD(2025) 73 final}  
 
 
REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE 
COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE 
COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 

on the implementation of the EU Youth Strategy (2022-2024) 

Table of contents 

1 

Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 2 

2  What is it like to be young in the European Union? ........................................................... 3 

3  Legacy of the European Year of Youth 2022 ...................................................................... 4 

4  Progress across key areas ................................................................................................... 4 

4.1 

4.2 

4.3 

4.4 

4.5 

4.6 

Engage ................................................................................................................................... 5 

Connect .................................................................................................................................. 7 

Empower ................................................................................................................................ 7 

Youth-led actions ................................................................................................................. 11 

Beyond the EU .................................................................................................................... 12 

Insights on EU spending on youth ....................................................................................... 13 

5  Cooperation needs at national level .................................................................................. 13 

6  Outlook for EU youth policy cooperation ........................................................................ 14 

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1  Introduction          

The  importance  of  young  people  in  shaping  the  European  Union’s  future  cannot  be 
overstated. The  political  guidelines1  for the 2024-2029 European  Commission highlight the 
critical role that young people play in driving social change, promoting cultural diversity, 
and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our societies. The Commission's commitment to 
giving  young  people  opportunities  for  the  future  and  strengthening  Erasmus+  demonstrates 
its determination to empower young people to achieve their full potential. The creation of the 
President’s  Youth  Advisory  Board  and  the  annual  Youth  Policy  Dialogues  with  European 
Commissioners as well as the Commission youth check will put young people at the heart of 
the EU’s policymaking and ensure their active participation in shaping its future.  

The  EU  Youth  Strategy  2019-2027  (the  EUYS)  provides  the  framework  for  EU 
cooperation in the youth field2. It promotes young people’s participation in democratic life 
in  line  with  Article  165  of  the  Treaty  on  the  Functioning  of  the  European  Union,  supports 
their social and civic engagement and aims to ensure that all young people can participate in 
society.   The  EUYS  engages,  connects  and  empowers  young  people3,  and  advances  youth 
participation and youth mainstreaming4. The European Youth Goals5 are part of the EUYS. 
They  address  many  youth  relevant  policies  (including  education  and  training,  employment, 
health, and the environment). 

Every  three  years,  the  Commission  reports  on  EUYS  implementation,  as  required  by  the 
Council Resolution (footnote 2). The EU Youth Report 2022-2024, which is accompanied 
by  two  staff  working  documents,  is  the  second  such  report  under  the  current  EUYS6.    The 
Report highlights the progress made in implementing the EUYS, against the backdrop of the 
current situation of young people. It complements the interim evaluation  of the EUYS7 and 
the  Communication  on  the  European  Year  of  Youth  20228,  which  were  published  in  2024. 
The EU Youth Report provides a starting point for further action in the areas most relevant 
to  young people. It  aims to  guide overall efforts  in  the last phase of the current  EUYS  and 
offers insights for the next EUYS after 2027.  

1 Political Guidelines 2024-2029 | European Commission (europa.eu). 
2 Resolution of the Council of the European Union and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member 
States meeting within the Council on a framework for European cooperation in the youth field: The European 
Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027. 
3 EU Youth Strategy | European Youth Portal (europa.eu). 
4 Youth mainstreaming involves the integration of a youth perspective into the preparation, design, 
implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes that concern and affect young people. 
5 European Youth Goals | European Youth Portal. 
6 Report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social 
Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the implementation of the EU Youth Strategy (2019-2021). 
7 Report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social 
Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the Interim evaluation of the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027. 
and Commission Staff Working Document Evaluation accompanying the document Report from the 
Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the 
Committee of the Regions on the interim evaluation of the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027. 
8 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and 
Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the European Year of Youth 2022. 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
2  What is it like to be young in the European Union? 

The EUYS needs to continue evolving in response to the situation of young people9. Data on 
aspects  influencing  their  situation  could  identify  areas  for  further  policy  development  and 
increased  activity. As  the  following  chapters  show,  many  policies  influence  the  situation  of 
young people.  

A  first  positive  finding  is  that  young  people  in  the  EU  are  interested  in  political  and 
community participation. Over 70% report that they vote in elections10 and many express 
trust  in  the  EU11.  Nevertheless,  the  participation  of  young  people  in  the  2024  European 
elections  decreased  compared  to  201912.Young  people  participate  to  a  high  degree  in 
organised activities such as volunteering13  and are vocal about the environment and climate 
change, which they see as the most urgent global threat.  

However,  the share of young people  in  the EU  population  has  been  declining over the past 
decade. This demographic shift is creating concerns about intergenerational fairness and the 
sustainability  of  social  security  systems.  For  example,  a  decline  in  the  number  of  young 
people  supporting  a  growing  ageing  population,  could  place  increased  strain  on  public 
services and social security systems.  

Youth  unemployment  is  a  significant  challenge. Approximately  10%  of  young  people  are 
unemployed and many are classified as NEETs (not in employment, education, or training). 
Low  educational  attainment  and  disabilities  increase  unemployment,  which  in  turn 
exacerbates  social  exclusion  and  poverty.  Vulnerable  groups  such  as  racial  and  ethnic 
minorities  are  particularly  affected14.  Regional  disparities  remain  high,  and  the  EU’s 
outermost regions are badly affected15. 

Nearly a quarter of EU’s young people are at risk of poverty and social exclusion, including 
those  in  precarious  jobs.  This  creates  financial  insecurity  and  affects  access  to  quality 
education,  housing,  and  healthcare.  The  pressures  of  unemployment,  lower  education,  and 
social  exclusion  also  impact  mental  health,  with  almost  half  of  young  people  reporting 
emotional or psychosocial problems in the past year16. 

Education  and  training  are  crucial  for  young  people’s  prospects.  4  in  10  young  people 
completed  tertiary  education  in  202317.  Early  leaving  from  education  and  training  stood  at 
9.5% in 2023 and remains a concern, particularly among young men (11%). The PISA 2022 

9 Definitions of young people vary but the 15-29 age range is usually used for statistical purposes at EU level. 
10 EP Spring 2023 Survey: Democracy in action - One year before the European elections - June 2023 - - 
Eurobarometer survey. 
11 Standard Eurobarometer STD99 : Standard Eurobarometer 99 - Spring 2023. 
12 EU Post-electoral survey 2024 - October 2024 - - Eurobarometer survey (europa.eu) 
13 Youth and democracy - May 2024 - - Eurobarometer survey. 
14 Being Black in the EU. Experiences of people of African descent – EU Survey on immigrants and 
descendants of immigrants. FRA 2021 Roma Survey. 
15 Inforegio - Ninth Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion. 
16 Youth and democracy - May 2024 - - Eurobarometer survey. 
17 Educational attainment statistics - Statistics Explained, Eurostat, 2023. 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
survey18 shows that 30% of the 15-year-olds in the EU do not reach a minimum proficiency 
in mathematics and around 25% in reading and science.  
The  digital  world  is  ingrained  in  young  people's  lives,  presenting  opportunities  and 
challenges.  The  acquisition  of  digital  skills  correlates  significantly  with  higher  formal 
education. In 2023, 28% of young people lacked basic digital skills, rising to 38% for young 
people with low education19. 

Transnational mobility is an essential element of high-quality education and training. 16% 
of  young  people  have  studied  or  trained  in  another  Member  State20,  however  financial  and 
organisational barriers are still important challenges.  

3  Legacy of the European Year of Youth 2022 

The  Communication  on  the  European  Year  of  Youth  202221  set  out  60  actions  to  give 
young  people  a  greater  say  in  EU  policymaking  and  deepen  the  youth  dimension  in  EU 
policies.  This  includes  the  Commission  youth check,  which  aims  to  ensure  that  the  main 
new Commission initiatives consider the impact on young people22, by fully using the Better 
Regulation tools, including stakeholder consultations and impact assessments.  

In  its  2024-2029  mandate,  the  Commission  maintains  its  commitment  to  young  people 
through  new  initiatives,  such  as  the  President’s  Youth  Advisory  Board  and  the  annual 
Youth Policy Dialogues with Commissioners.23 

The  EU  Youth  Dialogue24  is  the  largest  EU-level  youth  participation  mechanism.  It 
contributes to these commitments, including by aligning the dialogue more closely with the 
Commission’s  annual  work  programme25.  The  new  EU  Youth  Stakeholders  Group26 
facilitates  dialogue  and  consultations  with  European  youth  organisations,  national  youth 
councils, researchers, representatives of Member States and other EU institutions. 

4  Progress across key areas           
The EUYS  promotes  youth  mainstreaming across policy areas, including  through the youth 
check  and  the  activities  of  the  EU  Youth  Coordinator27.  The  present  report  builds  on  the 
Communication on the European Year of Youth  and the interim evaluation  of the EUYS.  It 
provides updates to complete the picture and guide future actions.  

18 The twin challenge of equity and excellence in basic skills in the EU - Publications Office of the EU, 2024. 
19 Individuals' level of digital skills, Eurostat, 2023. 
20 Youth and democracy - May 2024 - - Eurobarometer survey. 
21 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and 
Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the European Year of Youth 2022. 
22 The youth check is applied to relevant initiatives listed in Annex I (new policy and legislative initiatives) of 
the Commission’s annual work programmes, starting from 2025. 
23 Political Guidelines 2024-2029 | European Commission. 
24 EU Youth Dialogue | European Youth Portal. 
25 For example, the EU Youth Conference in September 2024 included a consultation on the next generation EU 
youth programmes. 
26 EU Youth Stakeholders Group | European Youth Portal. 
27 EU Youth Coordinator | European Youth Portal. 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.1  Engage            

The ‘Engage’ pillar of the EUYS encourages young people to participate in and contribute to 
society, democratic life and the economy.  

Youth participation  

Youth participation is a key priority of the EUYS. The EU Youth Dialogue has focused on 
the theme ‘Engaging  together for  a sustainable and  inclusive Europe in  2022-202428.  It  has 
enabled  130  00029  young  people  to  voice  their  opinion  on  policy  in  the  past  five  years. 
National youth councils30 played a key role in its implementation. The 10th cycle (July 2023-
December  2024)  focused  on  social  inclusion31.  Significant  progress  has  been  made  with 
including young people from diverse backgrounds in the EU Youth Dialogue, but the process 
can  evolve  still  further  and  under-represented  groups  can  be  further  involved.  Mechanisms 
for sharing and following-up on young people’s recommendations need to be strengthened.  

Synergies  with  other  initiatives  to  foster  youth  participation  can  also  be  developed  further. 
This  is  particularly  the  case  with  the  EU  Strategy  on  the  Rights  of  the  child32  which 
involves  children  and  young  people  in  decision-making  through  the  EU  Childrens’ 
Participation Platform33  

Erasmus+  and  the  European  Solidarity  Corps  provide  important  support  for  civic 
participation through one of the programmes’ horizonal priorities.  

Other recent initiatives to foster youth participation include the:  

-  Better Internet for Kids strategy34 (BIK+) 
-  European citizens’ panels35 
-  Youth4Reviving (stagnating) EU territories36 
-  Defence of Democracy' package37 
-  EU Citizenship Package38 
-  European Youth Week 202439 

28 Resolution of the Council of the European Union and the representatives of the Governments of the Member 
States meeting within the Council on the revision of the EU Youth Strategy Work Plan 2022-2024.  
29 The total number of young people participating in the EU Youth Dialogue cycles 6-9 in 2018-2023 exceeded 
131 000: Review of the nine cycles of the EU Youth Dialogue, 2024. 
30 National Youth Councils (September 2021). Our Members | European Youth Forum. 
31  Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting within 
the Council on the outcomes of the 10th cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue. 
32 Delivering on the EU strategy on the Rights of the Child, 2024. 
33 EU Children’s Participation Platform | European Union. 
34 Home | Better Internet for Kids. 
35. European Citizens’ Panels - European Commission. 
36 Inforegio - Toolkit Youth 4 Reviving (stagnating) EU territories. 
37 Protecting democracy - European Commission. 
38 Citizenship Package - European Commission. 
39 Highlights of the Week | European Youth Portal. 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Youth employment and skills 

In a rapidly evolving labour market, acquiring relevant skills and finding jobs is crucial for 
young  people.  Raising  ambition  and  action  on  tackling  skills  and  labour  shortages  is 
emphasised in the Commission’s 2024-2029 political guidelines.   

The  European  Year  of  Skills  highlighted  the  critical  role  of  skills  in  driving  economic 
competitiveness, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. The Year helped address 
skills gaps in the EU and promoted upskilling and reskilling40. The Action plan on tackling 
skills  and  labour  shortages  in  the  EU41  includes  initiatives  to  activate  and  upskill  young 
people not in employment, education or training (NEETs).  

The European Year of Skills fostered a culture of lifelong learning and skills development to 
unlock  new  opportunities  and  boost  career  prospects.  Many  initiatives  promote  youth 
employment and skills, such as the: 

-  Youth Guarantee42 
-  European Alliance for Apprenticeships43  
-  ALMA44 
Individual Learning Accounts45 
- 
-  Disability Employment Package46 
-  Talent Booster Mechanism47  
-  Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Academy 48  
-  Youth4Regions49 
- 

Interreg Volunteer Youth50 

The  2024  Commission  proposals  for  quality  traineeships51  set  out  binding  measures  to 
improve  and  enforce  trainees’  working  conditions  and  combat  abusive  practices,  and 
recommendations on fair pay, social protection and inclusive traineeships for all trainees.  

40 Results of the European Year of Skills, 2024. 
41 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and 
Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions Labour and skills shortages in the EU: an action plan. 
42 The reinforced Youth Guarantee - European Commission. 
43 European Alliance for Apprenticeships - European Commission 
44 ALMA: an active inclusion initiative for young people - European Commission. 
45 Council Recommendation of 16 June 2022 on individual learning accounts.  
46 Disability Employment Package to improve labour market outcomes for persons with disabilities - European 
Commission. 
47 Inforegio - Talent Booster Mechanism. 
48 Youth Entrepreneurship Policy Academy Hub. 
49 Inforegio - Youth4Regions – the programme for aspiring journalists.  
50 Home - Interreg Volunteer Youth. 
51 Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on improving and enforcing working 
conditions of trainees and combating regular employment relationships disguised as traineeships (‘Traineeships 
Directive’). Proposal for a Council Recommendation on a reinforced Quality Framework for Traineeships. 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.2  Connect          

The Connect pillar of the EUYS promotes exchanges and joint projects, encouraging young 
people to study, train, or volunteer abroad. 

Learning mobility  

Learning mobility is important for young people to develop skills, create shared experiences 
and  gain  a  better  understanding  of  each  other  across  cultural  and  other  divides.  Erasmus+ 
and  European  Solidarity  Corps  remain  key  enablers  of  the  EUYS  by  supporting  learning 
mobility,  exchanges,  and  volunteering.  In  2024,  Erasmus+  reached  the  milestone  of  15 
million  participants52.  The  European  Student  Card  Initiative53  gathered  pace  and  3  000 
higher education institutions have joined the Erasmus Without Paper network. The European 
Solidarity Corps expanded its scope to volunteering in the humanitarian aid field.  

The  2024  Council  Recommendation  ‘Europe  on  the  Move’  –  learning  mobility 
opportunities for everyone54 set new targets for making learning abroad possible for more 
people.  

Youth and the digital world 

Growing  up  in  the  digital  age,  young  people  face  unique  opportunities  and  risks  (e.g. AI), 
which may require more attention in the next EUYS. Several initiatives address the wellbeing 
of young people in the digital world, including the Better Internet for Kids (BIK+) strategy.  

Social media deeply affects young people, offering opportunities but also posing risks to their 
mental  health.  The  Digital  Services  Act  prioritises  minors'  online  protection,  mandating 
platforms to ensure privacy, safety, and security, and to assess risks to users' wellbeing. The 
Artificial  Intelligence Act55  will  regulate  or  prohibit AI  systems  that  could  be  harmful  to 
children. The upcoming action plan against cyberbullying will combat online cyberbullying 
and  abuse  and  an  EU-wide  inquiry  on  social  media’s  impact  on  mental  health  and 
wellbeing  will  show  how  young  people  can  use  the  digital  world,  while  reducing  negative 
effects. 

4.3  Empower 

The Empower pillar of the EUYS encourages young people to take charge of their own lives 
and helps them to play an active role in society, particularly through youth work.  

52 It started in 1987. 
53 European Student Card Initiative - Erasmus+. 
54 Council Recommendation of 13 May 2024 ‘Europe on the Move’ — learning mobility opportunities for 
everyone. 
55 Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down 
harmonised rules on artificial intelligence and amending Regulations.  

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Youth work 

By providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment, youth work and non-formal and 
informal  learning  empower  young  people  to  become  active  citizens  and  develop  the  skills, 
confidence,  and  resilience  needed  to  succeed  in  an  uncertain  future.  In  addition,  youth 
workers must enhance their own skills and knowledge, so that they can have a more effective 
and sustainable impact on the young people they serve.  

The  2024  Council  Resolution  on Youth  Work  in  an  empowering  Europe56  calls  for  the 
development of youth work57. The European Training Strategy for youth work58 aims to 
help  youth  workers  support  young  people.  More  than  110  000  youth  workers  have 
participated  in  Erasmus+59.  The  EU-Council  of  Europe  Youth  Partnership60  and 
particularly  the  preparation  of  the  4th  European  Youth  Work  Convention61  help  further 
develop the EU youth work agenda.  

Social inclusion 

intersectional  nature  of 

Combating  social  exclusion  and  discrimination  is  crucial  in  unlocking  the  full  potential  of 
young  generations.  The 
inclusion  challenges  (e.g.  youth 
unemployment, poverty and social isolation) can aggravate the experiences of groups at risk 
of  discrimination  and  exclusion,  such  as  young  people  who  have  disabilities,  come  from 
racial or ethnic minorities (e.g. Roma), the LGBTIQ community, religious minorities, or live 
in  rural  areas.  The  EU  Anti-racism  action  plan  2020-202562  highlights  the  role  of  young 
people  in  combatting  racism  and  discrimination,  and  the  importance  of  listening  to  and 
involving those affected in decision-making. 

The  2023  Council  Recommendation  on  adequate  minimum  income  ensuring  active 
inclusion63 includes recommendations to address the needs of young adults. 

The  2024  Council  Conclusions  on  inclusive  societies  for  young  people64  called  for  the 
facilitation of participation and inclusion. The EU Youth Dialogue now involves more young 
people  from  minority  groups  and  those  with  disabilities  -  efforts  continue  to  increase  the 
participation of NEETs and rural youth. 

Erasmus+  and  the  European  Solidarity  Corps  provide  activities  like  the  DiscoverEU 
inclusion  action,  youth  exchanges,  and  group  volunteering,  as  well  as  special  support  for 
young  people  with  fewer  opportunities.  Between  January  2021  and  August  2024,  32%  of 

56 Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting within 
the Council on youth work policy in an empowering Europe. 
57 Youth work encompasses a wide range of activities to help young people grow and equips them with personal, 
professional and entrepreneurial competences. 
58 European Training Strategy for Youth Work - European Training Strategy. 
59 Between January 2021and August 2024, in youth worker mobility. 
60 Youth Partnership - European Union and Council of Europe - Youth Partnership. 
61 Youth Work - Youth Partnership. 
62 EU Anti-racism Action Plan 2020-2025 - European Commission. 
63 Council Recommendation of 30 January 2023 on adequate minimum income ensuring active inclusion. 
64 Conclusions of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting 
within the Council on inclusive societies for young people. 

8 

 
 
 
 
Erasmus+ youth mobility participants and 51% of European Solidarity Corps volunteers have 
been young people with fewer opportunities.  

The  Rural  Pact65  and  the  rural  action  plan  under  the  Long-Term  Vision  for  EU’s  Rural 
Areas66, promote education, training and employment for young people in  rural  and  remote 
areas.  

Health and wellbeing 

Health  and  wellbeing  challenges  are  rising  among  young  people,  making  it  essential  to 
promote resilience, coping skills, and strategies to thrive. The Commission’s comprehensive 
approach  to  mental  health67  set  out  20  flagship  initiatives,  including  4  addressing  the 
mental  health  of  children  and  young  people68,  such  as  a  child  and  youth  mental  health 
network,  a  prevention  toolkit  with  UNICEF,  tools  for  healthy  lifestyles,  and  enhanced 
protection for  children online. The Child  & Youth Wellbeing and Mental Health First’69 
under  the  Technical  Support  Instrument  supports  better  psychosocial  support  services  for 
young people.  

Sport  and physical  activity  are  crucial  for  the  health  and  wellbeing  of  young  people. The 
Commission  and  the  World  Health  Organization  promote  organised  and  non-organised 
sports70 to  foster a healthy lifestyle among  young people. They  work together to  encourage 
effective  policies  in  line  with  the  Council  Recommendation  on  promoting  health-
enhancing physical activity across sectors71. 

The Expert Group on Supportive Learning Environments has developed guidelines72 for 
wellbeing and mental health at school, including support for educators. 

The  2024  Commission  Recommendation  on  developing  and  strengthening  integrated 
child protection systems in the best interests of the child73 aims to ensure that children are 
safe and protected from violence.  

Education and training 

Education,  training,  and  lifelong  learning,  a  key  principle  of  the  European  Pillar  of  Social 
rights,  empower  young  people,  fostering  growth,  inclusion,  and  prosperity.  The  European 
Education Area  (EEA)  74  aims  to  provide  the  best  education  and  training  possible  for  all 

65 Rural Pact Platform homepage | Rural Pact Community Platform. 
66 The long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas: key achievements and ways forward - European Union. 
67 A comprehensive approach to mental health - European Commission. 
68 Tracking framework for the implementation of the Commission Communication on a comprehensive 
approach to mental health. 
69 Supporting mental health and care for the wellbeing of vulnerable children and young people - European 
Commission. 
70 Physical activity and health - Sport. 
71 Council Recommendation of 26 November 2013 on promoting health-enhancing physical activity across 
sectors. 
72 Guidelines on wellbeing and mental health at school | European School Education Platform. 
73 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1238 of 23 April 2024 on developing and strengthening integrated 
child protection systems in the best interests of the child. 
74 European Education Area explained - European Education Area. 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
learners  and  therefore  supports  the  transition  of young  people  to  adulthood,  into  the  labour 
market and becoming active citizens, which are important aspects of the EUYS.  

As  part  of  the  European  Education  Area,  the  Commission’s  2024  Higher  Education 
Package75,  including  a  blueprint  for  a  European  degree,  aims  to  give  students  more 
opportunities  to  study  across  borders  and  graduate  with  a  single  diploma.  The  EU  had  65 
European Universities alliances in 202476 and continues to foster excellence and inclusion. 
Centres of vocational excellence77 are being set up to provide high quality vocational skills.  

The  2022  Council  Recommendation  on  Pathways  to  School  Success78  offers  policy 
guidance to Member States for reducing  underperformance in basic skills and early leaving 
from education and training, and for promoting upper secondary education completion.   

The Digital  Education Action Plan79 set  out a vision  for digital education. The European 
Cybersecurity  Skills  Academy80promotes  cybersecurity  skills  and  professionals.  The  EU 
Agency  for  Cybersecurity  runs  initiatives  such  as  the  European  Cybersecurity  Challenge81 
and CyberEducation platform82 to raise awareness among young people about cybersecurity 
education.  The  Digital  Europe  Programme83  also  supports  higher  education  graduates  in 
areas like AI, computing, and advanced digital technologies.  

Calls under Horizon Europe and initiatives such as the STE(A)M84 education approach, 
Women in Digital85 and Girls Go Circular86 help address the under-representation of girls and 
women in STEM education.   

The  European  City  of  Science  in  2022,  Leiden,  engaged  young  people  in  events  like  the 
European Contest for Young Scientists87 and the EU TalentOn88. These continued in 2024 
under the European City of Science umbrella in Katowice. 

Culture 

Culture  shapes  young  people’s  identity  and  values.  The  EU  promotes  initiatives  to  help 
young people from diverse backgrounds develop talents and enjoy cultural heritage.  

75 Commission presents a blueprint for a European degree | European Education Area. 
76 New funding for additional European Universities alliances will boost cooperation in higher education | 
European Education Area. 
77 Centres of Vocational Excellence - European Commission. 
78 Council Recommendation of 28 November 2022 on Pathways to School Success and replacing the Council 
Recommendation of 28 June 2011 on policies to reduce early school leaving. 
79 Digital Education Action Plan (2021-2027) - European Education Area. 
80 Cyber Skills Academy | Digital Skills and Jobs Platform. 
81 Home - ECSC. 
82 ENISA CyberEducation Platform — ENISA. 
83 Digital Europe Programme - European Commission. 
84 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The STEAM approach refers to the inclusion of arts, 
social sciences and the humanities in STEM education.  
85 Women in Digital | Shaping Europe’s digital future. 
86 Girls Go Circular | Digital and Entrepreneurial Skills for the Circular Economy. 
87 EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS), 
88 Home - EU TalentOn 2024. 

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Under  Creative  Europe89,  initiatives  like  Culture  Moves  Europe90  supported  mobility  of 
7 000 artists in 2023-2024.   

The  EU  supports  emerging  talents  through  initiatives  such  as  the  Young  Talent  Award 
within the EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture – the Mies van der Rohe Award. 

The annual Day of European Authors in 2024 saw almost 2 000 reading events across 40 
countries.  European  Capitals  of  Culture91  engage  young  people.  The  EU  promotes 
multilingualism through the Juvenes Translatores contest.  

Environment and climate  

The EU's commitment to environmental and climate action acknowledges the critical role of 
young  people  in  shaping  a  more  sustainable  and  environmentally  conscious  EU.  The 
European  Climate  Pact92  has  young  Climate  Pact  Ambassadors,  who  engage  in  local 
their  communities.  Young  Energy  Ambassadors93  promote 
initiatives  and 
sustainable and clean energy. 

inspire 

The  EU4Ocean  coalition94  recognises  young  people's  efforts  in  ocean  conservation  and 
provides training. 

The Just Transition Platform supports young people in regions affected by the transition to 
climate neutrality. It includes a Youth Task Force.  

Erasmus+  and  the  European  Solidarity  Corps  integrate  green  practices  into  all  projects, 
including through financial incentives for green travel. 

The  New  European  Bauhaus  Prizes95,  and  the  Rising  Stars-strand,  recognise  young 
people's creativity in promoting sustainability.  

4.4  Youth-led actions  

Initiatives  run  by  young  people  and/or  youth  organisations  are  particularly  important  in 
helping  young  people  learn  the  importance  of  being  engaged  and  contributing  to  EUYS 
objectives.  The  EU  supports  youth-led  actions,  such  as  youth  participation  activities  in 
Erasmus+, boosting civic and political participation, and solidarity projects in the European 
Solidarity Corps that help young people to address challenges in their communities. 

In  EU  external  action,  initiatives  like  the  Youth  Empowerment  Fund  support  youth-led 
solutions for the UN Sustainable Development Goals and enhance youth participation. 

The Youth4Cooperation Group involves young people in regional development strategies. 
Participants  in  Interreg  Volunteer  Youth  can  organise  community  engagement  activities 
under  cohesion  policy.  Youth4Outermostregions  supports  youth-led  projects  in  the  outer 
regions.  Initiatives  like  the  EUTeens4Green  support  young  entrepreneurs  in  developing 
environmental solutions. 

89 Creative Europe - Culture and Creativity. 
90 Culture Moves Europe - Culture and Creativity. 
91 European Capitals of Culture - Culture and Creativity.  
92 European Climate Pact - European Union. 
93 Young Energy Ambassadors - European Commission.  
94 EU4Ocean Coalition | Drive change together. 
95 NEB Prizes 2025 | New European Bauhaus Prizes. Past editions | New European Bauhaus Prizes. 

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4.5  Beyond the EU 

The  EUYS  also  aims  to  inspire  engagement  and  more  resilient  societies  worldwide.  Its 
international  dimension  was  reinforced  by  the  Youth Action  Plan  in  EU  external  action 
2022-2027  (the  YAP)96.  The  YAP  focuses  on  shaping  external  action  in  partnership  with 
young  people  to  advance  the  2030 Agenda  for  Sustainable  Development97  and  other  global 
commitments.  It  includes  initiatives  such  as  the  EU  Youth  Sounding  Board  for 
International Partnerships and Youth Advisory Structures in EU Delegations. 

The EU has prioritised youth participation in high-level political dialogues and regional 
forums,  such  as  the  EU-African  Union,  and  EU-Community  of  Latin  American  and 
Caribbean States summits. Programmes like the AU-EU Youth Lab, Youth Europe Sahel- 
Engagement  de  la  Jeunesse  au  Sahel  and  the  Africa-Europe  Youth  Academy  promote 
youth participation. 

The  EU  has  strengthened  cooperation  with  global  youth  stakeholders,  such  as  the  UN 
Youth  Office  and  the  United  Network  of Young  Peacebuilders. The  Women  and Youth  in 
Democratic  Engagement  initiative  supports  young  people's  engagement  in  political 
processes worldwide98. 

EU enlargement  

Young  people  benefit  from  the  EU's  enlargement  process99  which  gained  momentum  in 
2023-2024,  as  highlighted  in  the  2024  Commission  Communication  on  EU  enlargement 
policy100  and  the  Commission  Communication  on  pre-enlargement  reforms  and  policy 
reviews101.  

The  EU  has  started  to  integrate  candidate  and  potential  candidate  countries  into  strategic 
frameworks  like  the  European  Education  Area.  For  example,  the  European  Universities 
initiative102  was  opened  in  2023  to  all  Western  Balkans’  universities,  and  14  Western 
Balkans universities were full partners in 2024. The EU supports the implementation of the 
Youth Guarantee in the Western Balkans to address youth unemployment.  

The  Erasmus+  and  European  Solidarity  Corps  foster  cross-border  cooperation,  capacity-
building, youth mobility and active citizenship in candidate countries.  

96 Youth Action Plan - European Commission. 
97 The 17 sustainable development goals | Sustainable Development. 
98 WYDE Civic Engagement | European Partnership for Democracy. 
99 Open to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo*, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, 
Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine. *This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with 
UNSC Resolution 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence. 
100 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and 
Social Committee and the Committee of the regions 2024 Communication on EU enlargement policy. 
101  Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council and the Council on 
pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews. 
102 European Universities initiative - European Education Area. 

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The  EU4Youth  programme  is  a  cornerstone  of  EU  cooperation  with  eastern  partners, 
focusing  on  employability.  In  2024,  the  Erasmus+  youth  and  sport  capacity  building 
actions  were  opened  to  participants  from  the  Eastern  Neighbourhood.  In  the  Southern 
Neighbourhood, the EU Jeel Connect network was launched to enhance youth engagement, 
and the Union for the Mediterranean has adopted a Youth Strategy and Agenda for 2030. In 
sub-Saharan  Africa,  the  EU  promotes  learning  mobility  through  the  Youth  Mobility  for 
Africa as part of the Global Gateway.  

4.6  Insights on EU spending on youth 

The  EU  offers  substantial  funding  opportunities  to  support  youth  under  the  2021-2027 
multiannual financial framework.  

Erasmus+  and  the  European  Solidarity  Corps  are  key  in  supporting  learning  mobility, 
cooperation and solidarity. Erasmus+ is investing EUR 26 billion (and an additional EUR 2 
billion from EU external cooperation funds) and the European Solidarity Corps is investing a 
further EUR 1 billion. Horizontal priorities include inclusion and diversity, digital, green, and 
democratic participation.  

The  Recovery  and  Resilience  Facility  is  central  to  the  NextGenerationEU  plan.  It  invests 
EUR  66  billion  to  reforms  and  investments  in  key  areas  that  benefit  children  and  young 
people such as education, training, employment, and healthcare services.  

The  European  Social  Fund  Plus  invests  EUR  11  billion  in  youth  employment,  education 
and social inclusion.  

The  European  Regional  Development  Fund  invests  EUR  30  billion  in  digital  and 
demographic  transition,  and  access  to  services  in  areas  such  as  employment,  education, 
housing and healthcare, and tourism and culture, and EUR 93 billion in the green transition, 
benefiting young people. 

The Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027 invests around EUR 8.5 billion in support for 
young farmers. 

The  Just  Transition  Fund  invests  EUR  3.4  billion  in  mitigating  the  social  impacts  of  the 
climate  transition.  It  supports  skills  development,  labour  market  assistance,  and  improving 
education quality, benefiting young people. 

The  Citizens,  Equality,  Rights  and  Values  programme  invests  EUR  200  million  in 
addressing  gender-based  violence  and  violence  against  children  and  young  people  and  in 
strengthening child protection. The programme allocates an additional EUR 34.8 million for 
child rights and children's participation for 2021-2025. 

The Technical Support Instrument supported youth-related projects with a total budget of 
over EUR 25 million in 2022-2024. 

5  Cooperation needs at national level          

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The European Year of Youth 2022 created a momentum for youth mainstreaming not only at 
EU  level  but  also  in  the  Member  States.  This  is  reflected  in  the  topics  of  the  Council 
Conclusions  adopted 
inclusive  societies,  mental  health,  and 
sustainability).  Member  States  have  also  called  for  a  youth  check  in  EU  policymaking103, 
which the Commission will apply to initiatives with significant youth relevance starting with 
its 2025 annual work programme.   

in  recent  years  (e.g. 

25  Member  States  have  shared  information  about  their  youth  policies  and  cooperation 
needs104.  In  2024,  the  three  main  challenges  identified  for  young  people  were  mental 
health and wellbeing, youth participation, and the cost of living. National youth policies that 
were  highlighted  in  this  context  focused  on  youth  participation,  youth  work  and  social 
inclusion.  

Member States have expressed interest in further EU cooperation on youth participation; 
youth  mainstreaming;  digitalisation;  learning  mobility  and  recognition  of  youth  work  and 
non-formal and informal learning; and communication and data. Peer learning and evidence 
building  were  the  preferred  cooperation  tools.  Here  the  Youth  Wiki105  and  research  by  the 
EU-Council of Europe Youth Partnership106 can provide inputs.  

Public authorities can apply for support under the Technical Support Instrument to design and 
implement youth policy reforms. 

6  Outlook for EU youth policy cooperation 

Looking at 2022-2024, the EU Youth Strategy has made a significant leap forward during the 
European Year of Youth 2022 in terms of youth participation and youth mainstreaming. This 
left a strong legacy and sense of commitment among young people and stakeholders. Going 
forward,  the  political  guidelines  for  the  2024-2029  Commission  underline  the  EU’s 
commitment to empowering young people and addressing their concerns, with firstly the 
creation of the President’s Youth Advisory Board to advise on issues affecting young people 
and to give young people a voice in shaping the EU’s future, and secondly, the annual Youth 
Policy Dialogues with European Commissioners, starting in the first 100 days of the mandate. 
A  forthcoming  strategy  on  intergenerational  fairness  will  promote  solidarity  and 
engagement between people of different ages. 

The  political  guidelines  point  out  that  some  areas  are  particularly  and  urgently  relevant  to 
young people’s challenges and needs and require further attention. These include: 

➢  mental  health  and  wellbeing,  including  tackling  the  risks  related  to  and  impact  of 

social media, excessive screen time, and cyberbullying; 

➢  education and skills, including strengthening Erasmus+ and fostering a high-quality, 
inclusive  and  engaging  education  environment,  and  building  a  Union  of  Skills 

103 Conclusions of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting 
within the Council on the legacy of the European Year of Youth 2022.. Conclusions of the Council and of the 
Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on promoting youth 
mainstreaming in policy decision-making processes in the European Union. 
104 2024 Future National Activities Planners | European Youth Portal. 
105 Youth Wiki: Europe's Encyclopedia of National Youth Policies. 
106 Youth research - Youth Partnership. 

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including  initiatives  such  as  an  Action  Plan  on  Basic  Skills  and  a  STEM  Education 
Strategic Plan; 

➢  employment  and  social  protection  policies,  including  increasing  participation  of 
young  people  in  the  labour  market,  based  on  a  new  Action  Plan  on  the 
implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights; 

➢  housing  affordability,  requiring  a  comprehensive  approach  to  address  structural 

drivers of the housing crisis. 

This  ties  in  closely  with  the  main  challenges  faced  by  young  people  identified  in 
consultations of stakeholders and young people during the interim evaluation of the EUYS. 
The Commission is committed to further developing policies and initiatives to address the 
pressing challenges facing young people. It will do this by working with Member States, civil 
society,  and  young  people  themselves,  and  by  building  on  the  progress  achieved  under  the 
EUYS.  

The  wide-ranging  needs  and  interests  of  young  people  underline  the  importance  of  youth 
mainstreaming. The full application of the youth check in EU policymaking (starting with 
the Commission’s 2025 annual work programme) is a major step forward to ensure that the 
youth  perspective  and  impact  on  young  people  is  factored  into  youth-relevant  EU  policies 
and initiatives.  

Common priorities within the EU Youth Strategy continue to be addressed through the open 
method  of  coordination107  and  have  fed  into  the  EUYS  Work  Plan  2025-2027108.  This 
includes the launch of the 11th cycle of the EU Youth Dialogue (1 January 2025 - 30 June 
2026) focusing on ‘Connecting EU with youth’.  

Young people and those working with and for them should be at the centre of preparations for 
a  renewed  framework  for  EU  cooperation  in  the  field  of  youth.  The  Commission  will 
therefore  run  a  listening  process  in  2025-2026  to  engage  young  people  and  relevant 
stakeholders in reflections that will feed into the Commission’s proposal for the next EU 
Youth Strategy post-2027. The EU Youth Stakeholders Group and the EU Youth Dialogue 
will be mobilised in this process. 

The European Youth Goals109 may need a refresh in light of young people’s concerns. In 
the  2024  Eurobarometer  survey  ‘Youth  and  Democracy’110,  young  people  said  that  they 
expect  the  EU  to  reinforce  peace,  international  security  and  cooperation;  fight  poverty  and 
inequalities; and promote human rights, democracy and common EU values.  

By  building  further  on  the  EUYS  pillars  of  engaging,  connecting  and  empowering  young 
people, we can create a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for everyone in the 
EU. 

107 The open method of coordination in the EU is a form of ‘soft law’/intergovernmental policy-making that 
involves jointly defining objectives and guidelines and cooperating and exchanging good practices for their 
achievement. It does not result in binding EU legislation.  
108 Resolution of the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting within 
the Council on the EU Youth Strategy Work Plan 2025-2027. 
109 European Youth Goals | European Youth Portal. 
110 Youth and democracy - May 2024 - - Eurobarometer survey. 

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