On 1 October 2024 the European Youth Foundation (EYF) had its deadline for receiving requests for grants for short-term and annual international youth co-operation projects by youth organisations for 2025.
The number of requests received is unprecedented in the last 6 years, showing a revitalised youth civil society, following multiple crises, but also multiple needs for supporting young people in their initiatives for human rights and democracy.
In 2024, overall, the EYF received 55 requests for international short-term youth co-operation activities and 46 requests for grants for annual co-operation projects. The applicant organisations are international youth organisations and networks that work in a multilateral way across member states and beyond.
The proposals show a wide variety of concerns and needs expressed by youth organisations, such as combating the shrinking space for civil society, building resilient youth organisations, supporting young people facing exclusion and marginalisation, combating discrimination affecting LGTBI and other groups, preparing young people for active roles in inclusive democracies, just to name a few.
The EYF is the main support mechanism for youth organisations of the Council of Europe and has provided grants to youth organisations ever since it was created in 1972. As stated in the EYF statute, “European youth activities as serve the promotion of peace, understanding and co-operation between the people of Europe and of the world, in a spirit of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms”.
Following the 4th Summit of Heads of State of the Council of Europe, the EYF has also renewed its support to youth organisations working on the Reykjavik Principles for Democracy, enhancing young people’s democratic participation, their freedom of assembly and association, and education for democratic engagement. Through its support to youth organisations, the EYF makes also a valuable contribution to the development of civil society.
